Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I haven't written for a while, but I've been pretty busy at work and outside of work. On Friday night, I found out that everything was set up for me to have a press pass for Saturday's game at Staples Center. This was exciting, but a bit crazy, since Saturday's game was at 1 and we figured that I wouldn't have a press pass for that, since I hadn't heard anything yet. Fortunately, David's dad was able to join him for the game, so I didn't abandon him.

I was surprised by some of the differences between the Wachovia Center and Staples Center press areas. I was lucky enough to have a couple of guys who work for the NHL take me under their wing and show me where the press room was so I could get some lunch. From there, I figured everything out on my own and it worked out well.

The press box in Staples Center is freezing. It wasn't too surprising to me, since our seats (in the 300 level) are much colder than seats closer to the ice (because of the air conditioning), but I still wish it were a bit warmer.

I got to see Rick Kehoe (now a scout for the NY Rangers) and catch up with him a bit, too, which was nice. He and dad haven't kept in touch for years and I'm sure he didn't remember me from college (the last time I was at his house for a Stanley Cup party). It was also nice to be able to take notes on my laptop rather than using a pen and notepad from my regular seats. I could look up facts at the game during a commercial break rather than waiting to get home after the game. Very convenient. I'll still be in my normal seats for most of the games, but it'll be nice to take advantage of the press pass from time to time throughout the rest of the season.

Have a safe & happy Thanksgiving!

Labels: hockey, holiday, Kings, life, NHL

Posted by Kat @ 3:29 PM | 0 meows

Philadelphia and Beyond
I had a great trip in Philly, in spite of the wind. When we first got there, it was warm and I was thrilled that there was no wind. Of course, that didn't last.

I had a great time with Eklund getting my first press pass and being shown around the Wachovia Center. I really do hope the Flyers fans appreciate how lucky they are to have such a wonderful arena. The HD screens, the huge bar (complete with band after the game), the stats they show every time a player scores a goal... It was really great to see an arena that cares as much about their hockey fans (more, actually, from what I hear) as they do about their basketball team. The fans definitely back their team, though. In spite of how badly they lost to the Penguins and how poorly they're doing this year, the fans that stayed for the whole game continued to cheer for their team. In LA, the team would have been booed, which is pretty sad. The Flyers fans didn't boo their team till the end of the game.

On Sunday, we got to see Amber, Matt, Becki, Neale, & Rowan for a late breakfast at our hotel. It was so good to meet Matt and see everyone else. Rowan is growing so fast and she's totally adorable! The only bummer about being in California is being far away from friends and family (especially those with kids).

As if all of this wasn't enough, we flew home first class. Great ending to a wonderful trip in NYC & Philadelphia!

Since I've been home, there hasn't been much time to relax. There were Kings games Monday and Wednesday and Tuesday was Halloween. It was great to see the Penguins again - Malkin is really amazing. Unfortunately, Kopitar (the best Kings rookie) probably won't be the number one rookie for long, even though Malkin has played 9 fewer games. I can't wait to see the Pens again on Monday as they beat the Ducks (and, of course, see them play the Sharks on TV Saturday).

After the Pens/Kings game last night, I was on XM radio, which was pretty cool. I don't think I did too well, since they asked some questions I really didn't anticipate. Eklund said I did okay, though, so it's probably not too bad. He's sending me the mp3, so I guess I'll see at some point, though I've never liked my speaking voice on tape...

Hopefully, I can get my press pass soon so that I can get information a bit faster for my XM radio and Hockey Buzz commentaries. Now, I really do need to get an XM radio so that I can listen to the show when other people are on. Besides, it'd be great to have an XM radio for many of the other stations, the NHL and MLB games, etc.

Labels: hockey, life, NHL, Philadelphia

Posted by Kat @ 9:45 PM | 3 meows