You know, I used to hate the fall coming in. That meant driving in colder temperatures and the incoming seasonal depression. It's never fun feeling like doggy doo doo when you're wiping out in the middle of a snowy Michigan road.
Ehh, close enough.
But a funny thing happened once I moved to Las Vegas. I developed a deeper appreciation for the season, understanding its various nuances and perks. Perhaps it was the cooling temperatures where you could walk outside without having the sun scorch your face into a rotiserrie chicken. Maybe it was that I was still unlikely to wipe out on the road even with the dropping temperatures (yeah, it's definitely that one).
Whatever it is, it's developed into a greater love for the underappreciated season. You see, Las Vegas citizens appreciate the winters more because their faces aren't being singed into ashes. They also have a deep love for winter because, well, Vegas Golden Knights hockey is happening.
However, the earlier season deserves some love here, too. After all, Golden Knights hockey doesn't start in the coldest season around. Instead, it begins when fall rolls around with Halloween just around the corner...
Why I've grown to appreciate fall more (Vegas Golden Knights edition)
Last Friday was my birthday. I decided to go to the Rookie Camp practice and check everything out at City National Arena because I've never been to a Golden Knights practice before (yeah, go ahead and shame me). Since it was my birthday, I figured that turning 35 would go well with checking this off my list.
After all, you can't go to Europe and not check out a Golden Knights practice. If you have, what are you doing with your life?
What a great decision I made that day. I met new friends and even met some of my X followers in person. On top of that, there were Golden Knights practicing on the ice. Life was good.
In fact, that's going to become a daily part of my life. Checking out the guys in gold and gray on a random Friday will become integral to what I do. Who knows? I might just grab a pizza along the way.
Most of all, Golden Knights practices indicate that fall is almost here, my friends. Hockey is one step closer, especially with the 2025 Rookie Showcase wrapping up. Grab a slice from Mackenzie River Pizza because this season will be a blast.