Thursday, May 14, 2009

Its Playoff (Beard) Time

According to Wikipedia: A playoff beard is the superstitious practice of a National Hockey League player not shaving his beard during the Stanley Cup playoffs. The player stops shaving when his team enters the playoffs and does not shave until his team is eliminated or wins the Stanley Cup. It is believed that the tradition was started in the 1980s by the New York Islanders. The tradition is also practiced by nearly all North American hockey leagues, to include high school leagues and the NCAA hockey teams, as well as minor league affiliates. The tradition has also spread to hockey leagues in Europe.


I believe fans are obligated to do the same if their team is in the playoffs. Only the truest, most die-hard fans carry on this tradition. Some argue that due to workplace regulations, they are not allowed to grow facial hair. If I worked at a place like that, I would quit my job (or take a long vacation during playoff run). Others say they cannot grow a "nice" or "acceptable" beard. This is no excuse. Look at the pictures of Sidney Crosby, Jaromir Jagr or even the Wookies. These aren't the prettiest beards, but yet they show effort.
So as I sport MY playoff beard (that my wife has asked me to shave and I politely said "no") , I ask you to email pictures of your supporting facial hair. I will put them on the blog for others to guess who's beard is it and who you cheer for. Please email your pix to joebafia@gmail.com and please, just pictures of beards. I don't want to turn someone on to the "Catch a Predator" show.







1 comment:

Lax Guy said...

You logic is flawed! I shaved yesterday for a funeral and the Wings pulled off a big win last night. Come to think of it, they've won every night after I shaved (which is not very often)...