Carolina to begin 2010-11 season in Finland

[The Rock]

"In other news, a league executive confirmed that Columbus, Boston, Minnesota, San Jose, Phoenix and Carolina will be the six teams that start next season in Europe."

link (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/12/15/board_of_govenors_bettman/)

Start saving up funds for a road trip folks. I'd assume we're a strong bet for games in Helsinki.

[livinthedream]

Okay, stop teasing me.

My imagination is already running rampant. Imagine three Finns from the Hurricanes versus three Finns from the Wild in Helsinki.

And the preseason is during my son's school trackout.

I'm already getting all tingly with anticipation.

[ButtersSaysNo]

I wonder when they will announce where in Europe. We were going to do a winter "warm trip" in 2010 and a winter "cold trip" in 2011. We now have those on hold until we get more info on this.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Okay, stop teasing me.

My imagination is already running rampant. Imagine three Finns from the Hurricanes versus three Finns from the Wild in Helsinki.

And the preseason is during my son's school trackout.

I'm already getting all tingly with anticipation.

When I saw the 6 teams I was thinking like you, opponent and where. I think you make a lot of sense in your running rampant imagination. LOL

[c-girl]

I have a passport and I know how to use it. :lol:

We're planning to visit my sister in Germany some time next summer. We might have to push that trip back to the fall.

Question - of all the teams that have played in Europe, have any of them done group trips for fans?

[SC06]

It's on beyotches...

Attn: Canes Marketing Department...put a package together!

[nccanes]

I think I will be very tempted to go.


And the preseason is during my son's school trackout.



Isn't it regular season as opposed to pre-season?

[ButtersSaysNo]

I think I will be very tempted to go.



Isn't it regular season as opposed to pre-season?

yes, regular season games.

[livinthedream]

Oh.

Still going. Education is so overrated.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Oh.

Still going. Education is so overrated.

Europe is much older then America, sooooooooooooooo by going to Europe you are studying history and last time I looked history is part of education. :D

[caneshockeychick]

So, if I stop eating and drinking, I think I might be able to swing this :lol:

[c-girl]

Europe is much older then America, sooooooooooooooo by going to Europe you are studying history and last time I looked history is part of education. :D


And don't forget geography, PE, aviation and math (goals, penalty minutes).

[Canesluver]

That's pretty cool news. We'd been talking about going to Germany at the end of September for our "summer" vacation.... but... with that news, we might just push it farther-out, once we know where they'd actually be playing. Might need to get a Eurail pass! :D

[caneshockeychick]

Anybody have a guesstimate on how much this would cost?

[c-girl]

Lots. :)

CL, what are air fares to Europe running these days? We haven't been to Europe since 2005.

[ButtersSaysNo]

From SJ website:

The Sharks are one of six NHL teams that might be starting the 2010-11 season in Europe.

Sharks CEO Greg Jamison confirmed Tuesday that the Sharks are under consideration as the NHL looks to expand its European presence. For the past two seasons, four teams have opened the season across the Atlantic Ocean.

"We've definitely had discussions with the league concerning going to Europe," Jamison said. "It's not completely finished yet, but we have been asked, and we're leaning towards it. There are still some things to work out."

Other teams reportedly on the list are the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, Phoenix Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes. The league is looking into returning to Finland and Sweden, with Germany seen as another possibility.

The league was exploring the possibility of six teams playing in Europe last October, including the Sharks. But San Jose chose not to participate, with general manager Doug Wilson saying the extra travel during an Olympic year with a compressed schedule was a problem.

[caneshockeychick]

Just played around on priceline and flight + hotel for Helsinki, Fri-Sat, 1st weekend of Oct, is around $1000+ but no more than $1500, per person

Of course, I'll be job hunting so maybe I'll stay a bit longer :lol:


JK!!!

[ButtersSaysNo]

IF Hurricanes go, for me:

#1 choice - Finland

#2 choice - Germany

#3 choice - Sweden

[caneshockeychick]

^Agree!!!

[kermelbar]

So, if I stop eating and drinking, I think I might be able to swing this :lol:

And I'd be skinny and could pack fewer/smaller clothes that might actually fit into a carry-on and I wouldn't have to pay any checked baggage surcharge! :laugh:

[livinthedream]

Oh.

Still going. Education is so overrated.

Yep, y'all got it, by "education" I meant "Wake County Public School System."

;)

[SoCalcaniac]

Yep, I'm down with this, and my choices would be Finland/Sweden/Germany

On the question about teams that went over doing "fan packages" the answer is yes- Penguins did a package for their fans, which included a session with their broadcast team - a Q&A type deal with Mike Lange & Phil Bourque on the radio side; and they contracted with a tour company to do things on the off days, so you'd have a guide. When the Kings and Ducks went to London, we have friends who are Kings STHers and they did a full on package for "STHers" w/ a bunch of perks (a meet & greet with Luc Robataille the night they arrived in London) and then they did a travel package in conjunction with the Ducks so people could save money.

I'd hope if we do go over, there would be a package of some sort to encourage a group get together, and the option to go out on your own. It'd be very neat for the Canes fans & org to have a great presence in Eurorpe.

[caneshockeychick]

And I'd be skinny and could pack fewer/smaller clothes that might actually fit into a carry-on and I wouldn't have to pay any checked baggage surcharge! :laugh:

Dang!!! Hadn't thought about that. Oh...this is going to be awesome!!! :lol:

[ButtersSaysNo]

Yep, I'm down with this, and my choices would be Finland/Sweden/Germany

On the question about teams that went over doing "fan packages" the answer is yes- Penguins did a package for their fans, which included a session with their broadcast team - a Q&A type deal with Mike Lange & Phil Bourque on the radio side; and they contracted with a tour company to do things on the off days, so you'd have a guide. When the Kings and Ducks went to London, we have friends who are Kings STHers and they did a full on package for "STHers" w/ a bunch of perks (a meet & greet with Luc Robataille the night they arrived in London) and then they did a travel package in conjunction with the Ducks so people could save money.

I'd hope if we do go over, there would be a package of some sort to encourage a group get together, and the option to go out on your own. It'd be very neat for the Canes fans & org to have a great presence in Eurorpe.

Odds on Canes organization FUBARing it? 2:1, 50/50? LOL Should we have a great presence in Europe too? ;)

[KaniacFever]

Guess I'll start saving my money now.

My choices would be Finland, Germany, Swedan.

I should put Germany first since we've got a friend living in Germany so free place to stay. But I've always wanted to go to Finland, well always since we got the Finns on the team :lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

I'd hope if we do go over, there would be a package of some sort to encourage a group get together, and the option to go out on your own. It'd be very neat for the Canes fans & org to have a great presence in Eurorpe.


Odds on Canes organization FUBARing it? 2:1, 50/50? LOL Should we have a great presence in Europe too? ;)

Who knows what the odds are, it's the Canes after all. As for the typo, I thought I did pretty well, considering I was reading everyone's posts and typing my reply while I was standing in line holding my handbag a handcart and typing on my phone in Ulta.

[Kat]

Who knows what the odds are, it's the Canes after all. As for the typo, I thought I did pretty well, considering I was reading everyone's posts and typing my reply while I was standing in line holding my handbag a handcart and typing on my phone in Ulta.

Oh, so that was YOU in my way!! :lol:

(JK)

[ButtersSaysNo]

Who knows what the odds are, it's the Canes after all. As for the typo, I thought I did pretty well, considering I was reading everyone's posts and typing my reply while I was standing in line holding my handbag a handcart and typing on my phone in Ulta.

LOL

[caneshockeychick]

Who knows what the odds are, it's the Canes after all. As for the typo, I thought I did pretty well, considering I was reading everyone's posts and typing my reply while I was standing in line holding my handbag a handcart and typing on my phone in Ulta.


:laugh:


WTG SoCal!!!

[ButtersSaysNo]

Looks like last yr it was mid-Feb when the NHL officially announced the teams, dates, etc. for Europe. I hope it is not that long this yr. It is already hard to remain productive at work with it getting close to the holidays, now with this to think about and pseudo-plan, I am almost ready to throw in the towel in regards of being productive these last 6 work days. :)

[Canesluver]

Lots. :)

CL, what are air fares to Europe running these days? We haven't been to Europe since 2005.

Fares totally depend on what city you fly into, and how early you can book the flights.

Finland and Sweden are definitely going to be more expensive, than say--- England or France, for example. If the games are in Central Europe, where it's not that far to travel from country-to-country, you might be able to save some money by flying into a really major aiport, like Paris, and then take a train from there.

I think you'd need to budget a minimum of $1K for airline tickets, but you could luck-out and just happen to look at the right time, on the right day, and end-up with a sale of $600-- you never know. I think that whoever above said $1k-1.5K is a good estimate for Northern Europe.

As far as lodging -- that's going to be all over the place, pricewise, based on your personal tastes. We've traveled a lot in Europe staying in smaller inns/B&Bs/Guest Houses. We've done it not just to save money, but also because the service is more personal and you actually get to meet local people (which we enjoy). One thing to also remember about traveling in Europe, is that no matter where you stay, breakfast is almost always included in the price of your room-- from fancy hotels to simple B&B's-- so that's a money saver, when it comes to meals.

For a couple..... including airfare, meals, tickets, lodging...... I think you'd have to budget at least $4000, maybe?

[caneshockeychick]

Well I've quite possibly got a group of 8 wanting in on this deal. w00t!!!!

[toastmasterbone]

So, if I stop eating and drinking, I think I might be able to swing this :lol:

If I keep drinking, I might convince myself to go. College savings for my son? What college savings?

[SC06]

If I keep drinking, I might convince myself to go. College savings for my son? What college savings?

Just tell him he should have studied harder and gotten a scholarship.

[Jay]

My ex-girlfriend is in Finland, and would put me up/show me around. It'd be difficult to say no if we got the Finland; or hell; even the Sweden game.

[c-girl]

Confirmation by the organization:

General Manager Jim Rutherford today confirmed a report by Sportsnet (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/12/15/board_of_govenors_bettman/) stating that the Hurricanes are one of a handful of teams that are seriously considering beginning their season in Europe next season.

More here:
http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=510110

[caneshockeychick]

Vacation savings account started today :D

[ButtersSaysNo]

arena where the game in Helsinki was played last year.

http://www.hartwall-areena.com/

It is north of downtown Helsinki, but can take the rail to the arena from downtown.

[caneshockeychick]

Oh please...please...please let us play in Finland!!!

[SC06]

Somebody tell JR to make Finland our sticking point in the negotiations.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Somebody tell JR to make Finland our sticking point in the negotiations.

I think like LTD said, we have 3 Finns, Wild has 3 Finns, would ensure success of the games in Finland if they select those 2 teams.

Remember now, they play 2 games so folks need to budget for tix to 2 games, not just 1.

Avg temp in Helsinki that time of yr is around 45 degrees.

[nccanes]

Wonder how many travel agencies are clamoring to GFH today wanting to pitch travel packages....or maybe the league dictates that.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Minn and Canes - 3 Finns up with big team
Coyotes - 2 Finns
Boston - 1 Finn

Columbus has 4 Swedes, they would make sense to go to Sweden

[SC06]

Can you tell that Butters and I want to go?

[caneshockeychick]

^ummmmm yeah....me too :D

I've been giddy as a I don't know what since I saw your FB post this morning. LOL

[ButtersSaysNo]

Can you tell that Butters and I want to go?

When it comes to travel planning/research I get about as nerdy as one can get. Normally a good thing I guess as I don't think SC06 really has had too many complaints about the places we stay, eat, etc.

Dang straight I want to go. I already started working on a list of potential places to stay, eat, etc. LOL.

I am going to do all of this pseudo-planning for Helsinki and then it will turn out Canes end up playing in another European country.

[StormChaserBH]

Chip's Canes Now blog specifically mentions Finland. Too lazy to link cause I'm late for a meeting.... bye! ;)

[livinthedream]

^ Link (http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/canes-could-be-in-2010-nhl-premiere)

Minn and Canes - 3 Finns up with big team

And all 6 should be on the Team Finland Olympic roster health permitting, so they're all stars and huge draws.

Oh I am so there. But y'all knew that already. :lol:

[Canesluver]

Even if it doesn't end-up happening, it's nice little distraction while we suck.

:smoke:

And it's not a done deal, so the words, "considering" or "maybe" should be added to the thread title-- shouldn't it?

[nccanes]

Even if it doesn't end-up happening, it's nice little distraction while we suck.


:laugh::laugh:

I would have argued that JR would go to Europe kicking and screaming, UNTIL Compuware was the lead sponsor of the Euro games this season. So I figure it's a lot more likely.

[c-girl]

Maybe Tuomo will invite us all to his family sauna. :D Heck, I'll even chop the wood.

[Canesluver]

I would have argued that JR would go to Europe kicking and screaming, UNTIL Compuware was the lead sponsor of the Euro games this season. So I figure it's a lot more likely.

Yeah--- I know for sure I remember seeing him quoted and also on TV as saying playing over-seas isn't something he'd ever be interested in doing, so I find this announcement surprising.

[caneshockeychick]

After watching The Amazing Race...think there are Sauna Buses in Finland? Where was it they were at that the one team had to go on that?

[Canesluver]

Maybe Tuomo will invite us all to his family sauna. :D Heck, I'll even chop the wood.

You aren't the woman at the STH Party, in-line at Ruutu's table, happily telling anyone who would listen that you can count to 100 and know all the colors in Finn, are you????!! ;)

:laugh:


^ I think the Sauna bus was Sweden, wasn't it? (can't remember)

[nccanes]

After watching The Amazing Race...think there are Sauna Buses in Finland? Where was it they were at that the one team had to go on that?

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:


edit: I looked it up - it was Estonia (of all places)....so SURELY Finland has sauna buses. YOu first chc! :lol:

[ButtersSaysNo]

Yeah--- I know for sure I remember seeing him quoted and also on TV as saying playing over-seas isn't something he'd ever be interested in doing, so I find this announcement surprising.

I think his mind may have changed when the Commish made the the comment a few weeks ago that every team is going to have to bite the bullet at some point and go.

[Greensboro Hurricanes]

Yuck. I always try and go to the first game. I've been to every opening night except for the very first one in 1997 in Tampa.

That's only taken me to Boston, Tampa and Sunrise. I hope they offer travel packages with quadruple occupancy, because I'm sure that's gonna be an expensive trip.

[KaniacFever]

I usually pay off credit cards with my tax refund. I guess that along with my bonus is going to have to go towards the Helsinki fund :lol:

If it is Helsinki, i'm going to do everything I can to go. The boyfriend wants Germany, but he's already been there, so I told him that's stupid. He just wants the free room/board.

[c-girl]

You aren't the woman at the STH Party, in-line at Ruutu's table, happily telling anyone who would listen that you can count to 100 and know all the colors in Finn, are you????!! ;)

:laugh:





Nope, wasn't me. :lol: I didn't even go to the STH party this year. LTD used my tickets.

[livinthedream]

AND FOR THE RECORD... :lol:


No, it wasn't me either. I just asked him if he'd seen the Jussi So Sexy sign. To which he gave me a very big laugh. Then he complimented my picture (which was one of the three Finns from the RBCC tailgate), and I smiled and said, "Yeah, I've been known to take a picture or two." To which he gave me another very big laugh.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

We're in....I don't care where it is.

This was supposed to be the two years of no vacations in order to pay down some student loans....and now I'm POSTING THIS from Disney World, planning a March trip to Denver, and NOW we're talking overseas hockey?!?! Should have known that wouldn't work.:lol:


edit: I looked it up - it was Estonia (of all places)....so SURELY Finland has sauna buses. YOu first chc! :lol:

LOL, we just saw a travel show on Estonia and it made me want to go there and to Finland more than ever!

[caneshockeychick]

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:


edit: I looked it up - it was Estonia (of all places)....so SURELY Finland has sauna buses. YOu first chc! :lol:


No problem ;):smoke:. If the dad and son team could do it, I can do it too. Good practice should I ever get to do Amazing Race :lol:

[NCCaniac42]

After watching The Amazing Race...think there are Sauna Buses in Finland? Where was it they were at that the one team had to go on that?

I will hunt one down myself. I love Sauna!!!

[NCCaniac42]

You aren't the woman at the STH Party, in-line at Ruutu's table, happily telling anyone who would listen that you can count to 100 and know all the colors in Finn, are you????!! ;)

:laugh:


That was me, and I am quite proud of my Finnish Heritage. My mother's family is from Lapland (Paternal Grandmother) and From the Turku area. So I am very proud that I am learning to speak a language that is considered one of the HARDEST languages in the world to learn.

[ButtersSaysNo]

My guess is that the games would be on Oct 1st and 2nd (Fri and Sat) if it follows last year pattern.

[Canesluver]

And... that's only 2 and 3 days after my BIG birthday next year!! ;)

[ButtersSaysNo]

We think what we would do depending on IF Canes get selected for Finland, we would likely only spend the day before games and days of games in Helsinki and then we would go somewhere else in Europe for 2-3 days before heading back.

[caveman]

Man. This would be so awesome to see in person, but I'll settle for being STOKED LIKE NOBODY'S BUSINESS that it's happening at all. Should be a lot of fun.

[RangersCanesFan]

When the Rangers opened in Prague in 08-09, the team did run a package. There were several levels of what you would get from airfare/games/hotel to all-inclusive with meals, plus meeting Rosen/Micheletti, etc.

My memory could be wrong, but I tend to remember something around $1650/pp for the basic, and $2500/pp for the all-inclusive. Of course, that was flying out of Kennedy, and the games were Saturday/Sunday. The trip was over Thursday night into Friday morning (if you've ever traveled to Europe, you need a good 3-4 hours once you get to the hotel to recover from the jet lag) to Monday morning. They didn't give a lot of time to see Prague at all, especially if you did the all-inclusive, because the "events" took up the down time.

Looking into it on my own, the price got a little cheaper, but not much.

Y'all might want to see if 25+ could do it as a group without the 'Canes travel agency and you drove to BWI. It would probably be substantially cheaper and you might be able to get a day on both sides of the games. That was the biggest turnoff to the Ranger Prague package. Plus, when I looked into possibly going to Germany "last minute" in 2006 for the World Cup, it was substantially less than $1650/pp for five days.

[nccanes]

Thanks for the info RCF!

Maybe they'll offer a "land package" only so people can build the rest of their own trip.

[SoCalcaniac]

Yeah, great info, and I really do hope they have an agency that pulls something together that would make sense for a lot of people to try and go over. We'd like to do the trip related to the games, and if they do pregames we'd like to do that, but we'd also like to do some off day traveling and touring type stuff after or in between games, if that's possible.

This is exciting- and wouldn't it be great if there is a large group of Canes fans that make the trek over?

[ButtersSaysNo]

Yeah, great info, and I really do hope they have an agency that pulls something together that would make sense for a lot of people to try and go over. We'd like to do the trip related to the games, and if they do pregames we'd like to do that, but we'd also like to do some off day traveling and touring type stuff after or in between games, if that's possible.

This is exciting- and wouldn't it be great if there is a large group of Canes fans that make the trek over?

I think the ONE thing the Canes organization MUST DO is something with game tix. If it is the Wild vs Canes with 6 Finns out there on the ice, will be a tough ticket and would be easier and likely cheaper if the Canes were able to sell tix in a group.

[RangersCanesFan]

I think the ONE thing the Canes organization MUST DO is something with game tix. If it is the Wild vs Canes with 6 Finns out there on the ice, will be a tough ticket and would be easier and likely cheaper if the Canes were able to sell tix in a group.

Tampa and the Rangers had tickets alotted to them, albeit not many, maybe 200/400 per game/per "home" team. Ranger STH did get priority on the travel packages. I doubt the packages sold out, but the games did. I think the tickets that Tampa and the Rangers didn't distribute or sell, went back to Prague to sell directly.

One of the games was a Lightning "home" game, and they got a few more tickets. The next game was a Ranger "home" game, and they had a few more tickets.

That was part of the hook to buy the packages, that the tickets were included. They weren't just going to sell tickets up front. I'm pretty sure though, that the Rangers did start selling a few tickets only nearer to the end of summer when it was clear the packages weren't going to sell out.

One thing I would advise -- get or update a passport now if you intend to go. Also, I saw someone might have wanted to go to Estonia as well. Check and see if they require a visa. I can't remember if they are an EU nation or not, if they are, the visa isn't necessary.

[caveman]

I went to Estonia and Finland a few years ago and didn't need any special visas. If you plan to stop over in St. Petersburg (Russia; recommended, it's pretty awesome) then you need to definitely start looking into those visas now.

[Alicia]

If it is the Wild vs CanesLooks like that's the deal...in Finland!

[ButtersSaysNo]

"Before I get to today's news, according to league sources, it is "highly likely" that the Wild will open the 2010-11 season in Helsinki, Finland. It's not finalized yet, but it's very close, sources say.

The Wild has Finns Mikko Koivu, Antti Miettinen and Niklas Backstrom; the Hurricanes have Koivu's good pal, Tuomo Ruutu, Joni Pitkanen and Jussi Jokinen.

When I gave Koivu the news this morning, he smiled brightly and gave me a fist pump. I'll have Koivu's quotes in tomorrow's paper, as well as more details about how this works."

[livinthedream]

BTW, Butters' quote above is from Michael Russo (http://www.startribune.com/blogs/79545012.html) from Minny Star-Tribune.

Had another conversation about this with Mr. LTD this morning, just to make sure he has no doubt that I'm dead serious.

[caniac369]

Well I've quite possibly got a group of 8 wanting in on this deal. w00t!!!!

Add me to the list!! Holy crap this would be so freaking cool!! :D

[ButtersSaysNo]

BTW, Butters' quote above is from Michael Russo (http://www.startribune.com/blogs/79545012.html) from Minny Star-Tribune.

Had another conversation about this with Mr. LTD this morning, just to make sure he has no doubt that I'm dead serious.

Thanks, did not know where the comment came from, I just had found the blurb I had posted.

[livinthedream]

LOL I was reading it while you were posting.

And I walked upstairs to tell Mr. LTD this latest development, to which he said "Yeah, I already know. You're dead serious."

Just trying to make sure there is no ambiguity.

[ButtersSaysNo]

LOL I was reading it while you were posting.

And I walked upstairs to tell Mr. LTD this latest development, to which he said "Yeah, I already know. You're dead serious."

Just trying to make sure there is no ambiguity.

SC06 and I are already on the "same page." :laugh:

[rosey12]

I will figure out a way to be there. Next year is birthday #30 for me....I can't think of a better present. :)

[nccanes]

I'm wrapping up my work day and have some time to kill before I go directly to pick up kids so....

Helsinki Avg Temps for Oct
Average High Temperature 46 °F
Average Low Temperature 36 °F

Heslinki Avg Temps for Sept
Average High Temperature 56 °F
Average Low Temperature 43 °F

Date Sunrise Sunset
Oct 1, 2010 7:25 AM 6:54 PM

[SC06]

Well damn...no Rosetta Stone for Finnish.

[livinthedream]

I know, it's a shame. I actually checked into it once (hard to believe, huh?) and I understand that there's not a lot of demand for folks to learn Finnish as a second language because most Finns speak English rather fluently.

Bummer.

We'll just need to get NC42 to help us with some tutorials before we head over.

Or if we knew where to find any Finns around here perhaps they could help us.

[nccanes]

most Finns speak English rather fluently.


Well there you go. No need. :lol:

[livinthedream]

I was going to say "most Finns not named Joni", but I thought that would be mean.

;)

[SoCalcaniac]

I was going to say "most Finns not named Joni", but I thought that would be mean.

;)

Oh come on now- He knows more than he lets on. :lol: he was speaking English quite well in the STHer party line. I was actually kinda shocked. :laugh:

It's already that cold in Finland in Oct? Well shoot. That's just cold. (I know, ya'll are gonna tell me to shut up. ) ;)

[KaniacFever]

Oh come on now- He knows more than he lets on. :lol: he was speaking English quite well in the STHer party line. I was actually kinda shocked. :laugh:

It's already that cold in Finland in Oct? Well shoot. That's just cold. (I know, ya'll are gonna tell me to shut up. ) ;)

Well darn. I was gonna propose to Joni that I'd teach him English if he teaches me Finnish :lol:

Oh and I'm dead serious on going too. I think the boyfriend thought I was talking out of my butt, but I told our seatmates last night at the game, and they are in as well. Now the boyfriend knows i'm serious and the words "that would be fun" finally uttered out of his mouth.

[SC06]

Looks like it is a pain with having to get a visa, etc. but only a 1 hr flight from Helsinki to St. Petersburg, Russia.

[NCCaniac42]

Well damn...no Rosetta Stone for Finnish.

www.byki.com

Free for basic finnish phrases... beer, wine ect.

[NCCaniac42]

I know, it's a shame. I actually checked into it once (hard to believe, huh?) and I understand that there's not a lot of demand for folks to learn Finnish as a second language because most Finns speak English rather fluently.

Bummer.

We'll just need to get NC42 to help us with some tutorials before we head over.

Or if we knew where to find any Finns around here perhaps they could help us.

Got that covered I think. :laugh: and I already posted www.byki.com

[livinthedream]

Another article from Michael Russo (http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/79584907.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUdcOy_nc:DKUiD3aPc :_Yyc:aUU), again still not confirmed, but this article gives a little insight into how the expenses and revenues are handled.

And according to the WCPSS website, my son would track back into school on Monday, October 4th. If they play that weekend he may only have to miss a day or so of school.

[nccanes]

I suppose the NHL must pick up the tab (otherwise the teams would have the leverage to say no) but DAMN that must be a big price tag. Then again, I guess Compuware chipped in a bunch last year.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Another article from Michael Russo (http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/79584907.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUdcOy_nc:DKUiD3aPc :_Yyc:aUU), again still not confirmed, but this article gives a little insight into how the expenses and revenues are handled.

Man, I am getting really excited about this. I sure hope it happens and that the Canes organization makes sure they hire someone to do right by the fans that will spend hard earned money to make the trip.

To anyone from the Canes organization reading this, remember the NHL is paying the expenses for the team, so please make sure you hire a travel company that is not going to try to make a HUGE profit at our expense, the fans that want to go support the team.

[caneshockeychick]

Gotta remember to pack both my home and away Kapanen jerseys ;)

[nccanes]

Gotta remember to pack both my home and away Kapanen jerseys ;)

haha - good idea. I think if you snagged the Finn Tshirts, you might be able to walk around Helsinki wearing a Finn each day!

Seriously, it would be cool to have Sami involved since he was with the Canes for so long.

[LostTexan]

This would be really cool and I just checked my passport, it's good for a few more years.

Don't the teams usually play a couple of exhibition games against local teams before the NHL games?

[ButtersSaysNo]

Going to be tough waiting to hear if this becomes official or not.

I have spent several hours this week looking at things around Helsinki and St. Petersburg.

We are just a TAD bit excited about this possibility. ;)

[caneshockeychick]

Going to be tough waiting to hear if this becomes official or not.

I have spent several hours this week looking at things around Helsinki and St. Petersburg.

We are just a TAD bit excited about this possibility. ;)

Yeah, that's the way I am. I just want the news now so that I can go ahead with everything. :)

[livinthedream]

I feel like a kid at Christmastime.

But wait... it is Christmastime...

But wait... I'm not a kid...

Oh what the hell. I'm completely giddy over the prospect of this actually happening.

[livingthelife59]

I'm with you, LTD. Wish they would confirm it. Have to start saving money - have the passport -- now we need the plans.........

[ButtersSaysNo]

I went to Estonia and Finland a few years ago and didn't need any special visas. If you plan to stop over in St. Petersburg (Russia; recommended, it's pretty awesome) then you need to definitely start looking into those visas now.

In doing some research, you can only apply for the Russian visa 90 days out from the date of your visit. Will run about $190 per person for the visa.

[Canesluver]

Having traveled to Moscow & St. Petersburg, I highly, HIGHLY recommend you go as part of a tour group or hire a translator to accompany you, if you're seriously considering visiting there. It's not easy to travel in Russia, not speaking the language or understanding the cyrillic alphabet.

[Greensboro Hurricanes]

If I manage to cobble together the money to go I'm planning on locking myself in the room until its time to go to the games. Going to another country scares the living crap out of me.

So much to think about. Passport, the Euro, electrical adapter for the laptop, the language barrier, no cell phone.

Jiminy Cricket, I wish they'd just change their minds and open in Raleigh.

[Kat]

^Wow. But... it's not like it's a third world country??

[andyt]

If I manage to cobble together the money to go I'm planning on locking myself in the room until its time to go to the games. Going to another country scares the living crap out of me.

So much to think about. Passport, the Euro, electrical adapter for the laptop, the language barrier, no cell phone.

Jiminy Cricket, I wish they'd just change their minds and open in Raleigh.

Don't need an electrical adapter for your laptop. It already converts power, so all you need is the plug adapter. Depending on who your cell phone carrier is, and whether your BlackBerry has international dialing, you may be able to temporarily modify your plan for however long you're gone. I did that when my daughter went to London. The pro-rated plan cost me $1.25 for the week and it lowered the per minute charges by 25%. And I don't think there is much of a language barrier in Finland, especially in Helsinki.

[Canesluver]

Greens Hurr -- exactly what are you afraid of? That's kind of a shocking post! Traveling the world is one of my great joys--- there's nothing to be afraid of--especially if you're going to a Scandinavian country. You won't have trouble getting around at all, because just about everyone you encounter can speak English. All the signs in the airport are in both the local language and English.

And, btw... when I was in France for a week last month, I lived just fine without a cell or laptop. I survived! ;)

[ButtersSaysNo]

Greens Hurr -- exactly what are you afraid of? That's kind of a shocking post! Traveling the world is one of my great joys--- there's nothing to be afraid of--especially if you're going to a Scandinavian country. You won't have trouble getting around at all, because just about everyone you encounter can speak English. All the signs in the airport are in both the local language and English.

And, btw... when I was in France for a week last month, I lived just fine without a cell or laptop. I survived! ;)

Europe is awesome, got to spend 2 months there about 10 yrs ago and have been wanting to go back. I plan on spending minimal time in hotel if we go. Add Germany or someplace to the trip and get to see part of Finland and another country. The food and beer over there is amazing, not to mention getting to see buildings that are older then our country. Amazing stuff.

[livinthedream]

Hey, GH, I hear ya. I've logged over a million miles in the air traveling domestically, but the first time I thought about heading out of the US it scared the bejesus out of me. And that was to another English-speaking country! And my husband does not like the notion of travel at all, so this type of trip will be a major chore for him although he'll be fine once he gets there. The good news is that like CL said, if we go somewhere like Finland (which, by the way most Finns do NOT consider themselves Scandinavian) almost everyone speaks English, internet access will be readily available (I don't intend to go without it myself LOL), and if we travel with a group you'll have knowledgeable folks to pull you through. It'll be fun....

[Kat]

Europe is awesome, got to spend 2 months there about 10 yrs ago and have been wanting to go back. I plan on spending minimal time in hotel if we go. Add Germany or someplace to the trip and get to see part of Finland and another country. The food and beer over there is amazing, not to mention getting to see buildings that are older then our country. Amazing stuff.

I lived in Barcelona for 10 months about 13 years ago and travelled through most of Western Europe (with a backpack and a travel guide and a Eurorail Pass and very little $$). The hardest country I found was the Czech Republic... back in the late 90s there were very few English speakers. But even that wasn't too bad... and the experiences were totally worth any hassle.

I agree with CL... in fact, a week WITHOUT a cell phone sounds pretty good to me!! :lol:

[KaniacFever]

I have never travelled by myself, and of course the first place I had to travel by myself was to Ireland. Even though they speak English, I was freakin terrified. It can be scary going into another country, but once you get there, the jitters go away. GH, you'll be fine. If I can do it, you definetly can.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Nothing to be scared of in Ireland. The hardest thing to do is to find your way around and so you get lost....you're lost in freaking IRELAND. Who cares? :lol:

I know I wasn't afraid the first time I left the country (which was for Mexico or Canada one....I'm not sure which I did first) but can't remember if I was afraid the first time I went overseas (which was to Ireland). All I remember is feeling like I'd come home from the second I stepped off the plane.

I'm nervous about the first time I go to a place where they REALLY don't speak English. I don't think Finland is that place, though.

[livinthedream]

Besides, we're all going to be fluent in Finnish by the time we get there anyway. :lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

:lol: yep, fluent for sure.

GH, no need to worry at all. Anything "new" can be scary, but once you get out there, you'll be fine. My first trek overseas was the summer I graduated High School, our high school trip was to Hawaii, but me and a couple of my friends wanted to do something really grown up, so we picked London. It was the best trip and we were so in love with the place, in the 10 days we were there, we decided we were going to delay college and spend a year there; then we woke up and realized our parents would kill us. :laugh: Now that I think about it, we probably should have fought for that. just so we could have said 'we did'. and I think we should have ventured out of England, but we were so caught up in the whole scene, we just didn't. My only other adventures outside of the country have been to Mexico - which was really our "backyard" since it's just minutes from my hometown San Diego; but TJ (Tijuana doesn't really count) but, I've been to Cabo, Mexico City, and Guadalajara, those have been work related- and far different than England, Canada and the various Carribean islands that we've been to. I've been to (as a child) and was born in Asia , but that was because my dad was in the Navy for 30 years, and that's a little different because you're on an American base, totally different than living say in the middle of Manila where I was born.

I'm very excited about this whole thing. There will be Caniacs around, our team will be playing, and we'll be in a very neat country. I can't wait until they firm it all up so I can get to planning!

[puck_it]

Don't need an electrical adapter for your laptop. It already converts power, so all you need is the plug adapter.

presumably... however some power adapters are only rated at 120 V-AC, 60 Hz, and not 230V, 50 Hz....

[Shell]

yep, you can adapt to anything usually :) My first trip outside the states was when I was 13 and was to Israel. I was there for a couple of months and even went to an all Hebrew school every day (I don't speak Hebrew). What a trip. It is such a wonderful experience to immerse yourself into another culture.

[SC06]

Nothing new, but with all the talk about the Finnish Team just reminded me that I hope we hear something about this in the near future.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Anyone else that just can't wait to hear more about this?

[KaniacFever]

Last year the announcements came in Feb, so I don't expect to hear anything before then.

[SoCalcaniac]

Yeah, I don't expect anything to be confirmed or even discussed until this little Olympic adventure is done.

[ButtersSaysNo]

I know when the announcement was made last yr. I am just very excited to hear more about it and just hoping that it comes out prior to Olympics, because I don't think it would come out during them, otherwise we are talking about early March before we hear anything official.

[livinthedream]

Y'all will appreciate this. Yesterday the front page of the N&O was a big article about how Wake County public schools are moving away from a year-round schedule and back to a traditional schedule (which is a whole nother debate for another time). Anyhow, Mr. LTD shows me the article and the first question out of his mouth is how does this affect our trip to Finland? Does this mean we don't get to go?

:lol:

I told him I'd handle it. After all I've already promised The Finns we'd be there.

I'm not anticipating anything will be made final until after the Olympic break in late Feb/early March.

[ButtersSaysNo]

You 3 are buzz kills! ;)

I say we hear right before the Olympics, that is my story (hope) and that is what I am sticking too. :D

[SoCalcaniac]

My thought on it getting announced after the Olympics is it's how Gary and the league seem to roll. They want to have every big thing for the league to have it's moment in the spotlight; not to take away from the event at hand. I dunno why that is, but it's kind of a patter with that dude.

So all that build up to the Winter Classic, now all this Olympic stuff and more coming from what I've read, and then after all the Olympic stuff comes and goes, they'll add something in that overseas announcement just before the big playoff push (for some teams) goes into full effect. Plus I think they want to announce these things not so far away, so there is "sizzle" leading up to it.

LTD- I told Mr. Socal about Mr. LTD's "concern" after you and talked about it yesterday and hub said "Mr. LTD seriously didn't think a little thing like the schizos at WCPS changing up or changing the plan,is getting in the way of this event did he? :lol: He said if the LTD family aren't locks to be in Finland, than who is? :laugh:"

[livinthedream]

LTD- I told Mr. Socal about Mr. LTD's "concern" after you and talked about it yesterday and hub said "Mr. LTD seriously didn't think a little thing like the schizos at WCPS changing up or changing the plan,is getting in the way of this event did he? :lol: He said if the LTD family aren't locks to be in Finland, than who is? :laugh:"



I've said it before and I'll say it again... your husband is a Very Smart Man.

[KaniacFever]

I don't travel too much, but how far in advance do you need to order airline tickets before you are paying an arm and a leg. I know they go up the closer you get to the date. And with the league not announcing the schedule until late July, I'd hate to see the tickets jump from $800 (cheapest i've seen so far) to like $1500.

[pamski01]

It's kinda a hit or miss thing anymore. I've gotten tickets in advance, then
found cheaper tickets closer to the date. So, hard to say, I think. The
airlines seem to be unpredictable. Unless someone else has seen differently.

[Jay]

I don't travel too much, but how far in advance do you need to order airline tickets before you are paying an arm and a leg. I know they go up the closer you get to the date. And with the league not announcing the schedule until late July, I'd hate to see the tickets jump from $800 (cheapest i've seen so far) to like $1500.

My ex, who is from Finland, bought her tickets back about 2 weeks in advance. She basically saw a pattern of >2m in advance = good prices, 2m-1m in advance = terrible prices, 1m-2w in advance = good prices, <2w in advance prices keep going up.

YMMV, but I helped her book tickets back and forth three times.

On that note, it's quite possible I'll go to Finland too, if the Canes start their season there. I have a few friends and could make it a nice total vacation.

[Canesluver]

You know... there is the possibility that they could play overseas, but not in Finland.

[nccanes]

I'd really be surprised if they didn't....but I think that's why Butters is antsy to get the details about where/when. :D

[ButtersSaysNo]

I'd really be surprised if they didn't....but I think that's why Butters is antsy to get the details about where/when. :D

WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are going even if they are in Sweden or Germany, just want to get to planning. I really enjoying planning and all the logistics that can go with it. I guess that is why my job title has the word "planner" in it. ;)

And if Canes don't play overseas to start the season, then I have to get planning on some other trip for SC06 and I.

[Canesluver]

I'm just sayin'...... there's a lot of counting chickens before they've hatched goin' on.......

I'm a Libra. The scales are kinda tipping over, so I just need to balance 'em out!

:smoke:

[livinthedream]

WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are going even if they are in Sweden or Germany

We are too. Just fun to TALK about it in the context of partying with The Finns in their home country.

And Jay, the scenario you describe regarding ticket prices is what I typically encounter as well with domestic air travel.

[Jay]

I know, I know, chickens and counting and the like... but either way, a trip to Europe would be neat, and I'd have SO much fun seeing old friends again and the like. Advantages to Finland would def. include free lodging though, which would be awesome.

[c-girl]

I'd have the free lodging in Germany plus being able to see family so I'm really hoping for that. I could get Hubs to Germany - he'll never agree to Finland, I'm afraid.

[KaniacFever]

^We'll have free lodging in Germany as well. The boyfriend is wanting Germany so he can kill 2 birds with one stone. Allow me to see the Canes in Europe and him seeing his friend.

Don't think he's thrilled about Finland and have a feeling he's gonna back out. But i've already got that covered as my favorite seatmates said I can travel with them and they'll take good care of me :D

[caneshockeychick]

Looks like the Bruins and Coyotes will open their season in Prague so, we know we won't be going to Prague.

Here (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=306411)

[ButtersSaysNo]

I am trying to be patient about getting some info, but after reading that report ^, I am less patient again. :D

[livinthedream]

According to Canes tweet, yes!

nhl_canes: The NHL today announced that the Hurricanes will open the 2010-11 season in Helsinki, Finland.

Here's the official announcement (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=516914):

Hurricanes to Open 2010-11 Season in Helsinki, Finland
Carolina one of six teams participating in 2010 Compuware/NHL Premiere
Tuesday, 02.09.2010 / 11:49 AM / News
By Terrell Williams

RALEIGH, NC—The National Hockey League today announced that the Carolina Hurricanes are one of six teams that will open the 2010-11 regular season in Europe as part of 2010 Compuware/NHL Premiere™ and NHL Face-Off. The Hurricanes will take on the Minnesota Wild at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland, on Thursday, Oct. 7 and Friday, Oct. 8. The games mark the fourth consecutive season that the NHL has started its season with games contested overseas, and the first time the Hurricanes franchise has ever played regular-season games outside of North America.

Hurricanes Chief Executive Office/Owner/Governor Peter Karmanos Jr., will hold a media availability today to discuss the 2010 Compuware/NHL Premiere™ in the Media Workroom on the Arena level of the RBC Center at 2 p.m.

The Hurricanes’ current roster features three players from Finland, including 2010 Olympians Joni Pitkanen and Tuomo Ruutu and leading goal-scorer Jussi Jokinen. The Wild also boast three players from the country: captain Mikko Koivu, goaltender Niklas Backstrom and right wing Antti Miettinen. There are 32 Finnish-born players currently playing in the National Hockey League.

This marks the second consecutive year Hartwall Arena has hosted NHL teams to start the season, as the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers played there on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3, 2009, as part of the 2009 Compuware/NHL Premiere series. Opened in 1997 in time to host the 1997 IIHF World Championships, Hartwall Arena is home to Jokerit of the Finnish League and has a capacity of 13,464 for hockey. For more information on Hartwall Arena, please visit http://www.hartwall-areena.com/en/.

[caneshockeychick]

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l83/kellja00/smilies/Finland_Flag.gif


WOOOOOOO WOOOOOO

[SoCalcaniac]

They already have comments from the Finns (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=516915):

“That’s the best part,” said Ruutu of playing tour guide. “I’ll have to take them to the sauna.”

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

Shall we request an invite?

[caneshockeychick]

And now........ I can request my vacation time :)

[Canesluver]

Y'all have fun! :D

[KaniacFever]

I'm going to Finland, I'm going to Finland :nanner:


And guess I can now spill the beans, but PJ told me back in Jan that they are looking to put together a package for STHs. (there's your incentives to buy tickets for next year ;) )

[c-girl]

More about the sauna:

Independently of Ruutu, Jokinen also listed a visit to the sauna on the to-do list. Although puzzling at first, further inspection reveals that the sauna is a crucial part of the culture.

From Wikipedia’s entry on "Finnish sauna (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_sauna)":
There are five million inhabitants and over two million saunas in Finland - an average of one per household. For Finnish people the sauna is a place to relax in with friends and family, and a place for physical and mental relaxation as well. Finns think of saunas not as a luxury, but as a necessity. Before the rise of public health care and nursery facilities, almost all Finnish mothers gave birth in saunas.

The entry goes on to claim that Saturday is the traditional day for the sauna in Finland. Thankfully, the Hurricanes’ games will take place on Thursday and Friday, so no conflict there.



:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[livinthedream]

They already have comments from the Finns:

Quote:
“That’s the best part,” said Ruutu of playing tour guide. “I’ll have to take them to the sauna.”


Shall we request an invite?

Well, someone has to throw themselves on that grenade. Take one for the team. If no one else steps up (and so far no one has), guess I'll bite the bullet. You know, for the good of the order and all that.

[LostTexan]

And guess I can now spill the beans, but PJ told me back in Jan that they are looking to put together a package for STHs. (there's your incentives to buy tickets for next year ;) )

I just hope they offer ticket only packages for those of us who want to do our own travel plans.

[SoCalcaniac]

I was just thinking about a package when they announced it. (who are the other teams in this LOL)

Smart that they are putting a package together. Our nephew's neighbors up in PIT took advantage of the Sweden package that the Pens offered to their plan holders and they raved about how well put together it was.

[Captain Slack]

Decisions, decisions... My wife & I were planning an overseas trip this year, but hadn't decided where. And I figured it would be Fall before we could schedule anything. Problem is, Finland wasn't on my list of places to go.

What's a Caniac to do?!

[livinthedream]

Decisions, decisions... My wife & I were planning an overseas trip this year, but hadn't decided where. And I figured it would be Fall before we could schedule anything. Problem is, Finland wasn't on my list of places to go.

What's a Caniac to do?!

GO.TO.FINLAND.

[caneshockeychick]

^WHAT. SHE. SAID.

[livinthedream]

Now how the HELL am I supposed to get ANY work done this afternoon???

Timing is PERFECT. My company's fiscal year end is September 30th and the week after is the deadest time at the office. I had gotten permission already but this makes the trip completely guilt-free work wise.

[livinthedream]

Link here (http://hurricanes.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=616&id=59847) for press conference.

[nccanes]

Pete is short and to the point. :lol:

[ButtersSaysNo]

I hope they offer several types of travel packages.

Glad they announced it prior to Olympics, but man sure makes it difficult to do work rest of day.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Alright Canes, I have figured out our approx costs to do it ourselves (minus tickets). So let's see the packages and hope that you are not trying to make a large profit on the fans wanting to go support our team.

[caneshockeychick]

Wonder how long it will be before they announce anything like packages.

[SoCalcaniac]

Alright Canes, I have figured out our approx costs to do it ourselves (minus tickets). So let's see the packages and hope that you are not trying to make a large profit on the fans wanting to go support our team.

I did the same thing and then sent an email to our gal at AAA and she put together a package for us using 3 different hotels and did impressively well. I'm with you, want to see what kind of package they come up with to make it worth our while; being STHers and all.

CHC- let's hope it's not some lollygagging thing with the Canes- they need to understand the "get them while it's a hot topic" logic. :-

[kermelbar]

Wonder how long it will be before they announce anything like packages.

Probably about the same time LTD peels herself off the ceiling. :D

[Kat]

Those of you with priced packages, care to share with the class?

[caneshockeychick]

well, when any of y'all hear something...let me know. I'm not a STH so...I wonder how its gonna be for me.

[nccanes]

I cannot imagine that it will cost a non-STH any more than a STH. I could see them giving a priority window to STHs for reserving a spot, but beyond that? Surely not.

[livinthedream]

Probably about the same time LTD peels herself off the ceiling. :D

Pffffft. I'm just trying to figure out how the hell I'm going to get any work done between now and October.

I've already taken the time off, I've got the plans to get Cam out of school, and I've given Mr. LTD permission to quit his job if he gets any grief about the timeframe. That's Option 1. Option 2 is that Cam and I go without him.

[WillLikeWhoa091]

So I might be moving to Europe in August anyway.

Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy.

[pamski01]

I'm hoping for a ticket only 'package', too. Squee!!!!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OMG, I CAN'T FREAKING WAIT!!

I almost don't give a crap what it costs me. This is going to be awesome.

[brindyfan]

^^^I so going to do whatever I can to go. I put in for vacation time today & told them, don't even bother trying to call me for something! Now to come up with the money. I did find 50 cents in the RBC Center parking lot tonight. Maybe I will find enough by October :laugh:

[KaniacFever]

We were talking tonight about possibly taking a train to Moscow if a preseason game is there. Anyone know if this can be done in a day or should we plan on booking a room in Moscow for the night.

[nccanes]

For me, it's as much about available vacation time as it is about cost (though that's certainly a big consideration).

I can't (or won't) take this trip in lieu of a family vacation (don't have too many of those left in the future) so it's gonna be a big consideration if I want to use the rest for this.

[SC06]

We were talking tonight about possibly taking a train to Moscow if a preseason game is there. Anyone know if this can be done in a day or should we plan on booking a room in Moscow for the night.

about a 13-15 hr train ride each way

[Bonbonsgrrl]

got the text...got the time off. Planned a trip through expedia and everything. just need the hockey tickets and a travel buddy. LTD if your hubby doesn't go you can adopt me and i'll fill his body spot

[nccanes]

Just for fun, I plugged in a 3 legged trip from DC to London then to Helsinki (5 days later) back to DC and the airfare was right at 1,000. Not bad.

[livinthedream]

It is impossible for me to express in words how excited I am about this trip. I'm not sure I can sleep between now and October.

[The Rock]

I'm definitely interested in the trip, but I've a feeling that I'll be priced out of going. I'll wait until I see what kind of package STH deals come out before I completely rule it out though.

[KaniacFever]

about a 13-15 hr train ride each way

Screw that :laugh:

[ButtersSaysNo]

^ LOL. Yeah, not just a quick trip.

[NCCaniac42]

^ LOL. Yeah, not just a quick trip.

And the VISA issues with going to Russia aren't worth it...

[livinthedream]

Speaking of visas and whatnot... Mr. LTD and I both need to get our passports renewed this year and I know that's not really such a big deal. But LTD Jr. doesn't have a passport so we'll have to start that process for him and soon. If anyone has done this before in terms of passports for a minor child and has tips to pass along in terms of navigating the process and saving time on the front end I'd appreciate it. Quite frankly I'm not concerned about the turnaround time, I just want to be as efficient as I can be with my time and energy getting everything started. Feel free to comment here as there may be others interested, or drop me a PM and we can chat offline. TIA

BTW my son is super excited about this already. He asked last night if he'd be able to bring his Wii with him.

[caneshockeychick]

Yep...I have to get the passport too!

[NCCaniac42]

Speaking of visas and whatnot... Mr. LTD and I both need to get our passports renewed this year and I know that's not really such a big deal. But LTD Jr. doesn't have a passport so we'll have to start that process for him and soon. If anyone has done this before and has tips to pass along in terms of navigating the process and saving time on the front end I'd appreciate it. Quite frankly I'm not concerned about the turnaround time, I just want to be as efficient as I can be with my time and energy getting everything started. Feel free to comment here as there may be others interested, or drop me a PM and we can chat offline. TIA

BTW my son is super excited about this already. He asked last night if he'd be able to bring his Wii with him.

Go online and fill out the paperwork, then call the Post Office in Apex to make an appt to get the stuff sent. I did it last year.. was quick and easy. THough for the LTD, jr.. both parents need to be present. Pretty painless.. but do it now before all the "need to go to Europe for summer tour" crowd!!!

[NCCaniac42]

I am really hoping that I either win the Lottery , the Job lottery or find a rich husband quickly for this trip. I have waited for so many years to go to Finland that it will be very sad to sit here in Cary and watch the games on TV. I am sending out resumes like crazy and even might start selling Lia Sophia jewelry on the side to make some extra cash, so any LCG'er out there that might want to sponsor a party.. PM me.

Suomessa tai rintakuva.

[ButtersSaysNo]

I would go to a post office where they do the photos too. I had passport photos done at walmart at first and they would not accept them because walmart had done some things incorrectly even though they were the correct size. The lady that did the photos at the post office knew what she was doing and made the process really simple.

[kermelbar]

BTW my son is super excited about this already. He asked last night if he'd be able to bring his Wii with him.

Will Hoppity be taking a sauna?

[ButtersSaysNo]

Those of you with priced packages, care to share with the class?

I don't have any of my notes in front of me, but RT airfare for 2 from RDU to Helsinki and back and 4 nights hotel in Helsinki ranged in total price from $2800 - $3200. I still plan on doing some more searching. Really want to see the package prices from the Canes.

[Jay]

A couple of tips, as someone who's helped book at two roundtrip flights in/out of Finland on a budget:

* Fly out of one of the DC-area airports. You'll save hundreds of dollars, seriously.
* If you're looking for an adventure, fly into Stockholm, take an overnight ferry over to Finland (airfare is ~$200 less, ferry is <$100 to take)

Now, it's too bad we don't know anyone in the travel industry to hook us up with supercheap airfare, eh Canesluver? :P

[ButtersSaysNo]

A couple of tips, as someone who's helped book at two roundtrip flights in/out of Finland on a budget:

* Fly out of one of the DC-area airports. You'll save hundreds of dollars, seriously.
* If you're looking for an adventure, fly into Stockholm, take an overnight ferry over to Finland (airfare is ~$200 less, ferry is <$100 to take)

Now, it's too bad we don't know anyone in the travel industry to hook us up with supercheap airfare, eh Canesluver? :P

you do save a couple hundred flying out of DC area, but then you have to drive to/from DC. I will pay extra for the ease of flying out/in at RDU.

[nccanes]

In my "make believe" itinerary yesterday going RDU-London-Helsinki (with a few nights in London) it came out $1000 cheaper to go DC-London-Helsinki.

Not sure what my pain point would be, but I know when we were considering a soccer trip to Sweden for one of my kids, they specifically talked about the drive vs fly time and with the cushion you'd need in the layover that it wasn't as big of deal to drive up to DC as compared to the cost savings.

Obviously comes down to what exactly the cost saving is.

[Jay]

In my "make believe" itinerary yesterday going RDU-London-Helsinki (with a few nights in London) it came out $1000 cheaper to go DC-London-Helsinki.

Not sure what my pain point would be, but I know when we were considering a soccer trip to Sweden for one of my kids, they specifically talked about the drive vs fly time and with the cushion you'd need in the layover that it wasn't as big of deal to drive up to DC as compared to the cost savings.

Obviously comes down to what exactly the cost saving is.

Wow, if there are really cheap flights RDU --> London, you might could fly Ryanair... do they go to Finland? I know they have absurdly cheap flights.

[nccanes]

Wow, if there are really cheap flights RDU --> London, you might could fly Ryanair... do they go to Finland? I know they have absurdly cheap flights.

Sorry - must have written poorly.

It was around $1000 to do that DC-London-Helsinki trip and $2000 from RDU.

[ButtersSaysNo]

In my "make believe" itinerary yesterday going RDU-London-Helsinki (with a few nights in London) it came out $1000 cheaper to go DC-London-Helsinki.

Not sure what my pain point would be, but I know when we were considering a soccer trip to Sweden for one of my kids, they specifically talked about the drive vs fly time and with the cushion you'd need in the layover that it wasn't as big of deal to drive up to DC as compared to the cost savings.

Obviously comes down to what exactly the cost saving is.

My RDU vs DC difference came out to be $350. Did not include any nights in a hotel anywhere other then Helsinki.

What site did you find the biggest difference?

[livinthedream]

Will Hoppity be taking a sauna?

That's already under discussion. We had a major traumatic Hoppity experience last year in Hawaii, so not sure if I want to go through that again. Although in my heart I know Hoppity really really really wants to go.

[nccanes]

My RDU vs DC difference came out to be $350. Did not include any nights in a hotel anywhere other then Helsinki.

What site did you find the biggest difference?

I can guarantee you that I have not done the research you have done ;), but just for fun I used Expedia to price the airfare on a 3 legged trip (with a few days stop over in London). My 1 shot queries netted $1000 from DC and $2000 from RDU. Leaving Oct 1 and returning Oct 9.

[livinthedream]

Go online and fill out the paperwork, then call the Post Office in Apex to make an appt to get the stuff sent. I did it last year.. was quick and easy. THough for the LTD, jr.. both parents need to be present. Pretty painless.. but do it now before all the "need to go to Europe for summer tour" crowd!!!

Good advice! Apex post office is a breeze for me, so I'll definitely go that route. Thanks very much!

[Jay]

I've been using kayak.com (the same place me + my Finnish ex booked her flights)... I tried hard to find a cheaper site, to no avail.

Right now, $901 (10/1 to 10/9, or something like that) from DC --> Tampere (the city where my ex lives)... that's not terrible... and if it works the same as it did when we booked hers, if we wait until 1m before the flight, it'll be down near $800-$750.

That, plus if you're willing to stay in a hostel (or if you're lucky enough like me to have friends to stay with), you could probably swing the whole trip, not counting passport fees, for $1500-$2000 ... not too shabby for a week in Europe.

[KaniacFever]

I don't have any of my notes in front of me, but RT airfare for 2 from RDU to Helsinki and back and 4 nights hotel in Helsinki ranged in total price from $2800 - $3200. I still plan on doing some more searching. Really want to see the package prices from the Canes.

That's actually a decent price. Atleast I was expecting to throw down alot more for 2.


ETA: to add on other comments re: passports. I went to the Post office off Westgate and was in/out within 10 minutes. I had them take a picture too. It was a breeze.

[VandyCane]

Good advice! Apex post office is a breeze for me, so I'll definitely go that route. Thanks very much!

My experience was exactly the same as NCCaniac42's. We went to the Post Office off Westgate. We had all the paper work that we filled on-line, brought their birth certificates, etc with us. We had them take the pictures and everything. Kids passports are a little cheaper but they have to be renewed every 5 years instead of 10. Both parents definitely have to present at the time with picture ID's for the parents. The lady did mess up on one of my kids and forgot to write down my driver's license information down so the passport office wrote me a letter asking for a photocopy of my license. Sent it by mail and the issue was fixed in less than one week.

I thought they were going to give me a hard time because my passport had expired and it still had my maiden name on it! I stressed about finding my marriage certificate and all that but between my old passport and my current driver's license they were satisfied that I was the same person.

[rosey12]

I will be there! Requested the time off from work today (with exact dates to come) and the first order of business will be getting the passport renewed.

For those of you that went to the Westgate or Apex post offices, did you need to make an appointment or can you just show up?

[ButtersSaysNo]

That's actually a decent price. Atleast I was expecting to throw down alot more for 2.


ETA: to add on other comments re: passports. I went to the Post office off Westgate and was in/out within 10 minutes. I had them take a picture too. It was a breeze.

Well remember that does not include tix for the games, transit costs in europe, food, misc $ such as any shopping and the finnish required sauna costs. :laugh:

[KaniacFever]

I will be there! Requested the time off from work today (with exact dates to come) and the first order of business will be getting the passport renewed.

For those of you that went to the Westgate or Apex post offices, did you need to make an appointment or can you just show up?

I went to Westgate and didn't need an appointment, but that was 3 years ago. You might want to call and double check.

[rosey12]

Will do. Passport renewal is the project for the Olympic break. :lol:

[VandyCane]

I did not have an appointment either but there are specific times the passport are is open that are different than the regular post office.

If you check here: http://usps.whitepages.com/passport it will tell you the hours of your specific location.

[andyt]

Wow, if there are really cheap flights RDU --> London, you might could fly Ryanair... do they go to Finland? I know they have absurdly cheap flights.

Ryanair does not go to Helsinki, but they do fly to Tampere via London-Stanstead. RT from Stanstead is about $115 at current-ish exchange rates.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Crap...I think our passports might be expiring this year. Better check on that!!

A couple of tips, as someone who's helped book at two roundtrip flights in/out of Finland on a budget:

* Fly out of one of the DC-area airports. You'll save hundreds of dollars, seriously.
* If you're looking for an adventure, fly into Stockholm, take an overnight ferry over to Finland (airfare is ~$200 less, ferry is <$100 to take)


Do "DC-area" airports include BWI? (Baltimore) Southwest often has CHEAP fairs RDU to BWI.

And that Stockholm thing sounds like fun! Maybe we'll check out Sweden as well.


And one of you bold people ask the guys where we should eat in Helsinki!

[livinthedream]

And one of you bold people ask the guys where we should eat in Helsinki!


Sigh... Oh, all right, if you insist. Do I have to do everything around here? Grumble.... eyeroll...

/martyr

[Jay]

Crap...I think our passports might be expiring this year. Better check on that!!



Do "DC-area" airports include BWI? (Baltimore) Southwest often has CHEAP fairs RDU to BWI.

And that Stockholm thing sounds like fun! Maybe we'll check out Sweden as well.


And one of you bold people ask the guys where we should eat in Helsinki!

Sometimes. It depends on when you leave / what airline. I think one of her flights was out of BWI, and one was out of Dulles.

[NCCaniac42]

I was checking flights in and out of DC with all area airports.. funny.. the flights change planes at JFK onto the Finnair flight that I had found.. instead of driving to DC.. I checked the cost of booking the flights from JFK to HEL and then did another flight out of RDU to JFK on JetBlue. The JetBlue flight RT was 184 bucks and the JFK HEL flight was about $754 Monday to Monday. If you plan the RDU to JKF flight right.. you will get to JFK with about 4 hours to spare, plenty of time to check in for the FinnAir Flight. Coming back was a bit trickier.. but still cheaper. The FinnAir page has a way to pick your days +/- 3 days to see what is the cheapest... FWIW.

[livinthedream]

I'm fortunate to have money earmarked for this trip, so my biggest concern is ticket availability.

According to some information I've seen from folks who live around Finland, they're hearing that ticket sales will start on March 15th and the prices are in the 100-250€ range, which is $140-$340 US.

One would "presume" that if tickets go on sale to the general public in mid-March, we'll hear before then regarding any tickets the Canes have reserved for STH packages.

And given that one game will be designated a home game and one will be designated as an away game, wonder what that does to ticket availability for one game versus the other?

[nccanes]

I guess the answer is 'because they can', but I'm not sure I get why an NHL game in Europe has price points that are what, 3-4 times the cost of the price range in the states.

I mean, I get that it's a big deal, but it's still game 1 and 2 of a hockey season, not the SCF.

To get a good seat for both games you are out 500 bucks?

Unless those prices are for both games?

[livinthedream]

It's just message board chatter so I don't know if that's for both games or just individual games, I'll try to find that out. The press release said that Hartwall has a capacity of 13,464 so it's on the smaller side of the supply and demand scale.

Maybe SoCal knows or can find out what her friends paid to see the Pens in Sweden for comparison.

[caneshockeychick]

When the Rangers opened in Prague in 08-09, the team did run a package. There were several levels of what you would get from airfare/games/hotel to all-inclusive with meals, plus meeting Rosen/Micheletti, etc.

My memory could be wrong, but I tend to remember something around $1650/pp for the basic, and $2500/pp for the all-inclusive. Of course, that was flying out of Kennedy, and the games were Saturday/Sunday. The trip was over Thursday night into Friday morning (if you've ever traveled to Europe, you need a good 3-4 hours once you get to the hotel to recover from the jet lag) to Monday morning. They didn't give a lot of time to see Prague at all, especially if you did the all-inclusive, because the "events" took up the down time.

Looking into it on my own, the price got a little cheaper, but not much.

Y'all might want to see if 25+ could do it as a group without the 'Canes travel agency and you drove to BWI. It would probably be substantially cheaper and you might be able to get a day on both sides of the games. That was the biggest turnoff to the Ranger Prague package. Plus, when I looked into possibly going to Germany "last minute" in 2006 for the World Cup, it was substantially less than $1650/pp for five days.

Here's what RCF had to say about the ticketing packages for the Rangers last year...It was posted earlier in this thread.

[The Rock]

more info (http://www.jokerit.com/index.php?id=99)

[livinthedream]

Thanks! I was lurking around the Hartwall site but didn't hit this one so thanks for finding it.

Love this Finnish to English translation:

Make sure that you will be one of the unique ones testifying this grand event at Hartwall Arena!

TESTIFY

[c-girl]

I've traveled to Europe twice and it took me longer than 3-4 hours to recover from the jet lag. We're talking days. Although I guess if I had been able to sleep on the overnight trip, maybe I wouldn't have had so much trouble.

LTD, are you going for one of those 599 euro VIP packages?

[livinthedream]

You and me both. The trip over was a killer. Helsinki's what, 7 hours ahead of us? That's why I'm kinda hoping they do play a preseason game somewhere over there, so they arrive way ahead of schedule.

[c-girl]

Yeah, 7 hours. I just checked my "World Clock" on my iPhone. We were in Germany and France which are 6 hours ahead and that was bad enough.

[livinthedream]

Oh, and euro VIP? At this stage I think I'll just be happy to be in the building. :lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

My concern is jet lag too. We've priced a couple of trips, and this gal at AAA is getting uber aggressive, and she's sending me all of these "options" GOOD LORD. Mostly us flying to DC and then to FIN from there; and this morning she's got the NYC idea in her head. Lots of options, and heck if I can decipher anything at this point. I'm going to take the Olympic Break to work it out and figure out what we're going to do. :lol:

As for the travel/jet lag thing; I am SO not looking forward to it. I've traveled enough for work to many parts of the globe, and in recent years, my job has not required it; and I'm grateful. I don't do well with the 3 hour time difference just flying home to visit twice a year to socal. I'm like c-girl, the overseas travel took me DAYS to recover; I can sleep on a plane, however, Mr. Socal who is a sleepmaster, has plane sleeping issues, so there's all kinds of sh** to deal with just in this travel deal.

All that said---- I am SO looking forward to it.

[ssangste]

I'd like to go... flights would be free... the joys of a credit card with a very cool air miles program. I haven't paid for a plane ticket in 12 years and I've taken a bunch of mini trips each year. The only problem I have is that Finland is the furthest thing from the better half's mind when she says she wants to go to Europe... she's thinking Italy or somewhere Mediterranean...... going colder is not an option after she came home with me to Nova Scotia last January during the worst cold snap in 50 years.

[ButtersSaysNo]

There are some flights that go directly from RDU to London to Helsinki. The less connections the better, plus I like getting to do customs at RDU, not in DC, JFK or LGA coming back.

Would take a lot more then the $400-$500 I see in total cost savings for me to drive to/from DC, deal with having to drive back after the trip, etc to pick DC over RDU. If I see the savings go up, then maybe.

That all being said, I am hoping that the Canes have some good, well-thought out, fair price travel packages.

[nccanes]

Ok - this is odd.

This appeared at the top of my FB home page. :lol:

Facebook is available in 75 languages. Click here to switch to Suomi.

edit: and like a dumbass I clicked it. And now everything is in finnish and since I'm not that versed in FB modifications, I have no idea what to click to get it back to English and have no idea which word gets me to that menu. :lol:

Ok - I found it. Had to click on my own profile and then saw where I'd switch it, clicked on that and it brought me to the languages screen.

[c-girl]

That is a very good point about customs at RDU. Our first trip over, we came back Frankfurt to Chicago to RDU and the second one we came back Frankfurt to Philly to RDU. So that meant, in Chicago and Philly, we had to get our luggage, walk it through customs, and then re-check it for the last leg of the trip. I don't remember if we had to go through security again in that process because I was pretty much a zombie by then. Flying straight into RDU from somewhere in Europe would certainly be a better option.

[NCCaniac42]

There are some flights that go directly from RDU to London to Helsinki. The less connections the better, plus I like getting to do customs at RDU, not in DC, JFK or LGA coming back.

Would take a lot more then the $400-$500 I see in total cost savings for me to drive to/from DC, deal with having to drive back after the trip, etc to pick DC over RDU. If I see the savings go up, then maybe.

That all being said, I am hoping that the Canes have some good, well-thought out, fair price travel packages.

You know I never thought about the difference of going thru Customs at RDU vs some place like JFK.. the difference (if only a couple of hundred bucks) might be worth the convienence.

[NCCaniac42]

Just looking at the RDU-London-Hel flight.. you take the overnight to London and you get into Helsinki at 4pm.. if you take the overnight from JFK to Hel.. you get into Hel at 9am. That is the difference. Even with Jet Lag.. you get an additional day in Helsinki.

Just sayin'

[ButtersSaysNo]

Just looking at the RDU-London-Hel flight.. you take the overnight to London and you get into Helsinki at 4pm.. if you take the overnight from JFK to Hel.. you get into Hel at 9am. That is the difference. Even with Jet Lag.. you get an additional day in Helsinki.

Just sayin'

How many hotels let you check in at 9 AM? Just saying. ;)

Yeah, you can leave your bags at the hotel, but I am NOT a fan of that at all.

[SoCalcaniac]

Ok, I just emailed the AAA gal and told her the put the kibosh on the DC or JFK thing. Let's see, the last time I traveled overseas, we certainly didn't have the full on nightmarish travel restrictions at the airports and going through customs here, would most definitely be more convenient than dealing with the other airports.

I really do hope to have all these travel plans in some kind of order in the Olympic break. :lol:

[ButtersSaysNo]

Ok, I just emailed the AAA gal and told her the put the kibosh on the DC or JFK thing. Let's see, the last time I traveled overseas, we certainly didn't have the full on nightmarish travel restrictions at the airports and going through customs here, would most definitely be more convenient than dealing with the other airports.

I really do hope to have all these travel plans in some kind of order in the Olympic break. :lol:

ok, here is the deal. You need to find Matt Horton tonight and grill him as to when the Canes will have the travel package info out and then you can report back here. :)

[KaniacFever]

Just got the email from the Canes. Still working on packages:

Dear KaniacFever

Since Tuesday's announcement that the Hurricanes will be starting the 2010-11 regular season with a 2-game set in Helsinki as part of the Compuware/NHL Premiere, our staff has received a large number of inquiries regarding potential ticket options. While it's far too soon to provide any concrete details, we would like to inform you that our offices will be working with travel companies in an attempt to assemble travel package options. If you are interested in potentially attending these games, please be aware that we will be providing additional information at a later date.

We appreciate your support!

Go 'Canes!!

P.J. Avetta
Manager of Sales & Client Services
Carolina Hurricanes

[nccanes]

This thread was started on 12/16.

You would think they could be a little more specific about when they'll communicate this than "at a later date" since they've known this was likely since then.

And when will they EVER learn to talk like sales people. "in an attempt to assemble...". Well, thanks for attempting....let us know if you are actually SUCCESSFUL. :lol:

[ButtersSaysNo]

^ In other words

Canes Fan,

"Even though we have know about this for a few weeks, we will have the info for you in March or April.

If that isn't soon enough for you, go back to the black hole you came from or go cheer for a stupid canadian team from western canada."

Signed,

PK :laugh:

[nccanes]

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

All kidding aside, sometimes I'm surprised that we haven't seem some real change in the sales office. The leadership seems not at ALL what I'd expect from a seasoned sales professional and I would have thought PK would see to that.

(My theory is that they either don't pay for ****, or that no top notch Sales Director/VP would/could work in this hierarchy)

Should be fun to see how our org gets things together in comparison to the other teams going over. The Wild don't have any travel info for fans, but do have a little more info about the trip.

Of course, a trip to Europe wouldn’t be complete without some sightseeing with the Finnish trio serving as tour guides. The Wild will likely depart on Friday, October 1 and is scheduled to face TPS Turku, a team that Koivu used to play for and is now a part owner of, on a to be determined date.

In between the exhibition game, the practices and the matchups with the ‘Canes, Koivu plans on finally showing his teammates what he and his countrymen have raved about.

“The Finnish sauna, we always talk about that here,” said a grinning Koivu. “Hopefully we’ll get a chance to see the cities a little bit and see the country. It should be fun.”

The Wild will return home after the Friday night game. Although the NHL schedule won't be released until mid-summer, the Wild will have at least four days off before its next game. The games will be televised on the NHL Network.


Obligatory sauna references. :lol:

[kermelbar]

our staff has received a large number of inquiries regarding potential ticket options


Call me crazy, but I think they should have guessed that would happen. And, further signs that I'm a loon, I wonder why they didn't have an e-mail prepared, ready to pull the trigger as soon as the announcement was official? Why is that e-mail going out today rather than 2:30 p.m. yesterday?

[c-girl]

While it's far too soon to provide any concrete details, we would like to inform you that our offices will be working with travel companies in an attempt to assemble travel package options.

Why? Why is it too soon? Are they just now starting this process?

"will be working" . . . Call me crazy, too, but *I* would have been in contact with travel companies for the past two months working on this thing.

[Jay]

I already replied to it asking them to *please* come up with tickets-only packages. I don't want to have to pay for majorly overpriced travel to get my tickets :/

[nccanes]

I would bet most of us here could craft an email that at least makes it SOUND like they've been working on this and that they'd provide the information soon.

That whole sentence is just awful. "far too soon", "will be working" (future tense), "in an attempt" (doubt).

But, what did we expect. :lol:

[livinthedream]

I'm telling y'all, the process of actually getting tickets in hand is the most concerning to me. I can plan a trip to Europe, but I'm dependent on either the Canes organization or the arena venue to get me into the event. I sure hope there are enough tickets available here to meet demand and they put a decent process in place to make them available.

And yes, I've already had the conversation with Mr. LTD about upgrading to full season if that's what it takes LOL.

The obligatory sauna references really do crack me up. I guess I still don't "get" how important this whole sauna thing is to their culture, but it does come up in every conversation.

I'm not sure what we Americans have to compare it to.

[c-girl]

I'm not sure what we Americans have to compare it to.

Starbuck's?

[nccanes]

I can't imagine that the NHL isn't gonna hold a big chunk of tickets back for the teams and fans here in the states. They can always release them as the event gets closer.

I went to the 'Hawks MBs and just did a quick search on Helsinki and found a thread from a guy that went last year. From his estimate, there were about 100 Hawks fans from everywhere. I think he said there were 43 in the 'Hawks package and another chunk from the US and the rest from other countries.

http://fans.blackhawks.nhl.com/topic/26177/t/Helsinki-Blog-By-Biscuit-in-the-Basket.html?page=1

[NCCaniac42]

The obligatory sauna references really do crack me up. I guess I still don't "get" how important this whole sauna thing is to their culture, but it does come up in every conversation.

I'm not sure what we Americans have to compare it to.

Let me tell you as a Finn-American who "took sauna" (sow na) every Saturday night at my grandparents' cottage (camp) during our vacations in the summer and still look forward to going to my cousins in the Upper Pennisula of Michigan because they all have saunas at their cottages/camps, it is very important to the culture. Until mid last century, a lot of Finnish women gave birth in the sauna. It is supposed to be good for the skin and the mental health. It is a social thing as well as someplace to be alone and let the heat and steam clear your head.

[StormChaserBH]

I went to school right there in the heart of Michi-Finland... had a couple saunas down the hall in my dorm... I wasted, er, i mean spent, a lot of time in there when I wasn't shoveling 2 feet of snow off my car...... w00t!

[caneshockeychick]

To me...a sauna is just a nice warm place to be. I love warm places. I hear Finland is cold. Maybe they like warm places too?

[NCCaniac42]

I went to school right there in the heart of Michi-Finland... had a couple saunas down the hall in my dorm... I spent a lot of time pourin' water over rocks in there...... w00t!

And none of this electric fire crap either.. WOOD STOVE with nice Lake Superior Rocks that you get the water pouring on. Where did you go to school, Michigan Tech? I was born in Laurium and I think we have had this conversation before.

[NCCaniac42]

To me...a sauna is just a nice warm place to be. I love warm places. I hear Finland is cold. Maybe they like warm places too?

Except you are supposed to go jump into the cold lake or roll in the snow afterwards!!! :lol:

[KaniacFever]

One of the STHs who sit in front of me talked to Doug Warf before the game. He said they are working on putting 3 packages together (3 nighter, 5 nighter, 7 nighter). Package will include airfare, hotel and game tickets.

[StormChaserBH]

And none of this electric fire crap either.. WOOD STOVE with nice Lake Superior Rocks that you get the water pouring on. Where did you go to school, Michigan Tech? I was born in Laurium and I think we have had this conversation before.

Yup, I think we have! http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/ishop/items/michigantech.gif

[SouthernHockeyChick]

^^That's awesome!! I was worried they'd only do a 4 day thing and I definitely wanted a 7 nighter!

[NCCaniac42]

One of the STHs who sit in front of me talked to Doug Warf before the game. He said they are working on putting 3 packages together (3 nighter, 5 nighter, 7 nighter). Package will include airfare, hotel and game tickets.

That is great.. because you can see more of Helsinki and Finland .. they have a great train system from what I hear. I NEED A JOB!!!!! PLEASE!!!!

[puck_it]

what, no direct RDU to Helski flights? :lol:

[livinthedream]

Give it time.

[ButtersSaysNo]

One of the STHs who sit in front of me talked to Doug Warf before the game. He said they are working on putting 3 packages together (3 nighter, 5 nighter, 7 nighter). Package will include airfare, hotel and game tickets.

Interesting. I wonder if when they say 5 nights, that means overnight flight to Europe and 5 nights in hotel or if means the overnight flight and 4 nights in hotel?

We have been looking at 4 nights hotel since we likely are going to eliminate spending several days in another country. So sounds like the 5 night package would be the one for us.