I am headed out Friday to Spokane, Washington for the National Championship; even saying it is exciting. Nationals are the best; best teams, best ice, best arena and the best fans. I love to play on the big stage with the crowd, noise, energy; it fuels me.

 

On the other hand, I do understand that for my family, being a fan can be stressful. There will be ups and downs with no middle ground, winner takes all.

My Dad is the strong silent type, takes it all in stride, expression never changes. He talks strategy but not to my Mom because that would stress her out even more.

My Mom is all expression; she just can’t hold it in. When the game gets too much for her she will go for a walk. Enter my two brothers and the humor. They dress up, dance with my big cardboard cutout face and get into everything. At Worlds they participated in the 1/2 time break inner tube curling. I got a good chuckle when I saw them sliding by on the ice beside me.

 

They will all wear Team Sinclair hoodies, ring cow bells and cheer loudly in support. I love them, appreciate them being my biggest fans and couldn’t do this without them.

Let the games begin.