As the seconds ticked away in the third period of the Carolina Hurricanes’ 3-1 win on April 4, I was almost moved to tears; the team had clinched a berth in the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2009.

Those who know me at all know that I live and breathe sports, especially hockey. Given the opportunity, I watch every single game. It is nearly impossible to put what this hockey season has meant to a fan like me into perspective, especially for readers who aren’t fully invested in sports, but that won’t stop me from trying.

The Carolina Hurricanes have spent the last decade mired in mediocrity. For the past decade, they’ve been just bad enough to miss the playoffs but just good enough not to receive a top draft pick. The Hurricanes play in Raleigh, and the lack of fan support over these hard years made many people question if North Carolina could truly survive as a hockey market.

Year after year of futility was hard on me, as it was for many others, but I persisted in supporting my favorite team. Finally, after years of “there’s always next year,” next year finally came. The Hurricanes rode a hot streak to a 99-point finish in the standings, clinching the first wild card spot in the Eastern conference. For the first time in nearly ten years, the Hurricanes are playing postseason hockey.

The last time I watched a Hurricanes playoff game, I had just turned 8 years old. I was a second grader at Sherwood Forest Elementary School, and I had no idea that I would have to wait this long to see another playoff game. The ‘Canes aren’t favored by many, as they will play the defending champion Washington Capitals in the first round, but I remain undeterred. After all, I’ve waited 3,607 days for this, why would I stop now?

People often ask me why I support the teams that I do. They say I’m crazy for watching teams that fail and falter so often. Those people will never understand the joy I feel watching the Hurricanes play meaningful hockey games in April.

Being a sports fan isn’t about pretending to love the best team all the time. It’s about being invested in a group of players that represent you. They may not always win; in fact, they may lose a whole lot more than they win, and you may have to wait 3,607 days for success. But when that team that you’ve watched all your life finally does emerge from the depths of mediocrity, it is oh so sweet.

Hockey fans are passionate and loyal. There aren’t many of us here, but there could be. For those of you who haven’t seen playoff hockey, turn on the T.V. and find a game. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you see.

Let’s go Canes.