Quote:Written Task: What do you think about celebrations in hockey? There aren't many of note, because it seems that most players like to keep it tame. Not only that, but when there is a celebration of note, it makes the media rounds and everyone has to weigh in. So where do you land on it? Should players be respectful and keep things low key, or would you prefer to see them go crazy sometimes? (150+ words)

Celebrations are a hot topic not just in hockey, but in all professional sports. It is a personal belief of mine that older generations want the games to be as "professional" as possible, with little to no human emotion outside of unadulterated anger, because fights are somehow interesting. It makes me truly happy to see the younger players come into hockey and other sports and just try to have fun with it. It is a game after all, so why not try to have some fun? Celebrations are a truly amazing way to have fun, not just as a player but as a fan, too. Take the Carolina Hurricanes for example. The fans *love* the post-game celebrations. Even if the "storm surge" has settled down to just skating into the boards, the "surge" has really helped drive fan engagement with the team, and the organization as a whole is doing better for it. I want the players to have as much fun as humanly possible. If their idea of fun is a stoic celebration, I'm all for it. If their idea of fun is an elaborate celebration (that isn't obscene), I'm all for it. Just have fun, it is a game after all.