The playoffs start this week, so males interested in hockey have to ask themselves: Should I grow a Stanley Cup beard?

And how will you distinguish yourself from hipsters and colorful rustics just down from the mountain?

You will have to figure that out on your own. But I can help on another front.

Suppose someone says, "Hey, what's with the face fur? You don't live in an NHL city."

You can note that 100 years ago Spokane had a team -- the Canaries -- that played for one season in the Pacific Coast Hockey Association. The champion of the PCHA then played the champion of a league back East, with the winner taking the Cup.

Alas, the Canaries did not win the PCHA title in their one season. But they might have.

And hey, it's been 100 years.

Beards have been started for worse reasons. 

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