I think that over the years hockey has meant less and less to me, Gnu. The times you speak of it seems are the times when it was about the game. As kid I think I knew every player on all six teams. Today, I can name about ten teams and can't be arsed to keep track of players. In fact, I don't even know anymore how many teams are in the NHL.

As a kid I played a few sports (hockey wasn't one of 'em--I can't skate worth shit) and was very good at a few things. The trophy I most treasure having received was "Most Gentlemanly Player" (in football). In that same year I received three other awards in football. It was about winning to me, but it was about playing the game the way it should be played: hard, fair, and with sportsmanship. IMO, it ain't enough to nail a guy with a flying tackle. That's half the job. The other half is offering your hand to help him up. I don't see too much of that left in sports. So, I just don't watch anymore.