Hockey Hockey Hockey 2011

It is that time of the year where the seasons change and we get to look forward to hockey season. I picked up my Abbotsford Heat Seasons Tickets tonight and next Friday October 14th is the home opener. There has been a number of changes with the team this year including new coaches and a new president along with some new players. The new president is Ryan Walter and it is interesting to listen to Ryan speak and listen to his passion about the game. A nice little bonus I picked up at the event this evening was a door prize. Kinda a large door prize….

There are 17 packets of coffee, two large cans of coffee, a glass mug, a travel mug and a metal coffee storage container.

Pretty nice surprise and I have a really nice basket which I think I might use for picnics.

Anyone up for a picnic!

Abbotsford Heat Hockey

Another good game tonight, played Hamilton Bulldogs, Montreal’s farm team. Pretty close game with chances at both ends and some big hits. I am still enjoying AHL hockey and find the level of play is still keeping me interested. Not to many nights do we see a bad or boring game. It is interesting to see how some players are developing and see them move up to the big teams. Even had an Elvis sighting tonight.

 

Elvis Sighting

 

 

Got My Seat

Well I did it. Nothing spectacular really I renewed my Abbotsford Heat seasons tickets and upgraded my seats from the Red section to the Gold seats. As I was looking at the material concerning my season tickets it indicated 39 home games when the team normally plays 40 home games. I asked my ticket rep about the extra game and it turns out Abbotsford will play one ‘home’ game in Calgary. Now I have not heard this officially but as Calgary is playing an outdoor game in February it makes sense that Abby play outdoors as well. I am not saying that this is the plan but it does seem logical and Abbotsford will be playing a game in Calgary….

Either way I am going to Calgary for the Abbotsford game and plan on attending the Flames outdoor game as well. Road trip!

What the Heck is Happening

It is my favourite time of year, the weather is getting nicer, the days are getting longer and of course hockey playoffs are in full swing. As an added bonus the Abbotsford Heat, one of the new American Hockey League teams is in the AHL playoff race. As I am a season ticket holder I got to enjoy Abbotsford’s first full season of hockey and now hope to enjoy some playoff hockey in person.

Normally I look forward to watching a bunch of hockey as there are games every night but for some reason life has decided to interfere with my hockey enjoyment and almost a week into the first round and I have only seen parts of a couple of games. What gives doesn’t the world know I am in hockey mode, at least this week I will get to see three Abbotsford Heat games but it is not looking good for me to enjoy watching many games on TV. Too much on my plate at the moment and no end in sight. I think I need to find a cubbyhole to go hide for a bit. Oh well I will enjoy what I can when I can.

Molson Canadian Hockey House

It just seems like yesterday but it was a week ago on Saturday February 13th where I found myself wandering downtown Vancouver taking in the sights and sounds of the Olympics. The plan was to wander until about 3pm then head to Molson Canadian Hockey House to watch Canada’s Women’s hockey team take on Slovakia. After the game I was to enjoy Barenaked Ladies no they were wearing clothes, yes really I am telling you the truth. :-)  I had decided to get a VIP pass to enjoy some extra hospitality and I am glad I did as I was sitting right in front of the stage and the service was very good. As soon as I found my seat I was approached by one of the many servers who introduced herself as Emily and a beer appeared in front of me almost instantly. During the night it seemed anytime I was thinking I was thirsty there was Emily with another drink for me. Very impressed with the service and attention to detail.

After about an hour I noticed a commotion behind me and turned around to see the Premier of British Columbia  Gordon Campbell going through shaking hands. Later I noticed a lot of flashes going off and I turned to see none other than The Great One Wayne Gretzky entering and sitting 10 feet away from me. He stayed for a little while and then exited to another large cheer and many cameras going off. Being a VIP is pretty damn cool, you never know who you are going to see. The concert started about 9:30 and went to about 11:15pm with the guys playing some of their new stuff and of course the hits. I am not sure who was having more fun, the capacity crowd or the Ladies but they definitely put on a great show. Very unforgettable experience and a great way to enjoy the Olympics. Pictures coming soon.

And Now They Begin

I just finished watching the Vancouver Winter Olympic Opening Ceremonies. I was quite impressed with the sets and the performers. I kinda felt a sensory overload during a couple of the performances or would you call them stories? I am not sure what it was like for those in attendance but I certainly felt a great sense of pride as the performances unfolded. I must admit I was impressed that such an eclectic group was selected to bring in the Olympics Flag, I did get a little emotional when I saw Bobby Orr walking in with the flag. The best kept secret and the most speculated event was the lighting of the Olympic Flame. For me the choice was obvious and when I saw Rick Hansen wheel up the ramp I knew the last one to touch the flame would be The Great One, Wayne Gretzky. To have those great athletes together was a really nice tribute to their accomplishments and it was a great way to open what has been a huge undertaking to plan and implement.

Tomorrow, Saturday I am heading downtown Vancouver to visit some of the pavilions and attend some of the free events. Later in the day I will be front and centre at Molson Canadian Hockey House to watch Canada’s Women’s Hockey team take on Slovakia and after the game will be entertained by the Barenaked Ladies and no they will be wearing clothes, I am referring to the band. I am certainly very excited for the upcoming events and am a very proud Canadian.