My Greatest Buy

I remember one particularly memorable vacation that my family took way back in July 1996. The destination for that now famous vacation: none other than Niagara Falls themselves.
This was a great and memorable trip for yours truly. I mean, on this trip, in our hotel room, it was the first time that I ever watched the movie HAPPY GILMORE, not to mention that when I saw the actual Falls themselves, I was able to see the exact spot where John Candy and Rhea Perlman were “hunting” for suicide bodies—supposed to be funny—in the 1995 Michael Moore movie Canadian Bacon. Oh yeah, and there was this other thing about seeing one of nature’s true landmarks. What can I say, I was 9. But perhaps best of all was that my oh so great parents decided that my family would stay on the Canadian side of the falls, i.e. hockey country.
I love hockey now. I loved hockey in 1996. It is my passion. One thing that troubles me though is that when I am in the lower 48, not counting The Might Ducks or D2 as “real” hockey movies, it is virtually impossible to find hockey movies/documentaries anywhere. For me, as someone who loves learning about hockey, as a kid then who hated reading and absolutely preferred watching about hockey as opposed to reading of it, what was fantastic was that in Canada, there was actually an abundance of hockey tapes (no DVDs back then) available for purchase. So I bought three tapes: NHL 75 seasons, Top 50 Playoff Goals, and Hardest Hitters. Eleven and a half years later, those tapes still sit in my college dorm room. THEY ARE MY GREATEST BUYS.
The NHL 75 Seasons tape was made in 1992 to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHL’s formation in 1917. And this tape, completely in documentary form, is perhaps what has taught me more about hockey history than any 1 entity. This tape even begins documenting the history of hockey before the NHL’s formation in 1917 and with starting at the very beginning of the history of hockey, covers all of the biggest events through 1992—when it was made. Although now, for a fan, 15 years of information has yet to been covered, for me, as the only 15 years left out are the 15 years I have been an actual fan in person, this 75 Seasons tape teaches me about all hockey events and famous people that I may have never gotten the privilege of seeing live myself. This tape, only 90 minutes long, it covers everything.
The NHL Top 50 Playoff goals is an hour long production with CBC in Canada’s Ron MacLean and Dick Irvin Jr. as “hosts.” This tape is exactly what it says it is. Made in 1993 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Stanley Cup, Top 50 Playoff Goals is merely a countdown of what are perceived as the top 50 playoff goals, in terms of stories and skill throughout hockey history. Although there have been many goals scored since 1993 that would make it onto this list, even though the list is now somewhat outdated, the tape itself is still a great watch. I have it on in the background right now.
The Hardest Hitters is exactly what it says it is as well. It highlights the absolutely most bone-crushing hits and collisions—there is a difference—of the then prior 5 years or so. Although the tape is only about 35 minutes long and features some hits on more than one occasion, there is just something about seeing Luke Richardson nearly decapitate Tony Granato from 1989 that is strangely appealing. Who would have guessed that lumbering Luke would still be in the NHL in 2007. Although this tape is short, it is great entertainment for hockey and non-hockey fans alike as it captures that little part of everybody that loves a good hockey hit.
I have watched all 3 of these tapes hundreds of times. I first watched them in 1996 and I still watch them now. Although by this point I basically have them all memorized, these tapes have been through a lot with me. Back in high school, I started a tradition of always watching one of these 3 tapes before any game I played in. Now that I am in college and play men’s league hockey, I still follow this tradition. I have great memories of watching these 3 hours total of footage.
I bring up these tapes because they are absolutely my greatest buy. For probably only about 30 CANADIAN dollars total, they have occupied me and even put me to sleep some nights for 11 years now. And I know that no matter what my future holds for me, these tapes will occupy a place in my home. So I bring up these tapes also as because it is the holiday season, so I advise you, when shopping, do not overlook what may seem like the most insignificant of items. Because of you choose wisely, the items that you buy and give as gifts, they may be able to hold a special place in the heart of the recipient for the rest of that person’s life. Although my tapes were not a gift per say, they will absolutely hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life.