The NFL regular season comes to an end on Sunday. Of course, this means a few things. First, the Kansas City Chiefs will probably win their third straight Super Bowl, something that's never happened in the league's history. The referees might help them inadvertently, giving them a favorable call or two (if you're into that kind of thing). In turn, some fans will revolt and turn their backs on the product.
It also means the Las Vegas Raiders will play their last game of the season, squaring off against the Los Angeles Chargers. Raider fans are proud, sticking with their team regardless of how horrible they are. With reputable names like "Gorilla Rilla" and the "Violator," it's easy to see why they've developed a cult following over the years.
However, that also means the Vegas Golden Knights will officially take center stage. The NHL's best team (57 points) is rolling, with big names like Alex Pietrangelo (21 points) and Jack Eichel (41 assists, 52 points) taking the reins. Can anybody stop them? Who knows? They look better than the 2022-23 team that won it all.
With the end of the regular season here, here are some thoughts about what I'll be doing without football. After all, it's not worth twiddling your thumbs waiting for the NFL to return, especially since the league is slowly losing its luster. WARNING: The Golden Knights will be heavily involved and there will be plenty of games to watch.
What I'll be doing with the regular season over
First, I'll be planning a couple of hockey trips. First will be to Detroit to watch the Vegas Golden Knights take on the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesar's Arena. Growing up, I was accustomed to Joe Louis Arena and the grit it presented. It might've been a concrete jungle. But for Metro Detroiters, it was their concrete jungle, showcasing the hard work and blue collar attitude.
Then, there's a trip to Vancouver to see the Canucks play. Spoiler alert: I've never been to Canada, which is a shame since I grew up in Metro Detroit. However, that will come in April, when I glimpse the rainy region known as Vancouver. I hope that rain isn't the tears of Canucks fans.
You see, dear reader, I love traveling. It's a palate cleanse for the mind as you experience different cultures. The Vancouver trip will bring that palate cleanse, providing a perspective of life as a Canadian hockey fan. Hopefully, Canucks fans aren't as crazed as Oilers fans or Maple Leafs fans are.
On that note, I will start writing a book that chronicles my various travels. That will include traveling to countries like Romania, the Bahamas, and more. Of course, it'll also include cities within the United States, such as Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Overall, I'm looking to experience more Vegas Golden Knights hockey and see superstars like Alex Pietrangelo take center stage. Hopefully, that'll lead to another Stanley Cup for the Golden Knights and fans celebrating on the Strip. Here's hoping they make the traveling much more memorable as well.