In the comments to my previous post, my dad reminded me of the fun we had at the 2003 Frozen Four college hockey championships in Buffalo, NY.

Our team - Michigan - lost one of the semifinal games in a thrilling double overtime, so this event doesn't have the oomph of some of the other ones I mentioned. Still, this is definitely one of my sports-watching highlights.

For one, college hockey is still relatively small-time. Instead of feeling like a big corporate sales event like other majors sports championships, the Frozen Four feels like a community revival. Fans from all over the country descend on one city for a weekend of competition and catching up.

I think a great example of this spirit is that my dad and I were basically able to walk into the presentation of the Hobey Baker Award, college hockey's Hiesman. The family atmosphere at the Frozen Four operates on a simple "the more, the merrier" standard.

Additionally, this was a great time for me to hang out with a bunch of my dad's college friends. Basically just a good excuse to feel like I'm growing up a little, so I can finally hang out at the adult's table.

All in all, a great experience. Good enough for the my third best in-person sports experience ever.