Oh, American Sports, How I've Missed You!

I've been home three days now and have had time to catch up on the two greatest sports in the world: Football (American) and Hockey.

I was lucky enough to catch the Blackhawks last two playoff games which were phenomenal. Saturday's game was particularly exhilarating with Kane tying the game shorthanded with 13 seconds left, then Hossa winning it in overtime - skating out of the penalty box straight to the net to score the game winner.

I also had time to catch up with my Chicago Bears and see what they've been doing in the offseason - who they brought in and who they let go. I'm happy to see Julius Peppers in the Navy and Orange. I'm not overly thrilled with the draft picks, but we traded a lot away to bring Cutler in. Still waiting to see Cutler to earn his paycheck.

Don't get me wrong. I have loved learning all the new sports that have been introduced or re-introduced to me while in Ireland: Soccer, Gaelic Football, Hurling, Rugby and Cricket. However, since I don't have any real reason to cheer for any teams in these sports, a lot of the experience has been lost on me.

I have been cheering for the Kerry Gaelic Football team (my company sponsors them) and Irish Soccer and Rugby, but it just isn't the same experience for me as sitting down in front of the TV on a Sunday afternoon and watching a Bears - Packers game.

Perhaps, I'll regain some enthusiasm this summer during the World Cup. USA is in the same group as England and we have quite a few English people working on our project team that I can taunt and be taunted by. I'll definitely have to deck myself out in the Red, White and Blue for those matches.

In the meantime: Let's go 'Hawks! Stick it to the Canucks!