Lunch with Eric cole

[guinevere]

Guess who is having lunch with Eric Cole on Wednesday!!!!!

Me!!!!!!!

Guin Woohoo!!!!!

[guinevere]

Guess who is having lunch with Eric Cole on Wednesday!!!!!

Me!!!!!!!

Guin Woohoo!!!!!

[mikus]

what? :angel:
are you serious?

[mikus]

what? :angel:
are you serious?

[Caniac]

Get out your waders, ladies and gentlemen, it's getting pretty deep in here. ;)

J/K - That's awesome!

[Caniac]

Get out your waders, ladies and gentlemen, it's getting pretty deep in here. ;)

J/K - That's awesome!

[guinevere]

no really, there was a contest....
Congratulations!! I am pleased to announce that you have been chosen to receive a free lunch for two from Outback Steakhouse and the Carolina Hurricanes. The lunch will be held April 3 at 1:00 at the Kildare Farm Rd. location in Cary. Festivities will include Ron the Ref. as MC, Erik Cole will be fielding a Q&A session and there will be a special appearance by Stormy. Please RSVP by April 1 via e-mail to reserve your seat. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Again, congratulations on being chosen and be sure to bring your appetites and hockey questions. I'll see you down under, mates.

Sincerely,



Guin

[guinevere]

no really, there was a contest....
Congratulations!! I am pleased to announce that you have been chosen to receive a free lunch for two from Outback Steakhouse and the Carolina Hurricanes. The lunch will be held April 3 at 1:00 at the Kildare Farm Rd. location in Cary. Festivities will include Ron the Ref. as MC, Erik Cole will be fielding a Q&A session and there will be a special appearance by Stormy. Please RSVP by April 1 via e-mail to reserve your seat. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Again, congratulations on being chosen and be sure to bring your appetites and hockey questions. I'll see you down under, mates.

Sincerely,



Guin

[JaroFan]

Wow! How come I've never won anything?? I'm very envious...do you have any questions thought up?

[JaroFan]

Wow! How come I've never won anything?? I'm very envious...do you have any questions thought up?

[Guyute]

*kicks desk* for the love of....

starting to think Guin knows someone on the inside. and... wait... I know Guin.... so, where's MY prize?!?!?!

what a jip.

(oh yes, and congrats Guin ;) )

[Guyute]

*kicks desk* for the love of....

starting to think Guin knows someone on the inside. and... wait... I know Guin.... so, where's MY prize?!?!?!

what a jip.

(oh yes, and congrats Guin ;) )

[mikus]

gratz! :smoke:

[mikus]

gratz! :smoke:

[guinevere]

Questions- I need questions.....
Help...I don't want to sound like an idiot....

Guin

[guinevere]

Questions- I need questions.....
Help...I don't want to sound like an idiot....

Guin

[MoBigRed]

Awesome! Just make sure you don't show up on the wrong day - the 3rd is Thursday.

[MoBigRed]

Awesome! Just make sure you don't show up on the wrong day - the 3rd is Thursday.

[mikus]

why did the canes play so bad this season? :evil: :D :angel: :beatup:

[mikus]

why did the canes play so bad this season? :evil: :D :angel: :beatup:

[guinevere]

Yeah.. I caught the Thursday thing..Iwas just a little excited and wanted to tell someone. People here are not so about hockey so all I get is a "that's nice".

Guin

[guinevere]

Yeah.. I caught the Thursday thing..Iwas just a little excited and wanted to tell someone. People here are not so about hockey so all I get is a "that's nice".

Guin

[crazy4canes]

That's great, guin! :D

[crazy4canes]

That's great, guin! :D

[talkingcanes]

Congrats! Have a great time and we'll look for a full report after the lunch :spin:

[talkingcanes]

Congrats! Have a great time and we'll look for a full report after the lunch :spin:

[lvscolencanes]

Congrats Guin....I am grateful for what I won, but dern that one would have been soooo great!!!!

Wanna trade?! J/K ;)

[lvscolencanes]

Congrats Guin....I am grateful for what I won, but dern that one would have been soooo great!!!!

Wanna trade?! J/K ;)

[Turbulence]

You gotta ask him at least something about the seatbelt commercials....It'd be a waste of a lunch if you didn't. :p

[Turbulence]

You gotta ask him at least something about the seatbelt commercials....It'd be a waste of a lunch if you didn't. :p

[Stormbringer]

What everyone else has said Guin...congratulations! :D :cool: :spin:

Can't wait to find out how it went. :)

[Stormbringer]

What everyone else has said Guin...congratulations! :D :cool: :spin:

Can't wait to find out how it went. :)

[StJacquesRulz25]

Congrats Guin that is really awesome for you

[StJacquesRulz25]

Congrats Guin that is really awesome for you

[caniac369]

Whoo Hoo- Guin you are on fire with this luck thing. Wonder how we can transfer some of that into a couple of wins... ;)

[caniac369]

Whoo Hoo- Guin you are on fire with this luck thing. Wonder how we can transfer some of that into a couple of wins... ;)

[KevynFan14]

Congrats Guin! I'll try and think of some questions and I'll let you know if I come up with any. Let us know how it goes! ;)

[KevynFan14]

Congrats Guin! I'll try and think of some questions and I'll let you know if I come up with any. Let us know how it goes! ;)

[Shell]

YAY, awesome Guin!!!! :) That should be awesome!!

But it doesn't compare to the joy that comes with one word: Bella, Cole's 10-month-old daughter. Cole answers questions about hockey matter-of-factly, having inherited the no-highs-and-no-lows approach the Canes preach constantly. But he displays a broad, warm smile when asked about Bella.

There ya go.. that was written in June '02 so she's almost 2 now.. ask if they have her in skates yet lol.

[Shell]

YAY, awesome Guin!!!! :) That should be awesome!!

But it doesn't compare to the joy that comes with one word: Bella, Cole's 10-month-old daughter. Cole answers questions about hockey matter-of-factly, having inherited the no-highs-and-no-lows approach the Canes preach constantly. But he displays a broad, warm smile when asked about Bella.

There ya go.. that was written in June '02 so she's almost 2 now.. ask if they have her in skates yet lol.

[VandyCane]

Congrats guin, although I will say, my daughter will be crushed when she finds out she didn't win. She was convinced she would. She wanted to ask him about Bella too--whether she skates. I'm convinced all she would have talked about was his little girl. :D

I would ask if he thinks any of this years trades (in general) have affected team chemistry for the better or worse. I wouldn't expect a specific answer relating to one trade or another but a general feeling of how the team's psyche has suffered through this awful season would be interesting.

[VandyCane]

Congrats guin, although I will say, my daughter will be crushed when she finds out she didn't win. She was convinced she would. She wanted to ask him about Bella too--whether she skates. I'm convinced all she would have talked about was his little girl. :D

I would ask if he thinks any of this years trades (in general) have affected team chemistry for the better or worse. I wouldn't expect a specific answer relating to one trade or another but a general feeling of how the team's psyche has suffered through this awful season would be interesting.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Damn you Guin! You get ALL the luck! If I didn't love you I'd have to hate you! ;)

Congratulations!!!! :kiss:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Damn you Guin! You get ALL the luck! If I didn't love you I'd have to hate you! ;)

Congratulations!!!! :kiss:

[Alicia]

You are too damn lucky Guin, congrats!

[Alicia]

You are too damn lucky Guin, congrats!

[Jeff O Rocks]

Congrats Guin...a friend of mine won too...she will be there with her husband...Valerie and Jim Ryan are their names....

Hope you all have fun!! :)

[Jeff O Rocks]

Congrats Guin...a friend of mine won too...she will be there with her husband...Valerie and Jim Ryan are their names....

Hope you all have fun!! :)

[guinevere]

You are too damn lucky Guin, congrats!

And two sodas fell out of the vending machine today. Maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket quick!!!!!I never win anything...

Guin

[guinevere]

You are too damn lucky Guin, congrats!

And two sodas fell out of the vending machine today. Maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket quick!!!!!I never win anything...

Guin

[craigadamstheman]

I am so happy for you!!!! Let us know how it went!!!!
:D

[craigadamstheman]

I am so happy for you!!!! Let us know how it went!!!!
:D

[VandyCane]

Hey Guin... I won too!!!
I got a phone call this afternoon at work. Apparently they thought they had called and/or e-mailed me before but they hadn't. My daughter is ecstatic! It will be nice to meet you. I'll be there with a very energetic five-year old with long curls.

[VandyCane]

Hey Guin... I won too!!!
I got a phone call this afternoon at work. Apparently they thought they had called and/or e-mailed me before but they hadn't. My daughter is ecstatic! It will be nice to meet you. I'll be there with a very energetic five-year old with long curls.

[nccanes]

Hey Guin... I won too!!!
I got a phone call this afternoon at work. Apparently they thought they had called and/or e-mailed me before but they hadn't. My daughter is ecstatic! It will be nice to meet you. I'll be there with a very energetic five-year old with long curls.

This getting downright freaky!

Have fun ladies! :D

[nccanes]

Hey Guin... I won too!!!
I got a phone call this afternoon at work. Apparently they thought they had called and/or e-mailed me before but they hadn't. My daughter is ecstatic! It will be nice to meet you. I'll be there with a very energetic five-year old with long curls.

This getting downright freaky!

Have fun ladies! :D

[Caniac]

When you win the lottery, don't forget to remember LGC.com!!! </shameless donation plea> ;)

[Caniac]

When you win the lottery, don't forget to remember LGC.com!!! </shameless donation plea> ;)

[VandyCane]

Well I finally have a chance to report on today's lunch. It was an intimate affair with Erik and 75 of his closest friends, really :roll: . There were 38 winners and each got to bring a guest, so basically it was a restaurant full of people. I don't think Erik actually got to eat, unless he ate in the back. However he was a very good speaker and seemed genuinely happy to be there.

He began by thanking everyone for being there, but especially by thanking all the fans for their support during this "dismal" season. He said that they are really grateful for the attendance this season and all the support they have received considering the circumstances. He then began to talk about the Bates/Vrbata trade. (It actually made me wonder whether he had read this thread, lol). He stated that while it was sad for a good friend like Bates to go that they were really happy with what Vrbata brings to the team.

At this point he took about 20 minutes worth of questions. I will remember as much as I can (I didn't take notes and don't pretend to be a reporter!)

He was asked about his leg: It is still broken! He has a crack in it still. He says he has skated 5 times on it. Three times it went great, "two other times, well....." He did not say anything about his shoulder.

He was asked about "who do you think we will draft"--No specific names said, of course. He did say that management will do what it needs to do "to fill our needs." He did not specify what he thought those specific needs were. He said if we will fill them by either trading in the off season, bringing in immediate impact draftees or by trading pics to acquire what we need. Sounds like a busy off-season.

He says he is looking forward to the off-season. It has been hard for him to watch the games from the press box. He says he can't wait to go "home" to NY and get in the gym and hang out with his family.

He was asked about game day routines and what he eats on game days: Breakfast--"whatever my lovely wife makes for our daughter", pre-game skate, lunch at Macaroni Grill in Cary, at the bar (it's much quicker) and he always gets the same thing. "They see me walk in the door and start cooking!" He wouldn't say what he ate only, ask for "what Erik Cole eats", he said with a laugh. Then home. Back to the rink around 5 something. Stretch, bikes etc. He says he always does the same thing, likes the routine.

Asked some questions about call-ups, etc. When guys get called up (from Lowell) they get paid NHL salary by the day, assuming an 180-day season. He talked about what a great opportunity it was for those being called up. Wishes he had had the same chance while in Cincinnati. "I would have been much more prepared for training camp." He was asked about the difference in getting drafted from college vs. the juniors. Juniors, he said, are those guys who at 16 are already physically mature, "men among boys." Those guys have the advantage of being able to re-enter the draft if they cannot agree to a contract with the original drafting organization. He gave the example of Mike Zigomanis (he gave a big smile, "who had a beautiful short-handed goal last night", he added). Zigomanis was drafted by the Sabres when in the juniors. They did not agree on a contract, re-entered the draft and was drafted by the Canes (lucky for us--that's my statement). College players, he said, are getting better all the time. Cole stated he was a "late bloomer" and didn't really grow until senior year and was "glad to get a scholarship." He always dreamed of playing in the NHL (in 6th grade he said that in 2006 he would be playing for the Penguins, his favorite team at the time). He says college players are more mature at the time they join the pro team.

He was asked how hard it was to play against someone who had been your teammate the day before and the next day you "hit him against the boards"--he was very funny. "I hear that this is not a problem at all in some instances." He added that while you never lay off a past teammate, he would hate to be involved in any play that resulted in an injury to a former teammate.

He was asked if it was hard for line combinations to be changed "all the time."--he said that that's the way it is at all levels. You have to get used to play anywhere they ask you to, with any given personnel. "As long as I'm one of the 12 guys out there I don't care where they put me"

Some silly questions--who's your road roomate. Sean Hill. Did you get invited to Shane's wedding. "Not that I know off. We used to play golf alot, but we've kind of lost touch."

He talked about how playing in the NHL was a dream come true. How happy it was after that first game with his whole family there and his dad asking "How was it?" It made you misty-eyed.



Whew. I'm sorry if I forgot something, but that's a long enough post!

All in all it was good to hear him speak. Sure wished I could have shaken his hand at least. He was wisked away as soon as the questions ended.

PS--It was nice to meet guin!

[VandyCane]

Well I finally have a chance to report on today's lunch. It was an intimate affair with Erik and 75 of his closest friends, really :roll: . There were 38 winners and each got to bring a guest, so basically it was a restaurant full of people. I don't think Erik actually got to eat, unless he ate in the back. However he was a very good speaker and seemed genuinely happy to be there.

He began by thanking everyone for being there, but especially by thanking all the fans for their support during this "dismal" season. He said that they are really grateful for the attendance this season and all the support they have received considering the circumstances. He then began to talk about the Bates/Vrbata trade. (It actually made me wonder whether he had read this thread, lol). He stated that while it was sad for a good friend like Bates to go that they were really happy with what Vrbata brings to the team.

At this point he took about 20 minutes worth of questions. I will remember as much as I can (I didn't take notes and don't pretend to be a reporter!)

He was asked about his leg: It is still broken! He has a crack in it still. He says he has skated 5 times on it. Three times it went great, "two other times, well....." He did not say anything about his shoulder.

He was asked about "who do you think we will draft"--No specific names said, of course. He did say that management will do what it needs to do "to fill our needs." He did not specify what he thought those specific needs were. He said if we will fill them by either trading in the off season, bringing in immediate impact draftees or by trading pics to acquire what we need. Sounds like a busy off-season.

He says he is looking forward to the off-season. It has been hard for him to watch the games from the press box. He says he can't wait to go "home" to NY and get in the gym and hang out with his family.

He was asked about game day routines and what he eats on game days: Breakfast--"whatever my lovely wife makes for our daughter", pre-game skate, lunch at Macaroni Grill in Cary, at the bar (it's much quicker) and he always gets the same thing. "They see me walk in the door and start cooking!" He wouldn't say what he ate only, ask for "what Erik Cole eats", he said with a laugh. Then home. Back to the rink around 5 something. Stretch, bikes etc. He says he always does the same thing, likes the routine.

Asked some questions about call-ups, etc. When guys get called up (from Lowell) they get paid NHL salary by the day, assuming an 180-day season. He talked about what a great opportunity it was for those being called up. Wishes he had had the same chance while in Cincinnati. "I would have been much more prepared for training camp." He was asked about the difference in getting drafted from college vs. the juniors. Juniors, he said, are those guys who at 16 are already physically mature, "men among boys." Those guys have the advantage of being able to re-enter the draft if they cannot agree to a contract with the original drafting organization. He gave the example of Mike Zigomanis (he gave a big smile, "who had a beautiful short-handed goal last night", he added). Zigomanis was drafted by the Sabres when in the juniors. They did not agree on a contract, re-entered the draft and was drafted by the Canes (lucky for us--that's my statement). College players, he said, are getting better all the time. Cole stated he was a "late bloomer" and didn't really grow until senior year and was "glad to get a scholarship." He always dreamed of playing in the NHL (in 6th grade he said that in 2006 he would be playing for the Penguins, his favorite team at the time). He says college players are more mature at the time they join the pro team.

He was asked how hard it was to play against someone who had been your teammate the day before and the next day you "hit him against the boards"--he was very funny. "I hear that this is not a problem at all in some instances." He added that while you never lay off a past teammate, he would hate to be involved in any play that resulted in an injury to a former teammate.

He was asked if it was hard for line combinations to be changed "all the time."--he said that that's the way it is at all levels. You have to get used to play anywhere they ask you to, with any given personnel. "As long as I'm one of the 12 guys out there I don't care where they put me"

Some silly questions--who's your road roomate. Sean Hill. Did you get invited to Shane's wedding. "Not that I know off. We used to play golf alot, but we've kind of lost touch."

He talked about how playing in the NHL was a dream come true. How happy it was after that first game with his whole family there and his dad asking "How was it?" It made you misty-eyed.



Whew. I'm sorry if I forgot something, but that's a long enough post!

All in all it was good to hear him speak. Sure wished I could have shaken his hand at least. He was wisked away as soon as the questions ended.

PS--It was nice to meet guin!

[KevynFan14]

Thanks for taking the time to write the report, Vandy! :) It sounds like it was pretty interesting.

[KevynFan14]

Thanks for taking the time to write the report, Vandy! :) It sounds like it was pretty interesting.

[Stormbringer]

That sounded cool and it went well overall...thanks for sharing Vandy! :)

[Stormbringer]

That sounded cool and it went well overall...thanks for sharing Vandy! :)

[Shell]

Thanks Vandy!

[Shell]

Thanks Vandy!

[Jeff O Rocks]

Thanks Vandy..sounds like a great day!! :spin:

[Jeff O Rocks]

Thanks Vandy..sounds like a great day!! :spin:

[Alicia]

Cool Vandy! And now for a report from Guin...

[Alicia]

Cool Vandy! And now for a report from Guin...

[Canesluver]

Well, I don't know where Guin is at the moment, but I can add a little bit. Guin was kind enough to bring me as her guest! :D

Don't have much to add, since it looks like Vandycane brought a tape recorder with her! :)

As we entered the restaurant, a 'Canes rep informed us Erik could sign one item per person, and she collected whatever we brought. My husband wears Erik's away jersey, so I'm surprising him by getting that signed. Guin got her jersey autographed, too. I guess Erik signed everything while we were eating. With approx. 100 people there, he had his work cut out for him! That was certainly the quickest way to do it, but it was a little disappointing to not get to have a moment with him.

Menu: a bloomin' onion per table for an appetizer, followed by grilled chicken w/rice pilaf.

Erik: Very charming, and sincere. He thanked the fans many times. Very upbeat guy, but you could tell that he really misses being able to help the team. Just wish they had miked him, because it was really hard to hear him. The Outback is mostly wooden booths, so all we could see was his head. Again, Vandycane was so thorough, she must have been taping him, so can't think of anything else to add.

One last thought:
Our table got major pig time -- yes, Stormy visited us in a big way. 'Course I kind of brought it on myself when I asked him, "Hey Stormy-- did you have a ham biscuit for breakfast?" He then proceded to strangle me-- beat on my head -- sit on me -- LAY on me (thanks Guin for rescueing my plate -- didn't want pig all over my food! ;) ) and then he stole Guin's purse. He also growled at me, and made a farting noise at Guin. :eek:

Okay-- that's my report. Guin? Anything to add?

(Yesterday was so gorgeous -- great day for an adventure!! :D )

[Canesluver]

Well, I don't know where Guin is at the moment, but I can add a little bit. Guin was kind enough to bring me as her guest! :D

Don't have much to add, since it looks like Vandycane brought a tape recorder with her! :)

As we entered the restaurant, a 'Canes rep informed us Erik could sign one item per person, and she collected whatever we brought. My husband wears Erik's away jersey, so I'm surprising him by getting that signed. Guin got her jersey autographed, too. I guess Erik signed everything while we were eating. With approx. 100 people there, he had his work cut out for him! That was certainly the quickest way to do it, but it was a little disappointing to not get to have a moment with him.

Menu: a bloomin' onion per table for an appetizer, followed by grilled chicken w/rice pilaf.

Erik: Very charming, and sincere. He thanked the fans many times. Very upbeat guy, but you could tell that he really misses being able to help the team. Just wish they had miked him, because it was really hard to hear him. The Outback is mostly wooden booths, so all we could see was his head. Again, Vandycane was so thorough, she must have been taping him, so can't think of anything else to add.

One last thought:
Our table got major pig time -- yes, Stormy visited us in a big way. 'Course I kind of brought it on myself when I asked him, "Hey Stormy-- did you have a ham biscuit for breakfast?" He then proceded to strangle me-- beat on my head -- sit on me -- LAY on me (thanks Guin for rescueing my plate -- didn't want pig all over my food! ;) ) and then he stole Guin's purse. He also growled at me, and made a farting noise at Guin. :eek:

Okay-- that's my report. Guin? Anything to add?

(Yesterday was so gorgeous -- great day for an adventure!! :D )

[Jeff O Rocks]

He also growled at me, and made a farting noise at Guin. :eek:



The whole report was good..but that part cracked me up!! :D :spin:

[Jeff O Rocks]

He also growled at me, and made a farting noise at Guin. :eek:



The whole report was good..but that part cracked me up!! :D :spin:

[hyena]

thanks for the reports, guys. erik is such a cool guy to participate in something like that, esp. not playing for so long. sounds like it was an awesome (and quite informative ;)) experience! :D

[hyena]

thanks for the reports, guys. erik is such a cool guy to participate in something like that, esp. not playing for so long. sounds like it was an awesome (and quite informative ;)) experience! :D

[lvscolencanes]

Thanks you guys for the stories. Glad yall had a great time. I thought he would be the way you guys said. He always seems to be a really genuinely nice guy. The way he is about his family, and still a tough, consistent player has been what has made him my favorite...thanks again guys :D

[lvscolencanes]

Thanks you guys for the stories. Glad yall had a great time. I thought he would be the way you guys said. He always seems to be a really genuinely nice guy. The way he is about his family, and still a tough, consistent player has been what has made him my favorite...thanks again guys :D

[crazy4canes]

Sounds like it was great! Thanks for the report guys! :D

(note to self: enter more contests next year)

[crazy4canes]

Sounds like it was great! Thanks for the report guys! :D

(note to self: enter more contests next year)

[Stormbringer]

Glad to know you and Guin had a good time Shawn...thanks for the report and hope your husband really like his signed jersey! :)

[Stormbringer]

Glad to know you and Guin had a good time Shawn...thanks for the report and hope your husband really like his signed jersey! :)

[VandyCane]

Hey Shawn, I wish I had realized that was you with Guin. I would have introduced myself. How could I possibly forget after that awesome tractor dance!

[VandyCane]

Hey Shawn, I wish I had realized that was you with Guin. I would have introduced myself. How could I possibly forget after that awesome tractor dance!

[nccanes]

Thanks VandyCane and Shawn. Great stories! VandyCane, we need you doing practice reports, lol! ;)

[nccanes]

Thanks VandyCane and Shawn. Great stories! VandyCane, we need you doing practice reports, lol! ;)

[nccanes]

Thanks VandyCane and Shawn. Great stories! VandyCane, we need you doing practice reports, lol! ;)

[Jeff O Rocks]

we need you doing practice reports, lol! ;)

but we have to wait til September!! :cry: :sad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

we need you doing practice reports, lol! ;)

but we have to wait til September!! :cry: :sad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

we need you doing practice reports, lol! ;)

but we have to wait til September!! :cry: :sad:

[talkingcanes]

sounds like a great time. thanks for the report. how very special that you got a lot of pig time :spin:

[talkingcanes]

sounds like a great time. thanks for the report. how very special that you got a lot of pig time :spin:

[talkingcanes]

sounds like a great time. thanks for the report. how very special that you got a lot of pig time :spin:

[tommy]

(note to self: enter more contests next year) lol! I'm gonna do that, too!

[tommy]

(note to self: enter more contests next year) lol! I'm gonna do that, too!

[tommy]

(note to self: enter more contests next year) lol! I'm gonna do that, too!