Boston can now celebrate after a thirty-nine year absence from the NHL's ultimate prize. Thursday, the team arrived back in town with the Stanley Cup in hand. Excited fans flocked around to get a look at their new champions. At the same time in Vancouver, however, the city began to clean up after the riots that followed Boston's game 7 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Saturday, the celebration continued in Boston as they had a victory parade beginning in Boston Garden at 11am. Vancouver, on the other hand, will continue to clean up both their city and their image in the days or even weeks to come.

Game seven of the series between Boston and Vancouver was an all or nothing game. Tension had been high throughout the physical series. Vancouver began by winning the first two games of the series as Boston was unable to muster up any offensive fire power. From there, Boston was able to win 4 of the next 5 games including a shutout in game seven to clinch the series and bring the cup back home to Boston. Following the victory, the celebration for the Bruins and the city of Boston began inside Vancouver's stadium on the Canuck's home ice. Although this is a scene no fan wants to see, the home crowd of Vancouver hockey fans were calm and respectable inside the arena. Outside, however, a different story was playing out.

Immediately following the game seven loss, rioters began to gather in downtown Vancouver. Some came prepared with gas masks and gasoline and it was clear some planning was involved. Cars were overturned and burned as things began to get ugly in a hurry. Officers in riot gear came to try and restore order while civilians were getting hurt and property was being damaged. Several buildings were looted and in the end several were injured. In all, more than 150 people needed medical attention on Wednesday night. Thankfully, no deaths were reported but some stabbings occured within the madness. All of this destruction and hatred certainly could not be because of a hockey game.

Sports, regardless of what level they are played on, are just games. Emotions run from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. People bleed their team colors and pour all of their emotions into cheering for their hometown squad. In the end though, true fans know, you win some and you lose some. It was clear inside the arena that real fans came to watch and cheer on their Vancouver Canucks. The fans lost graciously and did not cause pandemonium following the loss. Real sports fans also know that we love our hometown cities, which shows further evidence that the acts following game seven were perpetrated by degenerates and holligans, rather than real Canuck fans.

Beantown is full of real sports fans with great sports venues and a strong pride in their city. For years, they waited for their beloved Red Sox to win the big one and watched them get close from time to time. The same goes for the Bruins as Boston fans patiently waited for NHL's ultimate title as world champs. That time has finally come and I hope you all enjoy the victory parade through the picturesque Boston city streets Saturday. Hopefully you got a chance to take a look around and enjoy the aesthetic beauty your city provides. I also hope some Vancouver city residents can one day grow up and appreciate what they have as well. Perhaps they can grow to become true sports fans who realize patience is a virtue and good things come to those who wait.