What's In A Name?

This is a story of romance. No, it's not what you think.

When I was 22  I met a handsome young French Canadian man who tended bar at the restaurant across the street from my office building. He had the most wonderful accent and did I mention that he was handsome? We dated a couple times and he told me that tending bar was his summer job and that he was actually a professional hockey player. His name was Brian and he played in the Eastern Hockey League. Syracuse had a team and he had just been traded to them.

I had never seen a hockey game and knew nothing about the sport except that it involved skating. When fall came Brian stopped tending bar and started practice. Then the season started. He met me for lunch one day and gave me a ticket to that night's game. He said to come early and watch the team warm up.

When I walked into the arena Brian saw me and skated over to say hello. I immediately started laughing and couldn't stop. I didn't know the players wore little short pants and so much padding that they looked like the Michelin Man. Brian was amused and pointed out my seat right behind the team. Once the game began I was hooked. I didn't understand the rules but the speed and agility were amazing. During the second period, Brian sent someone to sit with me and explain the game. From that night on I have been totally in love with the sport of ice hockey. I was a season ticket holder for years. I subscribed to the Hockey News and I could list rosters and statistics from memory.

Why this confession just now? Last night I watched the Los Angeles Kings defeat the New Jersey Devils to win the Stanley Cup, hockey's crown jewel.

 I was rooting for the Kings, even though they're not my favorite team. They're not even in my top three. In case anyone is curious, my top three favorite teams are #1 Montreal, #2 Boston and #3 New York. Since none of them made the finals I was with the Kings and the excitement of seeing them hoist the Stanley Cup over their heads and skate around with it was felt in our living room.

Now you're probably wondering why I'm telling you this boring tale, but there is a reason. I've been trying to think of names for my three new birds and last night during the game I came up with their names.

The green bird is Stanley, after the trophy for the best team in the National Hockey League.

The blue bird is Calder, after the trophy for the best team in the American Hockey League.

The yellow bird is Norris, after the trophy for the best defenseman in the NHL.

They sound like a distinguished group, don't they? Stanley, Calder, Norris and Elwood.

Brian and I remained friends for years till our lives went off in different directions. Did I mention that he was handsome?