Life is complicated when you’re a youth pastor in Florida, originally from New Jersey, but your heart beats Caniac red and black.
That’s me.
Even though I grew up a stone’s throw from the Prudential Center, somewhere along the way — whether it was the swagger of Rod Brind’Amour, the magic of Cam Ward, or just a general disdain for the cold — I pledged my NHL allegiance to the Carolina Hurricanes. Some call it a betrayal. I call it spiritual growth.
Well, that spiritual growth was tested Friday night.
The Hurricanes and the Devils faced off in Game 1 of the series, and — oh, the humanity — New Jersey pulled off a win.
Final score: Devils 3, Hurricanes 2 (in overtime, no less).
It was a heartbreaker.
Carolina fought back with two goals in the third after being down 1-0 early, only to watch New Jersey tie it late and win it with a dagger in OT.
(Pain. So much pain.)
And to make matters worse, my old friends and family back in Jersey are lighting up my phone with texts like:
“You can come back anytime.”
“Still time to repent.”
“Born a Devil, die a Devil.”
Thanks, guys.
But the series isn’t over. Not by a long shot. There’s another shot on Sunday — April 27th at 3:30 PM.
And then, another clash on Tuesday, April 29th at 4:00 PM.
I’ll be rocking my Hurricanes jersey loud and proud down here in the Sunshine State, ready to pray (and maybe fast) for a bounce-back win.
Because whether it’s on the ice or in life, setbacks aren’t the end — they’re just setups for a comeback.
Go Canes!
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