And I swear that will change soon. Sorry everyone.

1. First name: Erica
2. Twitter handle: @HabItHerWay
3. Favorite NHL team(s): Montreal Canadiens (with occasional cheers for other teams such as the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames)
4. Fan since: Late 2007
5. How did you originally become a Canadiens fan? Growing up, my whole family used to get together on Saturdays and watch Habs games, but we stopped around the time my grandfather passed away in 1999. I don’t really remember anything about the Canadiens games I watched, just the family members I spent time with. I didn’t watch much hockey for years, but living in Montreal, you can never fully escape the Canadiens. I’m a huge TV nerd, and I watched a bit of hockey at the beginning of the 2007-08 season, and then the Writer’s Guild went on strike and TV got a lot less interesting. So I replaced it with hockey, and my hockey-watching friends, and Carey Price (who’s about my age and was lighting the city up in his rookie season).
6. Were you ever a fan of a different team before the Canadiens? No. I don’t even know if I’d be watching NHL hockey if I didn’t live in Montreal.
7. In your opinion, why are the Canadiens such a great team to be a fan of? Obviously there’s the history aspect - 24 Stanley Cups and a century of great hockey stories. There’s the city, which seems to be a completely different place when the Habs are winning. Most of all, though, I love that the Canadiens win as a team. There’s no focus on one sole player, no “face of the franchise.” The franchise is the team. They win together and lose together.
8. What is it about the game of hockey that you like so much? I love the pace. So many other sports just aren’t as fast or as engaging.
9. If you could change one thing about hockey, what would it be and why? I know it would be an obvious answer to say “head shots,” but it’s an issue that’s been talked about for ages now and nothing has changed. If I could change one thing about hockey culture, it would be scalpers. Montreal probably has a bigger scalper problem than some other cities, but I wish it were easier to have access to hockey tickets everywhere, and money-grabbing scalpers who don’t seem to care about the game or the people who love it aren’t helping.
10. Which rule would you toss from the rulebook? I’ve never seen a charging penalty that made any sense.

1. First name: Kayley
2. Twitter handle: @kayleyashlyn39
3. Favorite NHL team(s): Atlanta Thrashers is closest to my heart, but I’ve been raised on the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.
4. Fan since: Birth, 1994
5. How did you originally become a Thrashers fan? After being a devoted youngun’ and loving the Atlanta Knights until they departed to Quebec City, I was born a hockey fan. Living in Georgia and not having a team sucked, but in 1998, they announced the arrival of an expansion team to Atlanta, Georgia. Although I was incredibly young at the time, I’ve been a Thrashers fan since day one, and have lived in “Blueland” since Oct 4, 1999.
6. Were you ever a fan of a different team before the Thrashers? Like I said, I was born into hockey, so I have always had a passion. Because there was a minimum of a four year span between birth and the arrival of the Thrashers, I had to love some team. My mother is a die-hard Detroit and Chicago fan, so I love, and always will love, the Red Wings and Blackhawks. Same goes with my father. Die-hard Bruins fan, so in turn, I am as well. Although, I am positive I would have loved them on my own by the end, just because of my fascination with them.
7. In your opinion, why are the Thrashers such a great team to be a fan of? In all honesty, the Thrashers take dedication, and lots of it, to be a fan of. Being such a young team, and a very inconsistent one at that, there is no bond between the team and the fans other than my generation because most of the Thrashers “fans” were Flames fans before their departure. Being as dedicated to this team as I am can be a challenge. They have such potential, yet nothing to prove it with except results that only reflect a portion of what they are capable of. I’d say the best part would probably be just the fact that they really put your fanhood to the test. I’m about as die-hard as it can get, and those boys…they’re something alright. But, I’ll never grow tired of watching them.
8. What is it about the game of hockey that you like so much? Well, the game itself is so intriguing. I played hockey in an all-male league for about ten years, and just the feeling you get from watching, playing, and analyzing every move is such a thrill. I know just about everything there is to know about the sport, yet, somehow, I always manage to learn new things. Other than the game itself and all its aspects, I’d say I highly enjoy the history of it, mainly because if you don’t know what you are talking about, because there’s so much to learn, you make yourself look dumb, and being a female fan is already hindering enough as it is.
9. If you could change one thing about hockey, what would it be and why? I really wouldn’t want to change anything, but to put a valid answer, I’d really like to do something about the relocation of teams. NHL Bylaw 36 and Gary Bettman aren’t enough, and seeing as which team I am a fan of, relocation is something that is a huge threat to me and what I love. So, I would change the Relocation rules, and just create more expansion teams over ripping teams away from attached fans, like myself.
10. Which rule would you toss from the rulebook? I wouldn’t necessarily “toss” it, but I would…fix it. Charging is the most bogus call in the world. I mean, honestly, unless it’s blatantly an attack at a very quick pace, no one is going to count the amount of strides they take before they check someone into the boards. Hockey is a quick paced game, things change fast. What happens, happens, and at a sudden turn of events, something as silly as “charging” shouldn’t hinder the game.

1. First name: Jenny
2. Twitter handle: @jennnymccarthy
3. Favorite NHL team(s): Chicago Blackhawks
4. Fan since: 2010
5. How did you originally become a Blackhawks fan? This is what I was most afraid of. I used to watch hockey when I was growing up, with my grandpa (he was a Rangers fan). I never got hooked though, not when I was younger. He passed away last year, and when I flew in for his funeral, my grandma gave me a shirt he had bought me shortly before he died. It was a Blackhawks shirt. He thought if I became a fan of the team in my own city, I would catch onto the sport. And so I started watching in January 2010 and I realized that while I was watching to feel a connection to my grandpa, I continued watching for an entirely different reason. I felt a draw to the sport like I had never felt with any other sport, and I savored that. People call me a bandwagon fan and I say, if it bothers them that much, there’s nothing I can do. My connection with the Hawks started with my grandpa, and I won’t let anyone ruin that memory.
6. Were you ever a fan of a different team before the Blackhawks? Nope.
7. In your opinion, why are the Blackhawks such a great team to be a fan of? I love the youth and energy of the team. I love that they allow fans glimpses into their life off the ice and, from what I’ve seen, they’re pretty fun guys to be around.
8. What is it about the game of hockey that you like so much? I love the intensity of it all. I love watching these strong people race around the ice with such skill and speed. I love feeling absorbed in a game, when the clock can skip past the hours and I hardly notice.
9. If you could change one thing about hockey, what would it be and why? I wish there were some sort of punishment for checks that truly injure players. I know checking is part of the game, part of what makes this sport fun to watch, but it’s never fun when a player has to be helped from the ice because they can hardly stand. I don’t have an answer to that; I’m just saying that’s something I wish existed.
10. Which rule would you toss from the rulebook? Icing. It takes up time, and it’s dangerous for the players.

1. First name: Amanda
2. Twitter handle: @G9_Flyers
3. Favorite NHL team(s): Philadelphia Flyers & Colorado Avalanche
4. Fan since: 1999-00
5. How did you originally become a Flyers fan? I stumbled on the 5 OT game against the Pens. After that, I was in love.
6. Were you ever a fan of a different team before the Flyers? Aside from cheering for the Avs when the Flyers are out of it, no.
7. In your opinion, why are the Flyers such a great team to be a fan of? Aside from the other fans? While there’s only a little history to this team, what we do have is huge. The players really embrace the fans as well and just make it an even better experience.
8. What is it about the game of hockey that you like so much? What isn’t there to like? It’s a physical game as well as a game of finesse. You can’t just power your way through the NHL with the size of your body.
9. If you could change one thing about hockey, what would it be and why? The shootout. It takes the most team-centric sport and turns it into a sport about individuals.
10. Which rule would you toss from the rulebook? That new instigation rule.
11. Who is your favorite NHL player and why? People are going to laugh at me because of this, but I don’t care. Brian Boucher has and always will be my favorite player. He captured my heart during those ‘99-‘00 playoffs with his flopping around and making miraculous saves.
12. What is it that usually endears you to your favorite player? I think I answered this above. Boosh kind of reminds me of Hasek; he seems to flop around but always manages to make the save.
13. Your favorite player has to be helped off the ice after a brutal hit. You react by: Worrying and checking Twitter/random sites on the internet until I get word.
14. If you could take a player from any team and put them on the Flyers, who would it be and why? Right now? I don’t think I would. This team is clicking and has great chemistry. If I had to pick someone though it would be Alex Tanguay. He’s come out of a year-long funk from last season and showed what amazing hands he has.
15. What position(s) do you think is/are the most important on the ice? Goalie. Without the goalie it’s really just a free-for-all out there.
16. If you played hockey, which position would you play and why? Center. I like to be in the middle of everything, and I can’t skate backwards.
17. If you were to describe yourself as a hockey fan in one word, what would it be? Rabid.
18. The Flyers offer you a job within their organization. What is that job most likely to be? Beat writer.
19. What is your favorite Flyers memory and why? The Flyers Wives’ Carnivals that I’ve been to. You get to meet and talk to the players all while helping to raise money and awareness for Philadelphia Charities.
20. How/where would you spend your day with the Stanley Cup? Hmmmm...cereal bowl in the morning, Dorney Park for the day, and whipped cream vodka & orange juice punch bowl for the evening.
21. Do you think of yourself as a knowledgeable hockey fan? Why or why not? I do. I try my best to learn everything I can about the sport, the Flyers, and the players.
22. A lot of female hockey fans are stereotyped. Why do you think this is? What do you think can be done to change this? The female stereotype comes mostly just because we’re female. It’s been ingrained in men’s heads for as long as humans have been around. The only thing that can be done is what we’re doing right now. Putting ourselves out there as not female fans, but just fans. Show we know just as much as our male counterpart.
23. Do you think that the female hockey fan base is growing? I think the female fan base in all sports is growing. There are a good number of women who like the sport for the sport now, not just because their boyfriends/husbands do and the players are attractive.
24. A hockey fan calls you a puck bunny, you react by: laughing in their face and spouting off stats.
25. Do you think that puck bunnies give female hockey fans a bad reputation? Why or why not? Yes and no. I think that there are a lot of men out there who understand and appreciate that women are fans of the sport too, but there’s always the few who are chauvinistic and think the only place women belong are in the kitchen, cooking dinner and washing dishes.
26. Do you think that there will ever be a time when female hockey fans aren’t stereotyped? Why or why not? Sadly, no. Stereotypes never seem to fade away. There are some that have been around for hundreds of years. There’s always one person who’s close-minded and is able to further along their ideas to another close-minded person.

Anaheim Ducks

Atlanta Thrashers

Boston Bruins

Buffalo Sabres

Calgary Flames

Carolina Hurricanes

Chicago Blackhawks

Colorado Avalanche

Columbus Blue Jackets

Dallas Stars

Detroit Red Wings

Edmonton Oilers

Florida Panthers

Los Angeles Kings

Minnesota Wild

Montreal Canadiens

Nashville Predators

New Jersey Devils

New York Islanders

New York Rangers

Ottawa Senators

Philadelphia Flyers

Phoenix Coyotes

Pittsburgh Penguins

San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues

Tampa Bay Lightning

Toronto Maple Leafs

Vancouver Canucks

Washington Capitals

1. First name: Haley
2. Twitter handle: @haleyxfax
3. Favorite NHL team: Chicago Blackhawks & Carolina Hurricanes
4. Fan since: 2009
5. How did you originally become a Blackhawks/Hurricanes fan? My best friend has been obsessed with hockey for years, and after finally giving in and watching a game, I fell in love with them. She’s from North Carolina, and consistently talks about the Hurricanes, while I’ve always been a Chicago sports fan.
6. Were you ever a fan of a different team before the Blackhawks/Hurricanes? No.
7. In your opinion, why are the Blackhawks/Hurricanes such a great team to be a fan of? Both teams play a very fast paced, upbeat game that’s entertaining to watch no matter who the opponent is. But they also have fantastic front offices behind the teams, making the in-game experiences much more memorable than any other hockey team.
8. What is it about the game of hockey that you like so much? The passion. No other sport that I watch has as much passion and grit to it than hockey.
9. If you could change one thing about hockey, what would it be and why? Waivers. I personally don’t like the process of all of that.
10. Which rule would you toss from the rulebook? Touching up on icing. This causes so many unnecessary rough hits.
11. Who is your favorite NHL player and why? Cam Ward. This was the hardest decision to make. I love goaltenders, and I think he has a fantastic style of play that sometimes goes unnoticed because of the team he plays for.
12. What is it that usually endears you to your favorite player? I honestly have no idea how to answer this, when he makes a phenomenal save that keeps us in the game.
13. Your favorite player has to be helped off the ice after a brutal hit. You react by: Staring at my TV wide-eyed praying that it’s not as bad as it seems, while trying not to cry
14. If you could take a player from any team and put them on the Blackhawks/Hurricanes, who would it be and why? Blackhawks: Dustin Byfuglien. I feel like he’s one of the players that our team as a whole needs the most, and without him it’s just not “complete.” Plus, he gave us some personality. Hurricanes: Jordan Staal, to help with the offensive firepower that we already have from Eric, and to add more depth at center, which we need right now.
15. What position(s) do you think is/are the most important on the ice? Defense and goaltending. You can have a dream team of forwards, but without any defense or a good goalie you’re going to end up with no wins at all.
16. If you played hockey, which position would you play and why? Defense, or one of the nitty-gritty fourth line forwards, mostly because I can skate backwards much faster than I can going forward.
17. If you were to describe yourself as a hockey fan in one word, what would it be? Fervent.
18. The Blackhawks/Hurricanes offer you a job within their organization. What is that job most likely to be? Community relations director or marketing assistant, because either of those are my dream jobs.
19. What is your favorite Blackhawks/Hurricanes memory and why? The only one I can think of right now is when I met Ryan Johnson and he sat there and talked with me for a bit, just like it was a normal everyday conversation.
20. How/where would you spend your day with the Stanley Cup? Drink copious amounts of beer and champagne out of it, doesn’t matter where or with whom, just make sure I have the goods.
21. Do you think of yourself as a knowledgeable hockey fan? Why or why not? Yes, I may not have been a fan for as long as some, but I can talk circles around people who have watched hockey all of their lives. I know the game backwards and forwards.
22. A lot of female hockey fans are stereotyped. Why do you think this is? What do you think can be done to change this? I think female fans of any sport are stereotyped, mostly because people like to focus more on the negative things that happen more than positive, thus exploiting the puck bunny’s actions more than the actual dedicated fans of the sport. I think this is changing more and more with each day, because of the fans “proving” themselves to others who do judge.
23. Do you think that the female hockey fan base is growing? Yes, with each day. Because of the marketing efforts of the NHL and because of simple word of mouth, more females are being turned to the sport and realizing the sensation it gives.
24. A hockey fan calls you a puck bunny, you react by: Laughing in their face.
25. Do you think that puck bunnies give female hockey fans a bad reputation? Why or why not? I honestly don’t think it affects us at all. At first they may judge you because they think you are a puck bunny but as soon as you open your mouth and spout out something that shocks them it can change people’s opinions completely. They may like hockey for a different reason than we do but they still watch it for something. I think that counts.
26. Do you think that there will ever be a time when female hockey fans aren’t stereotyped? Why or why not? No, because men will always think differently of women. I think it may loosen up a bit, but I think there will always be that underlying judgment.

1. First name: Ashleigh
2. Twitter handle: @Ashleighjayne
3. Favorite NHL team: Pittsburgh Penguins
4. Fan since: 2010
5. How did you originally become a Penguins fan? I became a fan of hockey through the 2010 Olympics, after which I decided to delve into the NHL, I had a couple of friends and a roommate who were Penguins fans and those were the ones who I would initially talk to about hockey and watch games with so it kind of stuck and after watching a few games and doing some research on the team I couldn’t pull myself away!
6. Were you ever a fan of a different team before the Penguins? I guess you could say I was a Leafs fan. I never watched games really but live close to Toronto, so I always wanted for them to do well.
7. In your opinion, why are the Penguins such a great team to be a fan of? The franchise makes fans feel like a member of the Penguins family. They allow the fans to form ties with each individual player, so when a member of the team is doing particularly well, I feel like fans can share that personal success with them. These bonds allow fans to really feel as though they are playing a part in the team’s successes or failures.
8. What is it about the game of hockey that you like so much? I like the grit and the harshness. I love that it’s not afraid to be in your face and brash; it’s unpredictable and it’s raw. I love the passion and the intensity. I like seeing the triumph and the tribulations of the players when they put up a win or let one slip away. I love how the game can change course at any given moment. I love the way it can unite and divide entire nations. It’s just a sport, but it’s the first one that has enthralled me enough to keep my attention and to force me to care about it.
9. If you could change one thing about hockey, what would it be and why? The price of Leafs tickets – no, seriously.
10. Which rule would you toss from the rulebook? I don’t know if I would want to completely toss any of the rules, but I might make an amendment to a few.
11. Who is your favorite NHL player and why? Jordan Staal. I can’t tell you how happy watching him play makes me. I don’t know why or how but he just enthralls me. For me it’s like the moment he steps out, the ice lights up. I constantly find my eyes on him during his shifts. He works hard, he is an incredible two-way force, he doesn’t quit on a play, each shift he plays harder than the one before. He displays tremendous leadership skills and handles pressure like a pro. There is just something that I can’t seem to ignore there, which is why I consider him my favorite player. I definitely love many others, but he stands above and beyond the rest to me.
12. What is it that usually endears you to your favorite player? Their work ethic, commitment and team loyalty. How they react when in leadership roles, their willingness to try new things (whether that be plays, positions, lines, etc…), how they respond to adversity, how they play the game, whether or not they seem to make smart choices.
13. Your favorite player has to be helped off the ice after a brutal hit. You react by: Maybe a little bit of cursing initially but then wondering what the repercussions are likely to be for everyone involved (the offending player/team, the injured player/team) in both the short and long term.
14. If you could take a player from any team and put them on the Penguins, who would it be and why? I would love to bring Mike Green to the Penguins. I usually get a pretty weird reaction to this, but I think he’s a great defenseman who is clearly offensively gifted at the same time. He plays his game well and although his playoff performance hasn’t really up to par in the past I think that being surrounded by a team like the Penguins who have had extensive playoff experience in past years, and with a Stanley Cup two seasons ago he could really learn a lot and become a better player than he already is.
15. What position(s) do you think is/are the most important on the ice? I think that the goaltender is the most important position. Without them the game wouldn’t be the same. A goalie can make or break a game and they have to be so utterly fearless to face some of the shots that make it to them.
16. If you played hockey, which position would you play and why? I would probably be a left winger. I don’t think I would be skilled enough to play center, and I’m not an aggressive enough person to play D. As for being a goalie, that would terrify me.
17. If you were to describe yourself as a hockey fan in one word, what would it be? Inquisitive.
18. The Penguins offer you a job within their organization. What is that job most likely to be? Marketing and/or promotions. It’s something I have a huge love of and that I am skilled at. I think that I’d be great at motivating others to find a love of the game like I have. I also think I’d be able to teach the NHL a thing or two about marketing to the female demographic!
19. What is your favorite Penguins memory and why? My favorite Penguins memory in my short time of being a fan was probably seeing Marc-Andre Fleury mimicking Carey Prices crossed arm gesture after the Penguins beat the Canadiens earlier this month. To me that action summed up a lot about the Penguins as a team. Mock them, and they’ll work harder than they did before to prove you wrong, but they also know how to have some fun and be light-hearted while doing so.
20. How/where would you spend your day with the Stanley Cup? I would probably spend a quiet day with my family and friends. A strange dream, but a must for me, would be drinking a Starbucks passion tea lemonade out of it, complete with green straws!
21. Do you think of yourself as a knowledgeable hockey fan? Why or why not? I would say yes to an extent. I’ve only been watching hockey for about a year now, but I like to think I know what I’m talking about. I try to do my research and if I don’t know what something is or means, Google becomes my best friend. My history may not be too sharp, but I feel like I can hold my own in a conversation.
22. A lot of female hockey fans are stereotyped. Why do you think this is? What do you think can be done to change this? The root of most male-female relationships is that of procreation. Women and men, as far back as time can tell, were made to reproduce together. It’s a well known fact. Being that the NHL is made up of males, it is assumed that the only attraction for females is the one that is age old—reproduction a.k.a. sex. It’s the first assumption anyone jumps to, and it’s because of that belief that is embedded in us by society and the media that the only attraction females have to males is that of a sexual nature that women are stereotyped into being fans for the players not the game. I don’t know what can be done to change this. I do know that it has to start with the leagues perception of its female fans. Promoting us bedazzled jerseys isn’t going to help us gain any credibility, NHL. It has to start with equality–treating the female fans just as you would a male fan–we don’t want special treatment, we don’t want the game to be pretty, we don’t need rhinestones and pink hues when we’re repping our team. We just want to be able to be a fan the same way the boys are.
23. Do you think that the female hockey fan base is growing? Most definitely. I think it will continue to as well.
24. A hockey fan calls you a puck bunny, you react by: Not reacting! Let them think what they want to think. They’ll realize they were wrong once they get to know me, and if they don’t take the time to get to know me, I don’t owe them anything!
25. Do you think that puck bunnies give female hockey fans a bad reputation? Why or why not? In a way yes and in a way no. I personally feel like a puck bunny and a fan have completely different agendas. Sure, puck bunnies often hide themselves behind a fan persona but it is usually pretty see-through. You can tell if someone wants to watch a game or if someone has ulterior motives. That being said, female fans and puck bunnies are lumped together and there’s not much we can do about it except find a way to distinguish ourselves.
26. Do you think that there will ever be a time when female hockey fans aren't stereotyped? Why or why not? I sure hope so! I’d like to think that if smart, intelligent, knowledgeable female fans continue to make their presence known, that eventually something has to give!

1. First name: Lydia
2. Twitter handle: @LmBruins46
3. Favorite NHL team(s): Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche
4. Fan since: 1997
5. How did you originally become a Bruins/Avalanche fan? My entire family grew up watching Bruins hockey, so it’s definitely “in my blood.” I’ve heard all of the stories of the greatest Bruins, from Milt Schmidt to Bobby Orr to Cam Neely. Even though I wasn’t old enough to see most of them play, I have such a love and appreciation for what they did for the Bruins organization and hockey as a whole. I became an Avs fan later in life primarily because of Ray Bourque. Since then, I’ve grown to love the team and cheer for its success.
6. Were you ever a fan of a different team before the Bruins? Never. The Bruins have been my first priority hockey-wise since I was a little girl. I am proud to say that I bleed black and gold.
7. In your opinion, why are the Bruins such a great team to be a fan of? New England has such a rich hockey tradition. We love our college hockey teams and we love all of our professional sports teams. The Bruins in particular are such a great team to be a fan of, not because they were the first United States based NHL team, not because they are an Original Six team and not because they have five Stanley Cup banners hanging from the rafters of the Garden, but because of the pride and honor that the team plays with during every game. The Bruins are a blue collar, high intensity, grind-it-out type team which is why the city of Boston and all of New England embraces them so readily.
8. What is it about the game of hockey that you like so much? I was nine-years-old when I saw my first live professional hockey game, and from that moment I was absolutely hooked. It is so fast paced, hard hitting and intense. There are very few breaks in action and it really is a nail-biting and emotional game to observe. I love everything about hockey from the smell of the ice to the hard hits to the fights to gritty goals. I could watch the game every day and never get tired of it.
9. Which rule would you toss from the rulebook? I am not a fan of the instigator penalty.
10. Who is your favorite NHL player and why? My favorite NHL player of all time is Bobby Orr. In my opinion, he is the greatest hockey player to ever lace up the skates. He commanded the ice with such a dominant presence and won an unprecedented number of scoring titles, despite the fact that he was a defenseman. He changed the game and the way that defensemen play today, as he was truly the first “puck moving” defenseman. He wore the spoked B with pride and he endeared himself to New England and the Boston sports community by playing with heart and passion despite numerous knee injuries that cut his career short. He was a soft spoken hero and will forever be remembered and adored by hockey fans.
11. What is it that usually endears you to your favorite player? I really appreciate hard work and effort. If a player leaves everything out on the ice and works hard night in and night out, I appreciate them.
12. Your favorite player has to be helped off the ice after a brutal hit. You react by: I’ve experienced this twice before. First in 2007, Patrice Bergeron was helped off the ice after suffering a concussion and again in 2010, Marc Savard was assisted off the ice because of a concussion. Both times I became very emotional and angry. I was (and admittedly still am) upset at the players that caused these injuries because I felt that they could have been prevented. I think this just shows how emotionally invested I am in the players on my team and how much I care about them as people.
13. What position(s) do you think is/are the most important on the ice? I think all three positions are extremely important on the ice. Of course, a good team starts with good goaltending. If the team has a shaky goaltender, no amount of good defense is going to prevent a goal. It might be because I’ve watched Bruins hockey for my entire life, but I believe in building the team from the back up, first with a good goaltender, then solid defense, then strong forwards. Without each of these components, however, the team isn’t going to be successful.
14. If you played hockey, which position would you play and why? I actually do play hockey! I started playing defense when I was eight or nine but eventually moved to goaltending (because my dad was a goalie and I wanted to be like him). Since then, I’ve remained in goal and have enjoyed it very much!
15. If you were to describe yourself as a hockey fan in one word, what would it be? Die-hard
16. The Bruins offer you a job within their organization. What is that job most likely to be? As a writer or reporter for their website/other media.
17. What is your favorite Bruins memory and why? There are so many, but the one that sticks out in my mind was in game one of the playoff series between Philadelphia last year. Marc Savard had just returned to the lineup after battling concussion symptoms and the game was forced into overtime. After a lengthy overtime period, everyone on the ice from both teams was exhausted and the tension was just spilling over into the stands. I remember Dennis Wideman skating on the far wall and quickly battling along the boards to get the puck to Marc Savard. Without hesitation, he took a shot top shelf over the shoulder of Brian Boucher and ended the game. Just writing about it gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes because it’s impossible to describe his reaction after scoring that goal. He was screaming with excitement as he skated toward the glass and jumped up, bumping against it while everyone else on the team came over to embrace him. Just seeing him so jubilant after working so hard to come back and helped the team made me the most proud. Looking back, it doesn’t even matter to me that the Bruins didn’t win that playoff series because that moment is one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
18. How/where would you spend your day with the Stanley Cup? I would probably just bring it with me everywhere (to work, school, etc…) and of course I would have to show it to all of my friends.
19. Do you think of yourself as a knowledgeable hockey fan? Why or why not? I do because I have played the game and written about the game for many blogs and publications. I have watched the game since I was little, and I understand the fundamentals and nuances.
20. A lot of female hockey fans are stereotyped. Why do you think this is? What do you think can be done to change this? I think female hockey fans are stereotyped because people automatically assume that they are interested in hockey because they are interested in dating hockey players. It’s hard to say what can be done to change this, since it is very difficult to change other people’s opinions about anything. I do think that the female presence in the media is a step in the right direction because if female reporters and media are knowledgeable, it creates a positive image.
21. Do you think that the female hockey fan base is growing? I am hopeful that it is. I think hockey is a game that everyone can enjoy regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status or any other factors.
22. A hockey fan calls you a puck bunny, you react by: Ignoring it
23. Do you think that puck bunnies give female hockey fans a bad reputation? Why or why not? In all honesty, I think that everyone is going to approach the game the way that they want to. If there are women (or men) who are solely interested in watching hockey because the players are attractive, then they are going to do that regardless of whether or not it gives anyone else a bad reputation. I try to worry about my reputation and my credibility when it comes to hockey and what I personally can do to influence that credibility and reputation. I have no control over the actions of others.
24. Do you think that there will ever be a time when female hockey fans aren’t stereotyped? Why or why not? Probably not, sadly. I think the only time that female hockey fans won’t be stereotyped will be when there are professional female hockey players. When women’s hockey has as much credibility and recognition as men’s hockey, the stereotyping will end.

1. First name: Larisa
2. Twitter handle: @pnsfn87_58_29
3. Favorite NHL team(s): Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild
4. Fan since: Pens: 1995, Blackhawks: 2009, Hurricanes: 2008, Wild: 2010
5. How did you originally become a Penguins fan? Pretty much since I was born. Dad dressed me in Pens gear every chance he got. It was about 1995 when I was able to actually understand it.
6. Were you ever a fan of a different team before the Penguins? Before? No. During? Yes. But only because I went through the “rebel” phase and didn’t want to like the same team as my dad.
7. In your opinion, why are the Penguins such a great team to be a fan of? Because their games are so full of energy and the team is very into the community and they love their fans. The team is also one huge family and I love seeing them like that.
8. What is it about the game of hockey that you like so much? The speed of it.
9. If you could change one thing about hockey, what would it be and why? Um, I have no idea.
10. Who is your favorite NHL player and why? Oh god, I hate answering this question just because I have so many. If I had to pick just one, I’d have to say Sidney Crosby because of how dedicated to the game he is.
11. What is it that usually endears you to your favorite player? Attitude on and off the ice.
12. Your favorite player has to be helped off the ice after a brutal hit. You react by: Gasping first then hoping that he is okay and hopes the culprit gets the penalty.
13. If you could take a player from any team and put them on the Penguins, who would it be and why? Um, I’ve never really thought about that. Hmm, I’d have to say Bobrovsky because he really is a good goalie.
14. What position(s) do you think is/are the most important on the ice? Defense and goalie for sure.
15. If you played hockey, which position would you play and why? Um, defense I guess because I played it for soccer and I guess I kind of know what to do.
16. If you were to describe yourself as a hockey fan in one word, what would it be? Dedicated
17. The Penguins offer you a job within their organization. What is that job most likely to be? Um, PR.
18. What is your favorite Penguins memory and why? Um, there are so many but I’ll pick the 2010 playoffs in the second round when Jordan Staal came back from foot surgery and finished out the season.
19. How/where would you spend your day with the Stanley Cup? Like most hockey players would, with friends and family.
20. Do you think of yourself as a knowledgeable hockey fan? Why or why not? Yes, because if you asked me about other teams then just the Penguins, I’d be able to tell you things about them.
21. A lot of female hockey fans are stereotyped. Why do you think this is? What do you think can be done to change this? Because (and I’m not trying to diss anyone or offend anyone) but because SOME do tend to not know too much about the sport or the team. And some do.
22. Do you think that the female hockey fan base is growing? Yes.
23. A hockey fan calls you a puck bunny, you react by: Just kind of whatever. Sure, I’ll defend myself but people can have their opinions.
24. Do you think that puck bunnies give female hockey fans a bad reputation? Why or why not? YES, because they like the sport just because the players are good looking. They don’t know much about the players or the sport.
25. Do you think that there will ever be a time when female hockey fans aren’t stereotyped? Why or why not? Um, I’m not really sure.

1. First name: Haley
2. Twitter handle: @haleym94
3. Favorite NHL team(s): Chicago Blackhawks
4. Fan since: December 2009
5. How did you originally become a Blackhawks fan? I had never watched hockey much before, so I decided to give it a shot. The Blackhawks happened to be the team I watched. I knew of some of their players, and now I have fallen in love with them and the game itself.
6. Were you ever a fan of a different team before the Blackhawks? Not really. Not even my hometown team the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now I just appreciate players. I have my one main team, but I can definitely see when a player has talent on other teams.
7. In your opinion, why are the Chicago Blackhawks such a great team to be a fan of? They are just so happy playing. They love the game. Their fan base is one of a kind. I think all of the things the team has to offer are great. So many extras and behind the scenes. You really get a feel for who the team is.
8. What is it about the game of hockey that you like so much? It is different than others. It has so much heart. And being Canadian, it just puts even more pride in loving the sport so much.
9. If you could change one thing about hockey, what would it be and why? Not hockey in particular, but more the fans. Some can be so disrespectful. Everybody should just be happy to be exposed to such a great sport and not be filled with so much hate for other teams or fans. It is okay to dislike teams, but you should be classy about it.
10. Which rule would you toss from the rulebook? Probably the “too many men” rule. I find it to be quite ridiculous because I really don’t think they would do it on purpose.
11. Who is your favorite NHL player and why? I have so many. I am a fan of hockey players and the skills they have, but being a fan of the Blackhawks, I’d say Jonathan Toews. He’s such a great captain. He knows what he is doing out there. He is focused and can really do his job well.
12. What is it that usually endears you to your favorite player? He is just such a strong leader. His vibe. You can tell watching a game that he wants to win, and he will try his absolute best.
13. Your favorite player has to be helped off the ice after a brutal hit. You react by: Throwing something. It is hockey, getting hit is inevitable. That does not make it easier. It depends on how serious it is. You still feel for them and wish that they recover well.
14. If you could take a player from any team and put them on the Blackhawks who would it be and why? Kris Letang. He is a solid defenseman, and would be such a great force on the team. Chicago has so many star forwards, and although having amazing defense, equalizing it more would be awesome.
15. What position(s) do you think is/are the most important on the ice? Defense. They control what is going to happen on the scoreboard. If your defense is down, the goalies are pressured way too much. Of course offense gets the job done, but you can’t have the best results without strong defensemen clearing the puck or killing off penalties.
16. If you played hockey, which position would you play and why? Defense. I’d want to do my best and help out. Whether it is clearing pucks or hitting players. Of course, scoring many goals as a defenseman can say a lot about you and your playing ability.
17. If you were to describe yourself as a hockey fan in one word, what would it be? Dedicated.
18. The Blackhawks offer you a job within their organization. What is that job most likely to be? Pep-talks. I’d tell these guys how amazing they are and how they can change their energy to get what they want. I’d help them get pumped up.
19. What is your favorite Blackhawks memory and why? Aside from the playoffs last season, I’d say just falling in love with the game of hockey because of them. Every time I see that vibrant jersey and those talented players on the ice, I’m amazed.
20. How/where would you spend your day with the Stanley Cup? I would strap it to my body. Go everywhere and just scream out “We are the Champions.” Let everyone know how kick ass it is to win the Stanley Cup.
21. Do you think of yourself as a knowledgeable hockey fan? Why or why not? For how long I’ve been a fan, yes I do. I like knowing the history of teams and hockey in general. I love the looks on boys’ faces when I say things they do not expect from a female fan.
22. A lot of female hockey fans are stereotyped. Why do you think this is? What do you think can be done to change this? I personally don’t think they are stereotyped that much. And if they are, it’s other female fans doing it. If a guy can see you know your stuff about hockey, they leave it at that.
23. Do you think that the female hockey fan base is growing? Yes. Slowly though. I mean if it happened to me, it could happen to anyone.
24. A hockey fan calls you a puck bunny, you react by: Punching them in their ignorant face. I’m a girl, I can see some players may be hot, but also by being a fan, I can appreciate their skills and how they contribute to the game.
25. Do you think that puck bunnies give female hockey fans a bad reputation? Why or why not? Oh yeah for sure, but I’m pretty sure there are girls like that for every sport. You just have to get over it.
26. Do you think that there will ever be a time when female hockey fans aren’t stereotyped? Why or why not? It depends if people get smarter and realize it’s a sport for everyone.