Page 66 - 2019octnov

Fortunate Vantage Point

By Dave Friant

he term fandom as defined in most dictionaries includes such
terms as “extreme passion,” “collective enthusiasm,” and
T“obsession.” For reasons detailed later within this piece, I fall
within that pack of over-the-toppers. As part of an effort to monitor firsthand the weather conditions,
It was Wednesday, May 4, 2019. Game 4 of a pivotal National WFAA-Channel 8 meteorologist Jesse Hawila made his way out of
Hockey League (NHL) 2nd round home playoff match-up between the studio with only a few minutes left in the game. From a distance,
the Dallas Stars and the St. Louis Blues. Down two games to one in he snapped a picture of who would later be described as the “lonely
the best-of-seven series, it was for all intents and purposes a must and dedicated Stars fan.”
win for the guys in the green. Who was this guy?
A forecast of probable severe thunderstorms was predicted for Big D. An effort through social media was undertaken to make a positive
Not a major deal for ticketed fans. I was fortunate to have been in that ID. The request went viral. Shared with several fellow co-volunteers
category of supporters within the American Airlines Center (AAC) and H-E-B Hospital staff the next day were details about what many
for Game 3 two nights earlier. It was a 4-3 loss, but the excitement of viewed as absolute buffoonery on my part. Through the graciousness
playoff hockey where players ratchet up to an extra notch all aspects of a Twitter-following Admissions Specialist, my identity and phone
of their game demanded my continued allegiance. number was provided to a news source and the inquiring minds of
Plans were to again find my way to the AAC, hunker down in a lawn Stars management.
chair with a controversial Philadelphia Eagles umbrella in hand, and Defined as a “human interest story,” my temporary ascension into the
watch the game outside on the Victory Plaza Jumbotron. These were world of celebrity began Friday morning. Contact was initially made
the playoffs. Time to expend extraordinary efforts to rally the troops. by WFAA reporter Alex Rozier. Individuals and entities jumped
Allllll-righty now. The dilemma. Head to the Watch Party and aboard. From interviews by the four local television stations to a
confirm my supporter extraordinaire status in a probable torrential newspaper article by Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
downpour? Take the advice of my rudder-adjusting spouse of 46 my “fifteen minutes of fame” referenced by Andy Warhol years ago
years and watch the televised contest at home from a comfortable became a reality over the next several days. My spouse and I were
piece of furniture designed for INDOOR use? additionally the beneficiaries of two complimentary tickets and a
Cessna aircraft ride to St. Louis for Game 5. The provider was a
Yep. . . you guessed it. The gracious sports fan/pilot
mania for all things Stars who saw fit to add some
hockey trumped rational major dimensions and miles
thought by a substantial to the festivities. The Stars
margin. Not a shock to those organization went top-
who know me. Exploring shelf with complimentary
alternative routes contrary favorite player jerseys and
to routine and safe behavior Game 6 tickets, a post-
became commonplace many game interview with Brien
years back. Packed up the Rea and former Star Brent
Jeep Wrangler and headed Severyn, and a meal for the
east from Fort Worth. two of us.
Pre-game conditions This excursion into the land
were delightful with of favorable existence was
slight winds and only the simply a case of being at the
infrequent passing dark right place at the right time.
cloud. Festivities included Even though hidden in the
listening to the on-the-plaza midst of thunderous clouds,
band, watching the kiddos the other group of stars were
play street hockey, and all aligned perfectly during
entertaining expectations that early May evening.
of tying the series before
a return to St. Louis. Not Worthy of all the hoopla?
dampened was the enthusiasm of attendees, especially those who Jury may still be out for some. It was a surreal and joyful happening
would later view the game from in-house seats. that hopefully put some smiles on the faces of at least a few during
these trying times. Nothing close to some heroic act of courage or
I befriended two fans (Sam Rooney and Jeff Simons) prior to game measure of helpfulness to others during a time of need. Simply an
time. Both had chairs, but neither had sufficient resources to deal with older man expressing outdoor allegiance to a sports team under very
the anticipated deluge. Yes, I did pack up the chair and head to drier questionable weather conditions.•
surroundings during the occasional excessive downpours. But for the
most part, I was primarily alone in the rain on the Plaza pavement
and watching the Stars discolor the Blues with a 4-2 victory.

page 64 | www.celebrationmagazine.com