Ice Hockey in Argentina

Ever since I was little, I have been a hockey fan. I grew up going to games with my dad and especially love the Florida Panthers. Since the Stanley Cup playoffs started in April, I knew I had to find a place to watch hockey. In Argentina, this was easier said than done. The main sport in Argentina is soccer, so that’s the sport played on their TVs. Most restaurants and bars don’t even get the NHL channels. Luckily, I discovered a small bar in Recoleta that got all the American sports channels. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is a hub for American expats. I frequently see other Americans there watching basketball or baseball. In fact, I first discovered it while looking for a place to watch the Gamecocks play during March Madness.

Multiple times a week, I find myself in Recoleta to watch the team play. The bartenders have even gotten into it, especially when they learned that our team motto is “¡Vamos gatos!” They don’t even ask what I want to watch anymore when I come in. They just change the channel automatically. I've even met some fellow Floridians cheering the Panthers on as well. Even though I’ve been wishing I could see the games in person, I have to admit that this is a great substitute. I especially love when the Spanish commentary is on. I can barely hear the commentators most of the time, but when they yell, “¡GOOOL!,” it comes through loud and clear.

I have had to find substitutes a couple of times, though. The first was when I was in Santiago. Now that I am in Rio, I will have to do the same thing. Tomorrow night’s game could net the Panthers their first Stanley Cup, and I am still not sure where I am going to watch. Hopefully it all works out!