Sports Allegiances

Hockey

Having grown up in New England, you know that hockey is near and dear to my heart.  However, unlike most of my friends growing up in Massachusetts, I love my Carolina Hurricanes.  Sure...I'll cheer on the Bruins...if the Canes fail to make the playoffs!  I've been a season ticket holder for since 2005 and will remain one as long as I can manage.  I consider attending hockey games to be my one guilty pleasure and wonderful stress relief!

Best hockey experience?  Simple!  Being in the RBC Center (now named the PNC Arena) in 2006 for the Stanley Cup Finals when the team won the Cup!  There have been numerous other great experiences in the arena, but going through the playoffs and celebration of the finals really has been the highlight.  Other great events I've seen include the retirement of three jerseys (Francis - 10, Wesley - 2, and Brind'Amour - 17), the 2011 All Star game and the 2004 NHL Draft.

Baseball

For baseball, I hold a number of allegiances.  I am still a Boston Red Sox fan and that is not changing.  I have toured Fenway Park as a special treat, attended a couple of Sox games (including one vs. the Yankees) and watch the games when I get a chance.

However, I also support my local minor league Durham Bulls.  The Bulls are currently the AAA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.  Nothing beats a game at the DBAP on a warm summer night here in Durham.  It's a gorgeous park with lots of nostalgia to it.

One of my favorite experiences at the DBAP occurred during the 2012 season.  We attended a pair of games against the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA affiliate for the Boston Red Sox) and both Daisuke Matsuzaka and one of my favorite Sox players, Kevin Youkilis, were down on rehab stints.  First night, Matsuzaka pitched for Pawtucket and the second night, Youk played third base!  I even managed to get Youkilis' autograph on my ticket!  I was ecstatic!  Also playing in those games for the Durham Bulls was Hideki Matsui who had recently been picked up by the Rays organization from the NY Yankees.  What a great night!

Football

Have to run with the New England Patriots.  Although I have never attended a Pats game, I hope to see them play live here in Charlotte some time.  My wife, on the other hand, is a diehard Carolina Panthers fan.  It made for an interesting game when the Patriots played the Panthers in the Superbowl back in 2004.

College Sports

Having earned my Bachelor's degree from Franklin Pierce College (now University), I enjoy keeping up with the Ravens.  This past year, they had their first trip to the Northeast-10 Championship Finals.  Although they didn't win the game, they played well and hopefully they can make another appearance (and bring home the championship) in the not too distant future!

I am also an alum of East Carolina University, where I earned my Master's degree.  So I also enjoy keeping up with their football program.  I have watched them play a number of bowl games since I started following them, maybe some day I will get to attend one in person!