A Lifetime of Love with a First Time Fan

The very first time I laid eyes on my future husband, it was through a computer screen.

YES! Michael and I met online. I know it’s a common meeting place for couples today, but back in 2005, there was still a strong stigma attached to online dating – specifically, the creeps and weirdos I’d surely encounter. The good news? My husband is neither.

However, with online dating, there’s always one major hurdle to cross: the first date. After chatting through the computer and on the phone for a week or two, we decided to plow ahead and not postpone the inevitable. We met for drinks at a local resto-bar and I was officially the most nervous I had been in my entire life.

About 10 minutes into our first date, I knew I wanted a second.

We chatted about everything from family to work life to places we’ve travelled and places we wanted to visit. We talked about kids (a definite yes) and outdoorsy stuff (a definite no), and discovered that we could have crossed paths about a dozen times before we did, yet found each other at the very right time. Needless to say, it was a very, very good first date.

At some point during our conversation, I mentioned that I was a bit of a sports nut. Baseball, basketball and especially hockey – I followed the sports, statistics, players, you name it. Michael laughed and admitted that he wasn’t into sports at all, save for the World Cup and UFC championships. I smiled and nodded and was just a little disappointed, but brushed the feelings aside, quickly. I mean, so what? There were more important things to a relationship than discussing the league’s leading GAA.
Our memorable first date concluded with promises to get together again that weekend. We met on a Wednesday night, so the thought of seeing him again in just a few days was so very welcome. After a long hug and a brief kiss, I drove home with a smile on my face. 

The next morning, as I struggled to achieve the perfect winged liner (you gals know what I’m talking about), my cell phone rang. Looking down, I recognized the number, but was admittedly surprised to receive a phone call merely hours after our date.

“Good morning,” Michael said. “I usually don’t call a girl the morning after a date. I play the jerk and wait the requisite three days, haha – but you’re not just some girl. This morning, my co-worker asked if I wanted to see the Maple Leafs in action tonight against the Hurricanes – he has two tickets he can’t use. I’ve actually never seen a live game! I know we just met last night, but would you like to go with me?”

It was a lot to process.

1. I had a second date! And so quickly after the first!
2. I’m going to see the Leafs! Woo hoo!
3. He’s never been to a Leafs game before? SERIOUSLY? Who is this person I’m dating?
4. He wants to see a game for the first time and he wants to take ME?
5. I’m going to marry this man.

Our second date had a decidedly different atmosphere and tone from our first (I may have heckled, screamed, fist pumped and chanted throughout the night) but it was the best way to break down any remaining barriers. He uncovered a nerdy sports-obsessed fangirl, and I uncovered a kind-hearted soul who was up for anything – and would do anything to put a smile on my face. Also? The Leafs won in overtime – what a thrilling game!

Sharing Michael’s first time fan experience with him is something I’ll never forget and it definitely set the tone for our growing relationship. Although Michael was not a sports buff when we met, he slowly became just as fanatic as me – at first, because he wanted to impress me, and later, because he too became swept up being a part of Leafs Nation and the thrill and excitement of seeing a live game. Now I can catch him heckling, screaming, fist pumping and chanting – let’s just say that the couple that cheers on their team together, stays together!
Do you remember your first live hockey game? Mastercard is offering you to the chance to Start Something Priceless for a diehard fan. Look for the #StartSomethingPriceless contest posts on my Instagram and Twitter pages over the next little while, and leave a comment explaining who you know that has never been to a live game, and why they deserve to see their first Toronto Maple Leafs game!

This post is sponsored by Mastercard. The opinions on this post, as always, are my own.