CAPS Convention

I'm taking full benefit from the day off school today by finally taking pictures off my camera. Hopefully I'll get back into regular-ish blogging now.

Saturday my dad and I went to the Washington Capitals convention in DC. Adam was busy but he lovingly gave us his Geico early entrance passes, which included autograph session tickets. So we got down there around 9:30 and took in the sights.

There was the Alumni panel, talking about playing in the alumni game the night before.

Mike Gartner, Rod Langway, and Yvon Labre

Peter Bondra and some other alumni I'm too young to remember

 Dad made sure to get Mike Gartner's autograph on an old poster.

 

Dad said "I cried like a baby the day you were traded" to which Gartner responded "Me too".

Lots and Lots of memorabelia for sale.

The Veznia Trophy (which my beloved Olie won 2 times :))

Performances by the Red Rockers (I still don't know why hockey needs cheerleaders... but the 2 we rode with on the metro were really nice)

Appearances by Adam's two favorite CAPS personalities: Slapshot, the mascot, and Wes, the stadium announcer.

Discussion panel with Ted Leonsis, owner. It was moderated by LaVar Arrington (former Redskin).

And of course the Autograph session. There were 4 tables, and 4 sessions. We chose a time, were assigned a table, and the players were left as a surprise until after we were already in line.
Speaking of the line- people were lined up an hour before the session started, and I thought well 30 minutes ahead should be fine. I was so wrong. The line stretched from the middle of the room to one wall and, after I was in line, began wrapping around and basically doubled.

 At my table were Matt Hendricks #26 (one of the starting lineup) and two newer players who may or may not be sent back down to Hershey.

Of course it was a fun time, a bit too many people for my liking, but there was a great energy in the room and I am so excited for the start of the season!

And now for Adam's favor from the day: His Slapshot jersey signed by some important non-players.

Top Left: Wes the announcer. Bottom: Slapshot; Top Right: Ted Leonsis, owner; Middle: Craig Laughlin, former CAP, TV announcer

*Side note about Craig- He is a SUPER ANNOYING TV announcer. He may be by far the former player I hate most (well besides Jagr, But I'll pretend his season didn't happen). Here's a link to the a clip of his announcing.*

Here's to a great upcoming season!

Happy New Year!

I spent my new year waking up at 5am to drive up to Pittsburgh for the Winter Classic. There were some worries that the game would be delayed or canceled because of the rain that was coming. It was supposed to start at 1 and was pushed back to 8pm.
We got up there earlier than expected and were actually able to check in right away. Kara and Megan took power naps while I read my Kindle and we then went to lunch at Jerome Bettis' Grill 36 and walked around downtown Pittsburgh.

After that we went back to the hotel, took another power nap, and got dressed in our layers for the game.

I was expecting freezing temperatures and snow and was shocked that it was actually 55degrees outside. So I took one less layer, and slipped the poncho in my purse and headed out to the game. Good thing I did because it started raining in the 2nd Period.

The game was good, the seats should have been awesome, the view left a lot to be desired.

 

I'm glad I had the experience, but I don't think I'll be fighting to get tickets again. Thankfully when I got home the game was replayed in HD on NHL Network. I was finally able to see the goals.
All in all it was a fun trip and I'm glad I got to go I just wish I had a few more days of winter break left before going back to work. Oh well- It'll be nice to see all the kiddos again.