HBO recently announced that they will produce 24/7 for the 2012 NHL Winter Classic. The 24/7 series follows teams and athletes as they prepare and participate in marquee events. The shows poignancy is its behind the scenes access, as the athletes are given human qualities.  The NHL Winter classic is a hockey game played outdoors. This season’s game has the New York Rangers playing the Philadelphia Flyers at Citizens Bank Park, normally the baseball home of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Last season’s Winter Classic pitted the Washington Capitals against the Pittsburgh Steelers and HBO produced an incredible four-part series that I watched repeatedly on my DVR. The game itself was ok but the drama behind the scenes, which HBO captured, was a real treat.

In a non-sexual manner I have a man crush on the Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin. This one-sided affair stems from HBO’s 24/7 Penguins/Capitals series that chronicled both teams as they made their way to the New Years Day Winter Classic game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

I have no idea why I like Ovechkin. Maybe I am just fascinated by a guy that has a nine-figure contract and lives with his parents and also travels with a PS3. That and he is good player. First and foremost my love is with the Montreal Canadiens but I am definitely impressed with number 8. So much so that I bought Mrs. DPC an Ovechkin jersey. I think Mrs. DPC is creeped out by my stated man crush and then the purchase of his jersey. Maybe I need to get my room at Aurora Behavioral Health back. Good ole 511A in the “High Risk AWOL” wing.

I am a bit bummed out because 24/7 Penguins/Capitals has run its course and there will be no more episodes of my favorite hockey drama.(My favorite hockey comedy is Slap Shot)HBO did a great job with the four-part series and gave the viewer the opportunity to garner a better understanding of the players, coaches and personnel that make up the NHL.

I learned quite a bit while watching the series and it has reenergized my interest in the NHL. Yes, the Winter Classic was a bit sloppy, due to inclement weather, but between the HBO mini-series and the actual game I am actually getting in tune with the NHL. From the series I learned:
1. Alex Ovechkin, despite have a nine-figure contract with the Washington Capitals, still lives with his parents.

2. Ben Lovejoy can take a puck to the face like very few men can. He missed three-games with a facial injury that can only be described as “wicked”.

3. It’s possible to play hockey at a high level while your jaw is held together with wires.

4. Sidney Crosby has trouble growing a mustache.

5. Ovechkin travels with a PS3 and most players on the Penguins are glued to their PSP’s

6. Masculinity is developed from playing hurt and obtaining scars.

7. Hockey players maybe tougher than football players. This is proven by the fella that played with his jaw held together by wires.

I may have withdrawals from the series ending and unlike the two times I quit smoking there is no salve (Chantix and nicotine gum)to placate my jonesing for the short lived miniseries. HBO Sports puts together great documentaries and shows. Hard Knocks is top entertainment, season after season and 24/7 Penguins/Capitals could be one of their best offerings. Hopefully the good folks at HBO grant us another NHL based show in the near future.