The NBA is now locked out and I have been welcoming NBA fans to NHL fandom with open arms. There are quite a few significant differences between both sports. Here’s a list to help them out.

1. A basket is now a goal, a ball is now a puck, and a court is now a rink.
2. You don’t like that prick on the other team? Go ahead punch him. It’s allowed…and encouraged.
3. It’s not weird to ask a player which way he shoots.
4. Hooking gets you time in the penalty box, not jail.
5. The concept of loyalty and teamwork is a reality. No talents will be taken to South Beach.
6. If a ball goes out of play, it might knock over your beer. If a puck goes out of play, it might break your nose.
7. It’s ok, I can’t pronounce his name either.
8. Yes, Don Cherry always wears stuff like that. Don’t act surprised.
9. Female hockey fans actually care and are knowledgable about the sport. They aren’t trying to be on a reality TV show and get famous because of their husbands or boyfriends.
10. There are no Kardashian’s infiltrating the NHL.
11. A NBA player’s smashed finger will take him out of the game. Duncan Keith lost 7 teeth during a game and still finished.
12. Crying is not an option, but breaking sticks and throwing milks crates both are.
13. Yes, ginger twins are still creepy, but in Vancouver they are worshipped.
14. A one timer does not end with a paternity suit.
15. Constantly being on your knees and letting something in the five hole doesn’t make you a slut, it makes you a bad goalie.
16. No, that is not a pedophile, that’s just an NHL rookie trying to grow out his Movember mustache
17. The Stanley Cup is the world’s greatest Pimp Cup.
18. Icing isn’t just for cupcakes.
19. Players will get their face smashed in with a puck and still play. They don’t complain about colds *cough cough Lebron*
20. Our commissioner is just as bad.

NBA fans, sorry about your lock out, but welcome to the greatest sport in the world.

@JessicaRedfield