I thought I might post one of these. As I have mentioned previously this is my first season of following NHL properly. I have always taken a passing interest in it, and watched the Stanley Cup finals last year. For the record I was a Penguins fan before that. I wanted to choose a Western conference team too to make it more interesting so here I am.

Now, as someone growing up in New Zealand I have had to access to ice hockey (we have field hockey) apart from video games. Therefore I probably have a bit of a different outlook on it and know a lot less. I've grown up watching cricket and soccer.

1. Fights.... I still don't really get it. To me a fight is between two people that don't like each other. But in hockey they fight and when the refs step in they just skate off to the penalty box... so they're just doing it for the team right? Or is it just because they're tired and want a 5 minute rest?

2. Shifts... Is hockey really that tiring that they can only play for a minute before needing a break? In soccer they play the whole game.  Or is it more they play so many games in close succession? And what's the rule with when the players can come off the bench, I've seen them come over before the players even reach the bench?

3. What's it like being at a live game? I've heard it's really easy to follow the puck compared to watching on TV. Few of my mates have made the comment hockey is so hard to watch due to not seeing the puck. It took me a while to get used to it and I still need a few replays sometimes

Well that's all for now, looking forward to seeing some Canucks v Pens action tomorrow, hopefully we'll see them meet again in the Stanley Cup :p

I'm sure I'll have more questions at a later date, and sorry if I sound like a noob, just trying to learn because it's an amazing game and I love watching the highlights and can't wait for the Olympics because hopefully they'll broadcast some hockey on TV here.

Go Canucks! (except maybe tomorrow)