Posted by Wil

https://wilwheaton.net/2025/04/in-which-a-memory-is-created-with-my-son/

https://wilwheaton.net/?p=9533

I went to my first Los Angeles Kings game around 1986, when they still played at the Forum, wore the original uniforms, and weren’t a playoff team.

By the end of the first period, my fandom was cemented. I loved how fast the game moved. I loved how weird it was to play ice hockey in Southern California. I loved that nobody I knew was into hockey, so this was something that belonged to me. In the 80s, being a hockey fan in LA was to be part of a subculture that took a little bit of work. Like, it was easy to be a Lakers fan during Showtime. The Dodgers weren’t that great in the mid-80s, but by 1988 they were in the World Series again, while the Kings were pretty mid, if my memory is correct.

Years and years ago, I wrote something about how much I loved getting off of work at Paramount, driving down La Cienega through the oil fields, and sneaking into Inglewood around the traffic on the 405 and 110. I would have been 16 or so, maybe just barely 17, when Gretzky came to the Kings, and my subculture exploded into very mainstream Los Angeles sports culture. I took an extended break from the NHL — and all sports, really — when my kids were little. We couldn’t justify the expense for tickets, and when I had a choice between going out for something or staying home and enjoying my family’s company, I always stayed home.

But in … I think it was 2010? 2011? … the Kings were in the playoffs against St. Louis, a couple seasons before they won their first Stanley Cup. I knew from experience that there is nothing in the world like playoff hockey, and that I had my best chance to introduce Anne to the sport, the team, and that part of me. So we went to game 3 of the series (I’m going from memory. I could look all this up and be sure about the dates, but I’m going to write this parenthetical, instead.) We sat behind the goal, about 7 rows up, not the best place to get a full view of the game and watch plays develop, but really great for dropping you right into the middle of the whole thing.

Anne was completely on board by like the third or fourth whistle. She was hollering with me, stomping her feet, the whole thing. It was great. We got season tickets the following season, and we have had them ever since.

Last night, she had an art class she’s been looking forward to for weeks, that she joind before the playoff schedule was set, so I took our son, Nolan, with me. He’s been so busy with so many things, we haven’t had many opportunities lately to just go out and hang, so I was looking forward to that even more than the game, itself.

Holy shit the game, itself. I’ve been feeling like this team is the first team the Kings have put out in years that has a real chance to get past Edmonton. Fucking FINALLY. As I wrote only semi-jokingly in yesterday’s post, Edmonton has one line and a bunch of guys. Their goalie is very beatable, and if the Kings can shut down McDavid (who, we all have to admit is the greatest player in the world right now), they should advance.

The vibe inside Staples Center was immaculate. Fans chanting in the streets, in the concourse ahead of the game, in our seats before they introduced the players. For the first time since opening night, the place looked to be nearly sold out. It was the playoffs, man, and it nourished my soul to be there.

The game was exciting and nerve wracking. The Kings took their foot off the gas at the beginning of the third, as is traditional, and let the Oilers back in. McDavid did his thing (I hope Edmonton nerds know how lucky they are to watch him year after year) and I felt roughly 17000 people go “oh fuck my life not this again”.

And then.

And then, Phillip Danault and Warren Foegele did this, with 7 seconds left.

Nolan and I jumped up out of our seats so fast and so hard, we practically hit our heads on the roof.

The Kings held on for seven intense seconds, and after blowing a huge lead, managed to win it 6-5 in regulation. It’s the first time they’ve won a playoff game in regulation in three years. I screamed so much, my throat hurts today and my voice is hoarse. Not the best thing before I start an audiobook tomorrow. Good thing I heal like Wolverine.

On the drive home, I looked over at Nolan and said, “Look, it’s the playoffs, and I would never admit to this in public or on my blog, but it’s after 10 already and I did not want to be leaving here after 11, so I feel like not only did the Kings win, we also won.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t going to say anything, but … yeah.”

We laughed about that a little bit.

I said, “I guess I know that I’m old and tired because I’m not completely sure I wouldn’t have suggested we race home during the intermission so I could watch OT on TV and then roll right into bed. I don’t even know who I am.”

He started to reply, then said, “Look out!” because a stupid fucking dipshit idiot driver whipped across three lanes without signaling to gain a car length while I was — with my turn indicator on because oh my fucking god why is that so hard for you people to do — safely changing lanes like an adult.

I yanked my wheel back to my left, was grateful I drive a Mini with a low center of gravity, and dad mode automatically engaged. “You fucking idiot fuck,” I spat at that guy. “My fucking kid is right here! What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“You okay? Sorry about that.”

“Yeah, that was intense.”

My parental anger faded as quickly as it flared. “I’m really glad you saw that. I would have missed it entirely.” In my dad brain, a vivid series of violent car crashes played in high speed.

“I barely did.”

“Yikes. That’s scary. We were so close to being in a serious crash because of that guy, and he probably has no idea.” I wondered how many more near collisions this dude would cause on his way to wherever he was going.

“Yep.”

We drove in silence for a little bit. And then, after we’d merged onto the 134, I said the thing that had been on my mind since we’d left the house hours earlier.

“I’m so grateful you chose to come to the game tonight. Thank you for making a special memory with me. I cherish this time together, and I want you to know that.”

“I do know that, but I’m still glad you said it. I didn’t expect to have as much fun as I did. It reminded me of the times we went before.”

“That was so much fun. I’m so happy that you remember it the way I do.”

When Nolan was in high school, the Kings had ticket packs for super cheap (they were NOT a good team, then) so I got him like 6 games for Christmas, mostly so we had an excuse to go do something together. At one of the games, we were screaming and cheering for the boys and they put us on the Jumbotron. Someone in the organization grabbed it, and made that video snip part of the opening montage for the rest of that year. Every game I went to, with Nolan and without, I got to see it and remember how fun it was when it happened. It was so long ago, the memories have faded to a point where they are unreliable. Last night was an echo of those memories, and it refreshed them enough to restore their clarity.

Anne’s got tickets to a show tomorrow, and Nolan is my first choice, if he’s feeling it, to be my +1. So maybe we’ll get to make another memory together tomorrow night that involves the Kings going to Edmonton up 2 games to none.

If you’d like to get these updates in your inbox, here’s the thingy:

Also, before I go, I am on Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast, Inside of You, this week. I’m working on a post about it, just struggling to get WordPress to play nice with a bit of embedded video. Until then, here are some quick links:

• YouTube
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Website

https://wilwheaton.net/2025/04/in-which-a-memory-is-created-with-my-son/

https://wilwheaton.net/?p=9533

Posted by Wil

https://wilwheaton.net/2025/04/its-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year/

https://wilwheaton.net/?p=9523

It’s that time again! Here’s my 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket, something that is always fun for me to write for the eleven people in the world who care about it. (Hi! I’m glad you’re all here!)

Round One

Campbell Western Conference

Vegas vs. Minnesota

As much as I very intensely dislike VGK, they aren’t pulling that IR bullshit from years past, so I grudgingly set that moniker aside this year. Minnesota is in the playoffs because of the ridiculous start to their season. The Wild (I almost typed North Stars, sigh) are hurt, and the last six weeks of the regular season were brutal for them. If the team that we saw at the beginning of the season shows up, they will give Vegas a serious run. They looked pretty great yesterday, and boy did they make Vegas work for the win at Medieval Times Arena. I still favor Vegas, though. They have most of a team has been here before, and they know how to win in the playoffs. I expect Minnesota to take at least one of their home games, and I think this one goes to 6 before Vegas advances.

Winnipeg vs St. Louis

The Jets have the best record in hockey for a reason that goes beyond Connor Hellebuyck. In the old 1 plays 8 days, I’d give The Blues a stronger upset chance, but I think they’re just outmatched here. This is the only sweep in the first round. Winnipeg in 4.

Dallas vs. Colorado

My heart wants to cheer for Dallas, because my dear friend Stepto (may his memory be a blessing) loved them the way I love my Kings. Colorado isn’t going to make it easy. Blackwood will steal a game for the Avs, and yesterday was not that game; the Stars lost that one all on their own. This series will go 6, maybe even 7, but the Stars are moving on to face the ‘Peg.

Los Angeles vs. Connor McDavid

This is our year. Fucking finally. The Kings have a team that can neutralize Edmonton’s line. The Kings are hot as hell right now, and have home ice advantage, where they had the best home record in the league (like, it wasn’t even close). Kuemper is locked in and Skinner has looked shaky. Edmonton has the best player in the world, another generational talent, and 24 other guys. For the first time in four seasons, the Kings have 4 lines who can score and a goalie who can keep them in it. Kings in 6.

Wales Eastern Conference Round One

Toronto vs. Ottawa

Brady, I’m real happy for you, and ima let you finish, but Toronto actually looks like a hockey team this year, and the Senators are just beginning to draw back the curtains, and open their Cup window. This isn’t Ottawa’s year, which is fucking crazy because it’s NEVER Toronto’s year. They have an incredibly rich history of finding truly creative ways to lose, but I’m picking Toronto because it serves a greater narrative. Leafs in 5.

Tampa Bay vs. Florida

Ah, the battle of America’s Wang. A playoff series for the ages that will live in the pages of hist– yawn I’m sorry I drifted off there thinking about this. These teams are basically even for me, but I freely admit I don’t pay much attention to them during the regular season, so I am absolutely missing a lot of nuance. But given the Panthers’ win last year by a team that they largely kept together, and the absolutely insane leveling up in Matthew Tkachuk’s play during Four Nations, I’m picking the Panthers in 5.

Washington vs. Montreal

Remember when the Habs were this unstoppable force? Remember when the Habs could score one and shut the door? This is not them. This team is mid af, just good enough to make it into the post season, but missing a lot of the parts it needs to go deep. I despise Ovechkin’s Team Putin bullshit, and for that reason alone I want them to get swept. But let’s be honest: the caps are a fucking incredible team who are going to be an autoaxe with legendary mods against Montreal’s weak feral ghouls. Anything can happen in this league on any night (the reason the NHL is the best league) so don’t count them out entirely, but I wouldn’t worry about having to change tee times with those guys in the beginning of April. Washington in 5.

Carolina vs. New Jersey

Hey, did you know the Devils are in the playoffs? Can you name one of their players? I just realized I can’t, and that means I haven’t paid attention to them at all this year. Meanwhile, after I retired Blaine Gretzky because the guy I named him after turned out to be garbage, I started a new create a pro game. My player wears #13, and his name is Johnny Marlowe. He plays for Carolina, and I have developed the same emotional connection to the real team that I had for the Kraken during Blaine’s career. I could come up with stats and reasons to support my choice, but where’s the fun in that? I’m picking Carolina for a silly reason, but it’s still a reason. Hurricanes in 7 because I presume New Jersey has some Dark Horse thing I don’t know about and that makes for good drama.

Round 2

Jets vs. Stars

This one goes 7 and Winnipeg wins in OT. Sorry, Stepto.

Kings vs Vegas

The Kings teams that won the Stanley Cup were built to grind down opponents over a 7 game series. Even when San Jose went up 3-0, the Kings were able to just check them into submission and come all the way back. This Kings team does not play that way, and the longer the series goes, the more it favors the other team. Sure, I could write a script where they do it again against all the odds and blah blah blah, but everything is terrible and I just want some excitement, so I’m giving this to the Kings in 4. Yeah, you read that correctly. Kings sweep Vegas in round two. Book it.

Toronto vs. Florida

In the second game of the second round, something happens in the second intermission. Down a game and trailing, a Toronto team that’s been struggling to keep up with the defending champions breaks through in that third period and never looks back. GG, Florida. Leafs in 7.

Washington vs. Carolina

Some of you may notice that I stealth edited this in, after weirdly forgetting to include it originally. This series is back and forth the entire time. Nobody has a clear advantage, beyond Washington’s power play which is really just Ovechkin on the left side. It’s not enough, and Carolina squeaks past in a series that goes 7 games.

Conference Final

Kings vs. Jets

In reality, this is where the Kings go home.

Yeah screw that. In my story, this is a seven game series. The Kings steal a game in OT, we see at least one goalie battle, but the difference comes from Los Angeles’ young players. Byfield, Fiala, Laferriere and Turcotte surprise everyone with their maturity and composure in big situations. Kopitar and Doughty have been here before, and their experience both leads the other players and neutralizes the half a step or so they’re behind due to age and injury. Kuepmer doesn’t quite give us vintage Quick, but what he does give us rhymes with vintage quick. Winnipeg fully expects to win this at home, not unreasonably. But they didn’t count on this guy over here being the writer, and the Kings win it at home in game 7, right in front of me.

Toronto vs Carolina

It’s a classic Leafs vs Whalers matchup, just like the old days of 2002! Eddie Shore! Old Time Hockey! This is the series where Auston Matthews finally gets the national and casual fan attention he has deserved his entire career. Attention that has eluded him, because, come on, it’s Toronto. The Whale does not make it easy for the Leafs to win the series in 6 games.

Stanley Cup Final

It is the match-up we have all needed since 1993: a replay of the last time the Kings and the Leafs went deep in the playoffs, only this time it’s for the Big One. Leafs Nation wants revenge for the high stick that was not called, while Los Angeles desperately needs a series win that encourages our toxic trait of pretending that never happened. The drama is off the charts for this final. It’s Canada vs. USA. It’s East vs. West. It’s The Past vs. The Future. It’s so much better than whatever is really going to happen (which to be clear will still be cool) because there is no other potential Final match-up that carries this weight. It’s a series for the ages. No game is decided by more than one goal, at least two games to to OT, including game 7. The game and series and Stanley Cup winner comes from a Kopitar snipe at the top of the left circle, short-handed.

Okay, that’s the way I want this to go. And, if we accept that there are an infinite number of potential realities, all of them just beyond our perception, this is the way it will go, in at least one of them. So maybe it’ll be this one.

What do you think? I can talk about hockey the way I can talk about Star Trek. Let’s talk about it! Who are you cheering for? Who do you want to win? Who do you think will win?

And am I the only one who feels like the Stanley Cup Playoffs are always cool, but absolutely taking a back seat to the Four Nations Tournament this year?

If you want to get these posts in your inbox, here’s the thing:

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https://wilwheaton.net/?p=9523

Posted by Wil

https://wilwheaton.net/2025/04/the-art-of-storytelling-the-obligatory-bird-nerd-nonsense-and-a-whole-lot-of-muppets-odds-n-ends-for-april-17/

https://wilwheaton.net/?p=9507

So many odds-n-ends today. Let’s get into it.

Anne and I are doing a Momentus Event together on April 27 at 10am Pacific. What is this, exactly? I’m so glad you asked.

It’s The Art of Storytelling!

Join us for an inspiring virtual event featuring creative juggernauts Anne and Wil Wheaton as they dive into the craft of storytelling, their writing processes, and the art of developing creative ideas. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a seasoned storyteller, or simply a fan of great stories, this fun discussion will provide valuable insights into the creative journey.

Anne, a lifelong rescue pet advocate, will discuss her popular children’s book “Piggy and Pug” — a heartwarming tale about the journey of Pug, who’s searching for a new family, and Piggy, who’s looking for a new friend.

Wil, a celebrated writer, actor, and geek culture icon, will talk about the process behind his best-selling annotated memoir, “Still Just A Geek,” which continues to sell out at bookstores around the world.

Upgrade your ticket to include a copy of “Piggy & Pug” by Anne Wheaton and an exclusive character enamel pin set! Meet-and-greets will include a copy of Wil’s “Still Just A Geek” while supplies last!

They’ll share their personal experiences, challenges, and successes in the writing world. They’ll discuss how to cultivate original ideas, overcome writer’s block, and craft compelling, resonant artistic ventures.

The conversation will be followed by a Q&A session, allowing attendees to ask questions and gain deeper insights from their perspectives.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an inspiring discussion about the power of stories and the creative process behind them!

Reserve your spot now and get ready to be inspired.

Some of our friends have done these events, and they tell us that they love them. We are both looking forward to hanging out. We can’t make any promises, because cats, but we’ll do our best to get Marlowe and Watson to come say hello.

I have a Patreon for my podcast, if you’d like to support the show directly and help us make more episodes. I put a whole bunch of stuff there which I didn’t feel belong in the main show feed, like my reflections on each piece and why I chose it, copies of our marked up scripts so you can see how we do it, and live chat events (like an AMA) with me to talk about the show.

And speaking of Patreon … everyone there has been super supportive of me and the podcast. They even put me on a billboard in Times Square, as part of their creators campaign!

That’s me! On a billboard! In Times Square! LOOK! My podcast and I are right there! For everyone to see! WOW!

Nothing I’ve ever done has gotten me on a billboard in Times Square. Not even Star Trek. I don’t know that it will convert a single person into a subscriber, but I feel like this is one hell of a moment to enjoy. You made it to the big city, kid!

~

I’m reposting my recent episode of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, because I talked about really important things that seem to be resonating with a lot of people. If you missed it, here it is again.

~

Someone on Bluesky showed me this picture:

And it sparked this memory:

In 1987, I was invited to do a photo shoot with Pigs In Space for Muppet Magazine, to promote The Next Generation. I put a copy of the magazine in a box of my stuff that my mom refuses to give me (I’m NC with my abusive parents). Now and then, I see this picture online and it always makes me smile.

That memory inspired me to go looking for the magazine, which is how I found out that the Muppet Wiki is a thing, and I have an entry! In that entry is a scan of the entire piece, which I was able to read for the first time in over thirty years.

Aw, Lil’ Wil! You’re awesome, kiddo. I know you don’t feel that way, and you won’t for … 40ish years, but I know you’re great, and worthy of unconditional love.

I remember when we did this, and how much I loved it. There is this moment in 1987 when I feel like everything is finally working out. I’m finally on a series, so I don’t have to go on auditions after school any more. I’m working regularly, so my mom is more calm and doesn’t heap pressure on me to support the family. I absolutely love that I am on Star Trek, a show that means so much to me. I really believe that everything is finally going to be okay. My dad will finally notice me, because I finally earned it. My mom will finally be satisfied because I’m getting all this attention.

It lasted for a little less than I year, I think, before I had to admit that my dad was still an asshole who hated me, my mother was still a bottomless pit of attention-craving neediness, and neither of them gave a shit about the work I was doing, as long as they could spend my money. It was around this time that I heard the first alt.wesley.die.die.die stuff, and the beginning of one of the darkest times in my personal life.

I try not to think about that time, and I talked about it all in Still Just A Geek, but it does occasionally surface, and writing about things is how I process and reprocess them, so.

I know most of you are appalled by these memories. Some of you reading this may be finding out for the first time that I’m an abuse survivor and have no relationship with my family (except my sister). I wrote all about this in Still Just A Geek, if you’re interested. In any case, I got better. I am better! I can revisit these moments with a distance and sense of safety that I’ve earned through years of EMDR therapy, and I want anyone else who knows the secret handshake that I am so sorry, and I see you. I hate that we are in this club, but I’m glad neither of us is alone inside it.

Okay, let’s get out of Sadtown and back to Joyville:

The wiki entry also contains this picture of Anne and me with Grover, from the time we got to go visit Sesame Street a few years ago.

I may have told this story before, but I’m going to tell it again. When we went to Sesame Street, both of us wept with joy as we were consumed by nostalgic memories. Everyone who worked there told us that happens whenever folks who grew up with Sesame Street visit.

PS fuck Trump and his thugs for going after Sesame Street. Also fuck the billionaires who could fund it for the rest of eternity without missing a penny of it, but don’t, because they didn’t learn how to share by watching Sesame Street.

Anyway.

We met Abbie, and we got to see Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. I got to meet Mister Snuffleupagus, and he gave me a hug with his trunk (more weeping). I told him that I always believed he was real, and he told me that he always believed in me, too. More weeping. Then I showed him that Big Bird gave me one of his feathers that fell off when I met him. So Snuffy picked up a couple of his little feathers and gave them to me to keep with Big Bird’s feather. He said, “best friends should always be together,” and that’s when I looked at Anne, who was weeping, and told him, “We always are.”

We walked over to Mister Hooper’s store, next, and while we were looking around, the man who is Grover came over and introduced himself. He asked me if I wanted to meet Grover.

Y’all, Grover is my favorite Muppet, just barely sneaking past Gonzo. Lovable, furry old Grover, who always tries to do the right thing, who is easily frightened, who is so excited about everything all the time, is pretty much who I was when I was a little kid. Hell, it’s pretty much who I am now. I heavily identified with him. I can’t remember if I squeaked or what, but I said yes and before I knew it, I WAS TALKING TO GROVER. (And weeping with joy).

I … just totally forgot that there was a person there, and after a minutes, I asked Grover if I could have a hug. He said yes, put his arms around me, and then I hugged the hell out of Grover (or a guy’s arm, if you want to spoil the magic of the moment). I felt all the feelings. This was during the first Trump regime, when we had no idea how bad it would become, or that this idiot country would elect him on purpose again. I remember how scared we were, how the world felt as uncertain as it does now, only it was kind of new to feel that uncertainty, and I think all the things that Trump triggers in survivors just came up to the surface while I was hugged by a character I have loved my whole life.

I hugged him so tightly, and I could feel my tears on his fur. Grover said, “You give very good, very strong hugs, Mister Wil Wheaton,” and I said “it’s because I love you so much, Grover, and I had no idea how much I needed this.”

I have a picture of me giving him a hug that Anne took. It’s in a frame with Snuffy’s and Big Bird’s feathers.

Wow, I haven’t thought about that in a long time, and I feel all of it in my body. That’s wild.

~

Okay, one last thing before I get to the last thing.

My evolution from mostly-normal person to very weird Bird Nerd continues. The vast majority of birds in my yard are finches. There are the occasional Cowbirds and White Crowned Sparrows, a pair of Doves who really love the patio next to Anne’s art studio, but it’s mostly Finchburg, USA.

Yesterday, a Black-Headed Grosbeak showed up and posed for the most amazing picture.

Aren’t they beautiful? I hope they come back and bring their friends.

The last thing, as always, is a collection of links to get It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton.

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Thanks for spending some time with me today, and thank you to everyone who is spreading the word about the podcast. We’re growing slowly, adding new listeners every day, and I know that’s largely because y’all are talking about it with your friends and family. I do not take that for granted, and I am grateful. Come on over and leave a comment; I enjoy interacting with y’all.

https://wilwheaton.net/2025/04/the-art-of-storytelling-the-obligatory-bird-nerd-nonsense-and-a-whole-lot-of-muppets-odds-n-ends-for-april-17/

https://wilwheaton.net/?p=9507