Full Season Ticket Holder Party [Archive]

dakuwan

11-21-2006, 04:24 PM

Just got my official notice and sent in my RSVP.

The Full Season Ticket Holder Party is scheduled for December 13, 2006, and you're invited!

Come enjoy an exclusive 'Canes closed practice, get autographs from your favorite players, partake in free food and beverage, tour the Hurricanes' Locker Room, take a slap shot on the RBC Center ice, get your picture taken on the Hurricanes' bench, and more!

Gates will open for this event at 4:30 PM at the South Entrance. The private practice will begin at 5:00 PM, and food & beverages will also begin to be served at this time.

WHAT
Carolina Hurricanes Full Season Ticket Holder Party
WHEN
Wednesday, December 13, 2006 @ 4:30 PM
WHERE
RBC Center 1400 Edwards Mill Rd. Raleigh, N.C. 27607
MORE DETAILS TO COME!

One pass per full season ticket seat you own has been included at the back of your Season Ticket booklet, and only one person will be admitted per pass. The Full Season Ticket Party will be closed to anyone without a ticket.

Please be sure to RSVP by Friday, December 1, 2006 by including your name and the number of people you will have attending in an email to rsvp@carolinahurricanes.com. Please remember, you have been given one pass per Full Season Ticket seat, and only one person will be admitted per pass. Prizes will be awarded to some lucky Season Ticket Holders through a drawing from the names of those who RSVP by 12/01/06. Winners' names will be announced at the party, and you must be present to win.

*Please note that due to the large number of fans attending this event, it may not be possible to receive each players autograph.

We appreciate your continued support!
P.J. Avetta
Sales & Client Services Executive
Carolina Hurricanes

Im planning on getting a jersey to try to get team signed for this year. Is it better to wear the jersey or just carry it around? Ive never done this event before.

svandijk1

11-21-2006, 04:49 PM

Im planning on getting a jersey to try to get team signed for this year. Is it better to wear the jersey or just carry it around? Ive never done this event before.

Carry it. The players are broken down into groups of 3 or 4 and seated behind a table so it's *way* easier to pass the jersey along the table to be signed. But note their fine print. It's going to be very difficult (actually, impossible) to have everyone sign it. So, when you first get there, you'll be given a sheet detailing where the tables will be (they are positioned all around the arena) and who will be at them. Map out who you want the most and a path that will get you from one table to the next most efficiently. Then don't loiter around before the signing begins (usually 6PM). Just get to the closest access area to the 1st table you want. That way you'll be as near the front of that line as you can get so you can get through it quickly and on to the next table. Be prepared to run. ;-)

I would also suggest selecting the most fan popular person on your want list first. Obviously that person's line will be the longest throughout the night, so the quicker you get through that line and on to the next one, the better.

That's been my experience anyway...

svandijk1

11-21-2006, 04:54 PM

livinthedream

11-21-2006, 05:03 PM

Well.......let me be the FIRST to say that if anyone has a ticket and can't go......PM me. I'll make it worth your while. ;)

dakuwan

11-21-2006, 05:07 PM

Oh, another suggestion (since I think you've mentioned being out back after games and/or practices). Take your jersey there first because you can get a lot of autographs that way much more easily (especially at the RecZone). Then you can use the STH event to fill in the rest for the guys who just drove past you without stopping. ;) Then you could use your time to check out some of the other things they have at the STH party like the lockerroom and broadcast booth tours, etc.

I was planning to fill it in at the practices but you're probably right that it'd be better to do it the other way around and fill it in at the party. It sounds a lot like the caniac carnival setup. Im looking forward to taking a slapshot on the ice more than anything else actually. :D

svandijk1

11-21-2006, 05:16 PM

I was planning to fill it in at the practices but you're probably right that it'd be better to do it the other way around and fill it in at the party. It sounds a lot like the caniac carnival setup. Im looking forward to taking a slapshot on the ice more than anything else actually. :D

Good idea. This event has always been very well attended with some really long lines, and after last year, there should be quite a few more STHers this year.

The more you get taken care of before hand, the more you can enjoy the event (rather than stressing about how slow the line is moving and will you make it to the next table), but then again, you might have something else (those posters from Opening Night I & II, for example) you'd like signed as well. You are only allowed to have one item signed per player.

KaniacFever

11-21-2006, 08:57 PM

Sweet. I can't wait. I've been looking forward to this one event since I found the tickets in the back of the book.

I know 2 players I need to get things signed:
JWillie - my jersey
Brindy - Opening Night 1 Poster so I can finally get the freakin thing framed and hung.

I'm also looking forward to taking a shot on ice. How cool is that gonna be.

nccanes

11-21-2006, 09:02 PM

SoCalcaniac

11-21-2006, 09:29 PM

OMG E, you gotta get that signed!

Be prepared for loooooong lines folks- Last year was an oddity in that we didn't seem to have that many ticket holders after the lockout and so many of us were stressed about getting say Staal or Cole or Rod, and I found I was able to get through no problem. And you only get an hour and they're strict about cutting the line. So pick your people, and be efficient with your time. It goes by so fast, but it's been fun every year we've gone......

CANESFREAKinDET

11-21-2006, 09:30 PM

I hope to get Stillman to sign my #61 sweater and get Commodore to sign this photo I took at the parade:

http://home.nc.rr.com/united91/canes/parade_commie2.JPG

Which reminds me, I need to get it enlarged (ancient film camera).

LOL that is an AWESOME picture!!! :laugh: :lol: He looks like such a drunken hippie and I LOVE it! :D

svandijk1

11-21-2006, 09:37 PM

I thought he looked like he'd just been rescued.

Anyone else see that pic and think of Tom Hanks in Castaway?

puck_it

11-21-2006, 10:33 PM

if i cannot acquire a ticket, e, you'll have to tell stillman he doesnt do anything for me :kiss:

SouthernHockeyChick

11-21-2006, 10:54 PM

KaniacFever

11-22-2006, 09:18 AM

Sounds like the autographs might be better to get after a practice.

dakuwan

11-22-2006, 09:50 AM

Don't get your heart set on getting autographs AND getting to take a slapshot. Even last year with shorter lines, I found I had to do one or the other. Unless you aren't interested in the Q&A with Lavi, that is.

Looks like that nails where Ill be. Ive gotten to run into the guys quite a bit at practices but I may never get a chance to shoot on NHL ice again. :D

Well unless they have the goals up at Skate with the Canes.

puckin_A

11-23-2006, 07:31 AM

LOL that is an AWESOME picture!!! :laugh: :lol: He looks like such a drunken hippie and I LOVE it! :D

Jerry Garcia came back for a Canes game.

perfectstorm

12-10-2006, 07:01 AM

Anybody know when the autograph session starts?

svandijk1

12-10-2006, 09:50 AM

In the past, I believe it's always started at 6PM. However, they open access to where the lines start forming at 5:30PM as I recall.

2CrazyCaniacs

12-10-2006, 10:36 AM

According to our ticket rep the Canes will practice, shower, and eat before the autograph session which is only supposed to last about an hour and fifteen minutes. The practice is scheduled to start at 5.

LostTexan

12-10-2006, 11:49 AM

Well crap I had planned on going to practice on Wednesday, I guess if they are practicing at night then they wont have their normal morning practice, right?

2CrazyCaniacs

12-10-2006, 02:34 PM

I've pasted in some info that the ticket rep sent me. Hope it helps.

"Come enjoy an exclusive 'Canes closed practice, get autographs from your favorite players, partake in free food and beverage, tour the Hurricanes' Locker Room, and take a slap shot on the RBC Center ice. Be sure to bring your camera, because you'll have the opportunity to take pictures on the Hurricanes' bench, and the Stanley Cup will be in the building!

Gates will open at 4:30 PM at the South Entrance, and the private practice will begin at 5:00 PM. Complimentary food & beverage vouchers will be distributed at the door, and food stations will be open from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Coach Peter Laviolette and John Forslund will close the evening with a State of the 'Canes address from 8:30 PM - 9:00 PM.

WHAT
Carolina Hurricanes Full Season Ticket Holder Party

WHEN
Wednesday, December 13, 2006 @ 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM

WHERE
RBC Center 1400 Edwards Mill Rd. Raleigh, N.C. 27607"

2CrazyCaniacs

12-10-2006, 02:38 PM

I hope to get Stillman to sign my #61 sweater and get Commodore to sign this photo I took at the parade:

http://home.nc.rr.com/united91/canes/parade_commie2.JPG

Which reminds me, I need to get it enlarged (ancient film camera).

Hey NCC - the ticket rep also told me that if I want an autograph from one particular player to get in his line first because they expect a big crowd. I'll be battling my way to the front of Commie's line with my sweater :lol:

c-girl

12-10-2006, 05:29 PM

If they do this one like they did the Caniac Carnival, you won't know where any of the players will be. The lines start way before the players come to the tables and they don't put up their names until they get there. At the Carnival, our line ended up being the Cam, Trevor, and Jeff Daniels table. My prime objective was Commie because I had a photo of me cutting his hair at the charity thingy that I was dying to get signed. So after I got through with Cam and crew, I hot-footed it over to Commie's table and got in that line. Although the table "nazis" will tell you that you can only have one thing signed, I think most of the players will accommodate 2 items. Commie signed my photo and my son's hat and seemed quite happy to do it and I saw him signing more than one thing for others too. Because of time constraints and the lengthy lines, we only got to four of the tables.

svandijk1

12-10-2006, 05:46 PM

At past STH events, they've handed out a printed page telling you who will be at which table and where the table will be located. They'll initially have parts of the the arena blocked off. If you're intent is to get as many autographs as possible, review the sheet, and decide on an order. It's best to pick the most "popular" table first and then get yourself as close to that table as possible so when they start letting people head to the tables, you'll be near the front of the line so you can get through quickly and on to the next one.
I believe there are 6 tables in all and the best I've ever managed was to make it through 5. But that was in a year with a much smaller STH base.

LostTexan

12-10-2006, 07:45 PM

Is it too late to ask if anybody has an extra ticket?

c-girl

12-10-2006, 08:16 PM

It does take an effort and strategy to get as many as you can but it's well worth the effort. The Carnival was the first time we had ever tried to get autographs and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice and accommodating the players were. All of them acted like they were just as pleased as they could be to meet fans and sign for them. I found that Commie, Coach, KAds, JWilly and Glen Wesley were the most personable but all of them were polite. We didn't make it to Brind'Amour and Staal's table but I heard they were great. We came away with the greatest feeling about these guys as people.

SouthernHockeyChick

12-10-2006, 08:36 PM

IMO, Brindy is the absolute best at these things. He treats you like you're his neighbor from down the street. Love that man.

Commodore is awesome as well. He and LaRose (same table with Cullen and Staal) were cracking us up last year. Staal is just obviously sorta shy but he tries really hard to chat with people.

Last year's crowd was way down I'm sure, but I was really surprised how easily I felt like I got to more of the tables than I was expecting. The only signature I wanted was Cullen's (on my #8 jersey) but, when I saw he was at Staal's table (and it was the Staal lithograph we got last season) I assumed there was no way I'd make it through his line so I just went with a friend to Brindy's line. We got through that so quickly we got in Staal's line and I got my Cullen sig after all. And after that my friend was even able to get through another whole line. Getting through what were undoutably the two most popular lines (Brindy and Staal) plus one more was pretty impressive to me.

This season I think I'll do the press box and locker room tours since somehow I've never managed to get to either of those places. That is unless I decide on a new jersey tomorrow, lol.

Shattered

12-10-2006, 08:45 PM

SHC, how about getting a Tanabe jersey? Take one for the team. ;)

SoCalcaniac

12-10-2006, 09:30 PM

IMO, Brindy is the absolute best at these things. He treats you like you're his neighbor from down the street. Love that man.
Spoken in total truth. The season before the lockout, I got my Brind 'Amour jersey signed. That year, I made it through all the tables somehow, Rod's table was wayyyy off to the end of the concourse- anyway, I get there, and I'm sure I'm gonna get cut off, with the little stop sign; Well I was actually 4 from the cutoff, and they had been signing for over an hour; but when I got up to him, you would've thought he was just starting - he was quite friendly,big smile on his face, greeted me, saw the jersey, (which I'm sure he had plenty of others before I came trotting over there) and he says something like oh great number here; and he laughs, and I laugh too and say something like thanks for doing this, it's great, blah blah; and he looks me straight in the eye and with total sincerity, says "thanks so much for coming" and the two women behind me were like "omg he's so niiice" and it kinda snapped me out of the awe I was in. LOL.

Like alot of people here, I've been to a bunch of these STHer parties. the autograph line is always great- I've yet to hear any horror stories, and the guys are always nice. Last year was probably as good as it will ever get, as it was easily the smallest of all the STHer parties - and I kept running into people who were stunned they were able to get through Staal's line or thought they'd be stuck over in his line, but wound up getting to other tables too. And Staal was getting grief from the guys because he was obviously the attraction last year, and they kept razzing him with 'you're holding up the progress here Staal' I personally thought his hand was gonna fall off, but his teammates didn't have mercy for him. LOL.

I have no such illusions of zipping through tables this year though. :lol:

CajunCaniac

12-11-2006, 11:37 AM

Also looking for an extra ticket to take my 5-year old. He would love to see the locker room, and taking a shot on the ice would be a real thrill.

2CrazyCaniacs

12-13-2006, 04:10 AM

So besides me, who on here is going tonight?

perfectstorm

12-13-2006, 07:10 AM

Me.

I have one more of the 4 Stanley Cup finals tickets to get autographed by Stillman. The other three already have the Captain and the other alternate captain's John Hancock.

Next task....framing all four.

c-girl

12-13-2006, 07:33 AM

We'll be there. We have some jerseys we're giving for Christmas that we want to get autographed, including a baby jersey for our grandbaby who was born during the playoffs last season and was named for Justin Williams. I tried to get them to name him Commodore but I got overruled. :lol:

2CrazyCaniacs

12-13-2006, 08:14 AM

Can anyone tell me how soon the lines start forming to get the players autographs? I don't get off work until 5:30 and wonder if I'll be able to see any of the practice or should just try to get in line. My hubby gave me a Commodore jersey/sweater as an early Christmas present and I'm determined to get it signed tonight:)

KaniacFever

12-13-2006, 09:26 AM

I'll be there. Need to get my Willie jersey signed.

SoCalcaniac

12-13-2006, 09:34 AM

2CC, the lines will most likely start forming as soon as people get there. They usually have it all roped off or designated on where to stand, and all that- but if I remember right, last year, they kept us in the rink for a few minutes after the practice and then let people go out to the concourse (? correct me if I'm wrong guys) and start lining up. If you're getting there after 5:30, you might just go to the line.

I'm just hoping people don't do the stampede thing like in years past. I don't remember that happening last year, but the people I was around were mostly young families with lots of little kiddies so running wasn't really an option. :lol:

goalie33

12-13-2006, 09:36 AM

the people I was around were mostly young families with lots of little kiddies so running wasn't really an option. :lol:

Just remember: the more you push, the faster we'll all get through.

SouthernHockeyChick

12-13-2006, 09:36 AM

I'll be there. I wasn't planning on doing the autograph lines this year....wanted to check out the other stuff. But, I guy at work wants to surprise his little boy with a signed jersey for Christmas so, guess I'll be in the lines afterall. He's not looking for the mother lode so, I'm hoping one, maybe two tables can get me what he needs, and then I can still have time to do the locker room and press box tours. Won't hurt my feelings if I get to get my opening night 1 (& 2 :sick:) posters signed, either.

My goal for the night: don't cry on a player (or a coach). :beatup:

And dammit boys, I'm going to manage being in a good mood even when you guys are trash right now, so you better manage it too!! :lol:

SoCalcaniac

12-13-2006, 09:44 AM

My goal for the night: don't cry on a player (or a coach). :beatup:

ROTFLMAO. Mr Socal says to me, (after I pondered if I should even do the auto lines this year, but then deciding I have to get certain SC paraphanalia signed) "if you start bawling around any person who plays for this team, you're walking home". :lol: So, SHC maybe you can give me tips on how to accomplish that when I make my way to #26's table. :eek2:

IceSaber

12-13-2006, 09:57 AM

Two words for you Socal - Little Ice! :lol: She pulled me in line last night after putting our old cat to sleep - she can definitely do it during player weepy moments! See - Puck_it - he'll have her!

2CrazyCaniacs

12-13-2006, 09:57 AM

Well I'm officially an idiot. I'm so focused on getting my Commie jersey signed that I completely forgot to bring my Canes yearbook and Cup DVD with me to get anyone else to sign. Duh.

puck_it

12-13-2006, 10:02 AM

*sigh* since I know you wont be able to NOT cry, socal, I've got room in my car.

SoCalcaniac

12-13-2006, 10:02 AM

Two words for you Socal - Little Ice! :lol: She pulled me in line last night after putting our old cat to sleep - she can definitely do it during player weepy moments!

Problem there missy is that if I see Little Ice and she happens to be at the table of a certain goalie, being her cute little self, well then, that's not exactly gonna help me cause I'll start bawlin' over that. :kiss: ;) Puck_it, I may need that ride......

**sorry about the kitty***

svandijk1

12-13-2006, 10:21 AM

I'll be there. I'm still on the fence about whether to do the autograph lines. I've done really well getting things signed out back after practices and games that for the few things I'd still like signed, that may be an easier way. Besides, I always struggle to figure out what to have the 2 or 3 "other" guys at a table whose autograph I don't really need sign. I think I've done the lockerrom once, never done the pressbox (didn't see that mentioned in the email this time though) or shot a puck and always miss the Q&A, plus the Stanley Cup is there with the names on it, so maybe it is better to skip the autograph madness this time.

BTW, is there a lithograph for tonight? If so, anyone know who it is?

nccanes

12-13-2006, 10:24 AM

Svan - you really need 3 items minimum for this shindig - even if you are only seeking 1 item to be signed.

Item 1: the real item you want signed by player X (for me my #61 jersey and a photo of Commodore)
Item 2: the "Cup winners" item to be signed by any other player at the same table as the focus of Item 1 (for me my Whatever it Takes book)
Item 3: the "non Cup winners" generic item to be signed by new players that happen to be at the same table as the focus of Item 1. (for me a CANES cap)

It gets complicated, but it should work. :lol:

SouthernHockeyChick

12-13-2006, 10:26 AM

I'd bet money the litho is Cam, but I haven't heard anything. It usually leaks out by now....would we be not getting one? Maybe they have decided to do a not-lame STH gift? Nah.

As for the autograph lines, I went last year with a friend through 2 tables and I only had Staal and Cullen sign something. I just told the other guys I was there to give their hand a rest, and I got to chat with them a bit. You don't have to have them sign something...it's not a rule. And I really don't think they're offended. I think Justin thanked me for letting his hand rest. :lol:

talkingcanes

12-13-2006, 10:27 AM

For me, it's my Brind'Amour jersey for the man himself. Whatever it Takes book for the Cup winners, and generic jersey for the rest of them! I'm not a real autograph seeker so I'll be content with whatever works out. I've had my #17 jersey for several years so maybe it's time to get it signed. Then again, waiting in lines is not my best thing:)

svandijk1

12-13-2006, 10:29 AM

Right, it's just that I've already got most of that covered. I started trying to get all my SCF tickets signed, and aside from the guys that left (Cullen, AWard, etc), I'm only missing LaRose and Kaberle, both who simply refuse to stop out back. Aside from that, I'd probably like Brindy to sign the Opening Night 1 poster and the 4 captains to sign Opening Night 2. I could start anew with the "Cup Winners" on the DVD, but I'm not so motivated (and could do that out back). And as for the new guys, I'm lost. I thought about the STH box, but it seemed so slick I don't know it would work well. I could get the calendar I guess...

svandijk1

12-13-2006, 10:33 AM

Yeah, the Whatever It Takes book is another thought. But after getting all the Cup winners to sign tickets, I'm not sure I want to start all over again with another item (especially since the departed guys are really hard to get now). At least with the calendar, the new guys can sign too.

And I'm sure the guys aren't offended if they get skipped, but I feel bad for them anyway. ;)

SouthernHockeyChick

12-13-2006, 10:34 AM

Don't get the calendar for the new guys....there aren't any new guys on it.

I guess I'm the only person who goes through the line without something for everyone to sign? Now I feel weird about it. :lol:

talkingcanes

12-13-2006, 10:44 AM

this is very complicated, isn't it?

the plotting and planning is very interesting. in seasons past, I've gotten things signed for other people. this year I'm playing it by ear. if it works out, then it does. if not, I'll live with it. I think they've done a nice job with STH events so far this season so I look forward to seeing how this is going to play out.

getting the SCF tickets signed is good. of course mine are at home and I can't get there before the event so.........jerseys and book it will have to do!!

SoCalcaniac

12-13-2006, 10:59 AM

It is verrry complicated. :lol:

SHC- I think you're on to something- just go for the ones you really want and tell the others you're helping them rest their hands!

Here's a suggestion for the item for the non-Cup guys- last year, hub, who is just a tag-along for these events, or does the line checks for me to tell me how much time I have, came bopping back to the Staal line with a copy of the Canes 2005-06 yearbook. I know they've had it a few years, but really never thought of it, so it was great that he kinda stubmled on it, and I did end up using it to for the players/coaches who I didn't have a designated item to to sign.

So tonight- It's the US Post Office SC pic/envelope of Williams & Staal celebrating the empty netter

My Whatever it Takes book & my still unworn "Roster" SCF's tee

Game 7 tickets Stubs

How much of this stuff I'll actually get signed? remains to be seen. :lol:

Have fun everyone....

BrindAmourFan

12-13-2006, 11:14 AM

I was at RBCC late yesterday afternoon dropping off toys and saw a bunch of adults/kids decked out in game jerseys. I figured it must have been the STH party and thought I must have gotten the date wrong in my head. So if the STH party is tonight, then was last night Skate With the Canes? If so, do we have any reports?

Three days to Tampa...yay!!!

apolinar

12-13-2006, 11:16 AM

i always stop at the eye and buy some generic canes pucks to have the newbies sign, such as letowski, walker, and gleason and belanger so they don't feel left out of the scf memorabilia signing frenzy. That way my puck collection keeps growing. Then I give them as door prizes for my charity events.

nccanes

12-13-2006, 11:16 AM

^^ the event yesterday as the mini-plan day with the Cup

LostTexan

12-13-2006, 11:20 AM

gocanesgo

12-13-2006, 11:53 AM

I'll be there. Hoping to get my Erik Cole jersey signed, and a close-up of the Canes' names on the Cup.

svandijk1

12-13-2006, 12:23 PM

Don't get the calendar for the new guys....there aren't any new guys on it.

I didn't really think there would be. I meant it more as the new guys could sign it because at least it has to do with the team they're on (unlike the Whatevet It Takes book or DVD, etc). I'd want them to sign something relevent to 2006-07 (but not either of the Opening Night posters).

And to ask again, no takers for trading an Opening Night 2 poster in exchange for an Opening Night poster? I only have 2 of the former and I'd like to send one to two people but need to keep one for myself. It would go to a good home (out of the country in fact).

apolinar

12-13-2006, 02:22 PM

CANCEL! THE TICKET IS SPOKEN FOR!

For anyone interested: The other STH on my account may not be able to go. PM me if interested. He will let me know at 4pm. The only rule to get this ticket is you have to stand in Andrew Ladd's line and get a jersey signed for this other STH'er, and the STHer litho or whatever present it is goes to my STH pardner. Otherwise you're on your own. You'll also have to meet me there by 445 if I don't get stuck in traffic.

Canesluver

12-13-2006, 02:58 PM

I've got an extra ticket. Hubs decided he doesn't want to go.

You can PM me.

Warning: I don't get off work until 5:30, and since my back-up person has the day off, there's no way I can leave early. I only work 5-7 minutes from the RBC Center. It'd be about 5:40 before I got over there, so you'd likely miss most of the practice.

goalie33

12-13-2006, 03:46 PM

I just called puck_it...no lithos, but nothing else, either.

bitty

12-13-2006, 04:39 PM

Sorry I know this has nothing to do with the party, just want Brindamourfan to know that Saturdays weather here in Tampa should be nice. 20% chance of rain, so it probably won't. Just a little cloudy with the lows in the low 60's with the high in the mid 70's.
PS - can't wait to here your stories about the party and see some pics. Hope all of ya have fun.

2CrazyCaniacs

12-13-2006, 07:20 PM

So after begging my boss I was able to leave work at 4:30 and was one of the first people in line for Commodore. He was an absolute doll. I asked him if the Canes are going to get him a new robe, and he laughed and said maybe for Christmas.

The RBC guy working our line was super nice too; offered to take a photo of me watching while Commie signed my jersey. Unfortunately I still haven't completely figured out how my new camera works so the photo didn't take:cry: Ah, well, at least I met my Commie!

From what I could see it looked like the lines were pretty long for everything. I left right after I got Commodore's autograph; I didn't want to lose my place in line so I didn't get anything to eat and I was starved.

nccanes

12-13-2006, 08:47 PM

Major, MAJOR, MAJOR kudos to Erik Cole for coming out into the concourse to sign autographs for people that got cut off w/o notice (and many that still stood there because they weren't told the line had been cut off).

I'll refrain from saying anything else due to that grandmotherly advice of not saying anything if you have nothing nice to say.:beatup:

Oh and yes - major lines. Only able to get thru 2 of 6 autograph tables.

Oh I got to see Puck_it w/o a hat. It was weird.

KaniacFever

12-13-2006, 08:56 PM

Yes, major Kudos to Erik. I luckily got through his table before they cut the line off, but as I walked past I saw a crowd of people and in the middle of the crowd was Erik. He just keeps amazing me.

I went to the Williams-Gleason-Ward-Wallin table first. I gave Williams my jersey for him to sign and as he was handing it back to me he said "that is the best looking jersey." Gleason was sitting next to him and just laughed and said "I always thought a #8 jersey was the best." So then I got the rest at that table to sign the yearbook.

I then hightailed it to Cole-Walker-Kaberle-LaRose table. Luckily I got there before the Nazis came and cut it off. LaRose is a character. I love that guy. He is so funny.

After that I went to the locker room tour and had the best locker room tour ever. While there I ran into LaRose, Kevyn, Walker, and Bab's. Unfotunatley they were hightailing it through the locker room I couldn't get a good picture.

But all and all it was a good time. The guys were great and very friendly.

SpeedRacer

12-13-2006, 09:05 PM

I had a pretty good locker room tour too. After walking through, Jeff Daniels was walking out in front of me, so I just blindly followed him. He went through a door, so I went through the door. I followed him down an empty hallway and walked past Stillman, Witney and Craig Adams. Then I realized that I was passing players and there were no other STH's around, I think I'm lost! I asked Jeff if I was going in the right direction. He kindly guided me back out to where I was supposed to be. I think if I kept following him I would have ended up at his car.

Captain Slack

12-13-2006, 09:13 PM

Here's one I took tonight. Got more, but too tired to sort through them all. Hopefully have them up by this weekend at the latest.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/captainslack/Stanley_Cup.jpg

c-girl

12-13-2006, 09:45 PM

Gosh, yes. Major lines. I got through the Williams, Gleason, Ward, Wallin line (took almost an hour) and then managed to get through the Coach, Babchuk, Commodore, Adams line. That's all.

Justin Williams is officially a sweetheart. He personalized his autograph on my daughter-in-law's Williams jersey we're giving her for Christmas (she will freak when she sees he actually wrote her name) and also signed my grandson's jersey although they weren't supposed to sign more than one thing. What a doll.

We went through the locker room tour right as the autograph segment was finishing and Coach, Walker, Babchuk, and Daniels walked right by us. Scotty had on his hard hat from the Habitat thing this morning and Hubs asked him if he was just going to work. Scotty was joking around with everybody in line. Interesting sidenote - we saw the laundry room and there was a guy in there sewing "FLOOD" on a jersey. So does that mean they are getting ready to call Flood up? Or do they make up Canes jersey for all the Albany guys just in case they are ever called up?

It was a great function. I just wish they would do this all day so people could get to do all the events. We missed the shooting the puck and pictures on the zamboni. Most of the time was spent standing in line for autographs.

We saw Cole standing out in the concourse signing autographs. He was mobbed so we decided not to go over there. I'm very impressed to learn that he was signing for people who got cut out of the line. What a great guy.

LostTexan

12-13-2006, 09:46 PM

First of all a HUGE thank you to apolinar for hooking me up with an extra ticket. This was my first time going and I had a BLAST.

I started off watching practice and enjoying some dinner after that I headed up to the Press Boxes. At the end of the press row was the Canes TV booth where Tripp was chatting with fans about lots of things. He started off talking about what it took to be a good color man and then moved on to officiating in the NHL and also talked about his playing days and his transition into being a color man. I remembered somebody on here wondering why Tripp no longer did a blog and so I asked him about it and he said that people had decided it had run it's course and he had talked about most of the cities and that it didn't make sense for him to do it with the current schedule of visiting the same cities over and over again.

After that I made my way down to the ice to take my picture on the ice. I go to take my picture sitting in the drivers seat of the Olympia Ice machine which was really cool. I also got a couple of pictures of myself on the bench.

At this point it was around 7:30 so I decided to hop in an autograph line. I chose the one with Laviolette, Commodore, K. Adams, and Babchuk because I had something for every one of them to sign and sometimes I have trouble getting Laviolette's autograph because he doesn't leave right after practices. The line moved fairly well and I was out of there by around 7:50.

Now it was time for what I had been looking forward to the most. The locker room tour. It was really amazing going down there. I was surprised at how small it was and I also thought it was interesting that it wasn't really a closed room because of the way the whole area back there is it was more open. I got to see the door where they go to the ice through and have my picture taken in front of the "It's Not About Me..." thing they have above the door.

After that it was around 8:15 so I decided to make my way back down to the ice to take a shot on the goal. And um yea we're just not going to talk about my shot except to say that I made the guy helping jump out of the way. Following my pathetic attempt at a shot I made my way back up to the seats to listen to the "State of the 'Canes Address" from Laviolette in which Forslund asked him some questions about the different aspects of the team and how he thought they were going.

It was a lot of fun and hopefully next year I'll be back in Raleigh full time and will be a season ticket holder myself. I took a bunch of pictures and hopefully I'll get them up soon.

Thanks again apolinar.

hyena

12-13-2006, 09:56 PM

Got back a while ago...saw many LGC'ers in attendance. I managed to make it through three autograph tables and then go listen to Lavi's talk. All in all, a great experience! :D

SoCalcaniac

12-13-2006, 10:19 PM

I just settled in for the night, and made it through 2 of the 6 tables. Rod Brind 'Amour is a saint, he is my hero, and I love him. :lol: Against my normal M.O., I decided to stand in the Rod line starting at 6pm and waited an hour, wasn't disappointed, all the guys were great at that table, a girl in front of me had a Crackers jersey and he was stunned to see it, signed happily, Hutch was really funny, and very nice- I had him sign my SCC hat, and it's white so I wanted all the sigs in red, and asked if he would sign in red, and I only had my mini-red sharpie not a full size and it looked like a toy in his hand. LOL. I said something like that when he was signing the hat, and he says "anything for our fans" and he smiled and winked. Wes signed my Whatever it Takes book, in silver sharpie and was so great. Cracking jokes while we all stood waiting for the line to move... that line was on the ball- there was a staffer who made this announcement about no 'pictures with the players' no multiple items, keep the line moving spiel, and it worked on cue. I was well in the back of the line- even at 6pm, and it took us all of 25 mintues to get to the guys- the practice security nazi woman was there glaring at people but she wasn't in charge, thankfully.

Now, fast forward to the Justin table...... complete and utter MESS. People talking at length, pictures being taken with the players, and it appeared multiple items where being signed. OY. But nobody was turned away- the elderly usher who we've seen many a night, came and vented that "there are too many chiefs trying to be in charge" and we laughed hard.

So Hyena- or one of our other photograhers- I am praying you got to Justin's line- he was wearing the most pimptastic hat- brown color cordoroy material looked like a throwback kangol hat, and he had it cocked to the side and he was terrific. I had him sign the picture of him celebrating the empty netter with Staal-it's the special edition thing they sold at the post office. so when I get to him, and say hello, and hand him the photo- he says "isn't this just the best picture???" and I say, yep, you better believe it. He did a Rod and said "thanks for coming out"; Gleason was real friendly- and Cam acted like he just started signing when I was near the end of the line and after he hands me back my post office photo, he says "see you on Friday night right?" LOL. and Nic Wallin signed his OT winner pic vs NJ. He flipped right to the page after I lost my place messing with all the stuff I was getting signed. :lol:

I think the whole thing was great as it is every year, but there are some serious issues with the attendants runing the show. like the elder statesman/usher was saing "too many chiefs" and many don't have a CLUE.

while we were waiting in Rod's line, we had security nazi's "sister" patrolling the hall- she told a man not to lean on the bar 'you'll put prints on it' :eek2: and then proceeded to run people away from looking down on the ice while waiting in line, then scolded a mother with 2 kids who were running around a little by telling her 'make them behave'. OY. This is no joke. I thought hub was gonna throw a fit he was so incredulous and usually he pays no mind to mess like that.

Canesluver- you look fantastic! I love your hair!

Capt slack- great to FINALLY meet ya.

Puck_it, did Little Kam run you ragged? Mr Socal is still trying to reset his watch. ;)

The autographs were great lots of awesome moments that I enjoyed- but I really enjoy listening to Laviolette and his State of the Canes session. I missed the locker room so maybe next time, and yep, I agree this needs to be an all day session, and I think we need to eliminate the 'practice ' element of this STher party. Kinda messes things up.

Hope everyone got what they were looking for! I'm bummed I didn't get to #26, but it looks like I might've been on the outside lookin' in anyway.....

apolinar

12-13-2006, 10:26 PM

My quick 2 cents: Lost Texan thanks for hangin'!

First things first went to get my food as last year I almost didn't get a cinnamon bun because they almost ran out at the end so that's what I got first. Then applied for a bank account with RBC to get my free stick that I found out later I'd get a 1099 tax form to give to my accountant (HARRUMPH! Did I really need a third checking account?)

Went to the eye and bought a hastily made andrew ladd jersey and harumphed that there were no more red jerseys at all due to the mad christmas rush for jerseys so settled for white. But the eye was running smoothly and was so happy they could customize a Ladd replica so quickly so I could get some autos, pick up the jersey, then get it signed.

Stood in line for an hour to be in a reasonable area for the cole walker kaberle larose line. Told Larose about the statue of him I won on ebay and he had no clue about it! I guess I'll have to show it to him. Wouldn't you think the everblades would give him one? It being the first official figure of a cane holding up the cup? Cole was most nice and thanked me for being a fan! He didn't really have to say anything and it was great seeing him be so thoughtful to all of us.

After that line I thought about going to Tanabe's line but thought it safer to pic up my friend's jersey and go to the staal line. Hit that line at the right time because it was about to be cut off as I went through it and got my autos. Staal signed a SCF pic, and ladd signed the jersey and was nice enough to sign another for me (my scf pic of him with the cup).

i love this event. It's the one I look forward to every year. Maybe it is this face to face with the fans that will re energize the team into the wins column.

puck_it

12-13-2006, 10:34 PM

Puck_it, did Little Kam run you ragged? Mr Socal is still trying to reset his watch. ;)

holy hell, she sure did. i thought i was going to out last her, that is until she took a shot on net. it went in and that made her fricken week. it also sent her into hyper mode. when she was in a "tired--im content to just stand here and lean on you--mode" like 5 seconds before.

We went to the Stanley Cup line first, because that started at 6 and wasnt people dependent. it moved fairly quickly once it started. Always good to see the big ol shiny thing. Kam said she hadnt gotten to see it before, so that was good for her. (maybe IS can clarify if thats true or not)

then we went to good ol Cam's line. Like E said about the Stillman line, it snaked infront of the table. there was a cluster**** down by jwill so gleason, ward, and wallin ahd nothing to sign for a mintue while we were right infront of Cam. he sees me, and he's got to recognize me from the warmups because he looks me in the eye, i nod and point behind me. so Kam and Cam were playing peekaboo around my ass. She was shy for some reason. we got to Cam later to get our things signed, and he goes, "Well hello there Kam. How have you been?"...*meakly*"good"... "Well are you going to the game friday? Gonna come down to the glass to say hi?"... It was good to see, he's a good guy thats got his head screwed on right.

then we did the shot on net. she went bonkers... then we met up with E and her 'teen' to tour the locker room. the stickroom in the locker room was absolutely magnificent. i was in heaven.

nccanes

12-13-2006, 10:44 PM

Funniest part about seeing P_I and Kam. We were both waiting in our "pre 7pm" autograph lines, but across the concourse from each other. We see each other and wave. A few minutes later I go over to let him know we're gonna hit a few lines and then the locker room if he wanted to meet up. He says "I told Kam to go over and say Hi, but she's being shy". And I say "I told [my kid's name] to come over and say Hi, but he's being shy".

She showed me her new Cam auto later and I asked if that was the 2nd time she got her jersey signed and she pointed and said "the first one got erased". Cute.

SoCalcaniac

12-13-2006, 10:50 PM

^^^^ Puck_it! Awwww! After my rant up above- leave it to the (C)Kam's to make my night. with that, I can go to bed..... Love it! Cam Ward is one special dude.

Mr. Socal was wondering how she'd fare especially with the crowd- he says "I hope Kam's not hiding from Cam in puck_it's hat or something" :lol: as we were waiting for Rod....

You really are a gear geek dude. The stick room??? alrighty.......

nccanes

12-13-2006, 10:52 PM

Um....the man said "stick room". He and my teen took a gander at it for awhile....until broomhilda (yes that one) shoo'd us away because there were people w/in 10 yards of us headed our way.

SouthernHockeyChick

12-13-2006, 10:56 PM

I liked the skate sharpening room best, myself. Walking by the glove dryer....I was concerned for my olfactory health.

nccanes

12-13-2006, 11:00 PM

I felt compelled to "feel the air" on an entire empty row of the glove dryer.

puck_it

12-14-2006, 12:17 AM

dude the stick room is like... its like the fat kid in willy wonka looking at that fricken river of chocolate.

Canesluver

12-14-2006, 12:56 AM

Canesluver- you look fantastic! I love your hair!
:lol: Why, thank you! I was still in work attire, and I CAN actually curl my hair when I set my mind to it! I had the Pre-Raphaelite look goin'.

I had a lovely evening, even though I was hoofing it alone. (Hubs is fighting the flu, and just was too tired to generate enthusiasm about going with me).

Since I've seen the locker room, etc., before, I decided to just go to try to get some autographs on a special photograph my husband took. It's a really nice picture of Erik Cole and Cam Ward at the Cup celebration at RBCC the day after the win. The lighting from the setting sun is just gorgeous on their faces, and they look so happy as they're being showered by confetti. My husband calls it "Confetti Dreams." A couple of y'all have a copy of it.

So, I visited the Cole/Walker/LaRose/Kaberle table, and then the Cam/Williams/Nicky/Gleason table. That's it. By the time I finished at Cam's table it was 8:25. Since I got Cam & Cole's sigs on the picture, I was perfectly content to have only gotten in two tables.

E. and Patty, you'll be happy to know I did get in a little chat w/LaRose about horseshoes and told him how we played horseshoes (and damn! I REALLY wished I'd remembered to have brought one with me!)-- He said, "I'll have to bring Commie with me to your place." And I said, "I'll have the shoes. You bring the beer!" :lol:

The highlight of the evening for me was talking to Erik Cole. I handed him Steve's picture, and said (something like), "My husband took this picture. I just think it captures the joy you and Cam were feeling, and it's my favorite of all he took during the Playoffs."

He really appeared to be studying it, and said, "Wow. Thank you. This is beautiful." (I'll always remember the way he said the word, 'beautiful.') So, then I handed him another one, and said, "Could you please make this
'To Steve.' It's going to be a Christmas surprise for him." Then he lays a silver pen and black pen down on the pix, like he's trying to decide where to sign and what color pen would work best. I was touched at how thoughtful he was.

While he was trying to decide which pen to use, I said, "Erik. My husband has a son named, Eric. He wears your number because he's said how much you remind him of his son. So, every accomplishment you make feels personal to us."

He then looked up, right into my eyes and said, "That's a nice thing to say. Thank you." So, I said, "You're welcome." And then he handed me the signed pix.

He was awesome, and I was really REALLY happy I had gotten in his line immediately upon walking into the RBCC. For our little 90-second encounter, he made me feel like the only person in the room and I will always remember his graciousness and gentle demeanor.

As I was walking to Cam's table, I finally looked down to see what Erik had written:

"To Steve: Merry Christmas & great photo" (and his sig/#'s under that)

My heart feels so full. And his act of kindness to me has FINALLY put me in the Christmas spirit. I can't wait to get it matted and framed. It's not a total surprise-- Steve asked me to try to get the sigs-- but I'm not going to let him actually see it until Christmas, and I didn't tell him what Erik wrote.

I felt like I got a really great, early Christmas present tonight.

2CrazyCaniacs

12-14-2006, 04:18 AM

If anyone has a good photo of Commie from the autograph session would you please PM me? I'm still kicking myself for not being able to get my camera to work.

talkingcanes

12-14-2006, 07:11 AM

Guin and I made the trek together. We were in the Staal, et al line early and got through there quickly. They were all very nice and pleasant. Had Hedican sign the picture in the back of Whatever it Takes (with PLav holding the Cup over their heads). He showed it to Ladd and said "I have to get a copy of this one".

Then we headed for the Brind'Amour line which actually moved well. They were all great. Grahame's "signature" looks like Morse Code. I put my book and jersey on the table in front of the Captain. He said "you want both". I said "yes I do and thank you". the elf at the end of the table was not pleased, but she can get over it:evil: He was great and now my jersey, which I bought very shortly after he was traded here, is signed. I told him I'd been wearing that jersey almost as long as he had.

Only complaint was that they started late (at least Staal and friends were 10 minutes late), but they didn't extend. We could have gotten through another table if they had. Also think with more STH they could have at least had the same length of time. Love these guys, but they owe us more than 75 minutes to get signatures. it was fun.

nccanes

12-14-2006, 07:26 AM

I was surprised they didn't extend when the players were late to the tables. The Cole and friends table ended a smidge before 8:15 because of the "door shutter" which means that the signing period was more like 60-65 minutes. Again, Cole saved face for the organization because he came out to sign for people in the concourse.

I also thought it was odd that in the Whitney/Stillman line that the "line helper" was actually taking things from people's hands while they were still in line and walking up to the first signer (CAdams) and he was signing the items before people got up to him. What's the point of a fan getting an autograph when....they don't get the autograph? It didn't move the line any faster because the rest of the table operated in the normal manner. When it was my turn I politely declined to give her my item. She asked twice and I said I had it under control.

They also tried to shut down the locker room tours 25 minutes early until a fan informed them that it was supposed to stay open until 9pm.

Fandragon

12-14-2006, 08:25 AM

I also thought it was odd that in the Whitney/Stillman line that the "line helper" was actually taking things from people's hands while they were still in line and walking up to the first signer (CAdams) and he was signing the items before people got up to him. What's the point of a fan getting an autograph when....they don't get the autograph? It didn't move the line any faster because the rest of the table operated in the normal manner. When it was my turn I politely declined to give her my item. She asked twice and I said I had it under control.

Yeah, it's odd what some of those folks think will "help" the line. The guy running the Stanley Cup display offered to use Captain Slack's camera to take our pictures, and when Cap politiely declined the usher kept offering, and then got huffy about it. "Just trying to move the line along." Well gee, I think the line would move better if you would STOP ARGUING.

Everything else about the evening was fantastic. We did the Stanley Cup line, the shot on goal (Score! Woo!), the picture on the Zamboni, and the Locker Room tour. The ushers in the locker room were warning people to stop messing with the gloves on the drying rack, and my normally mild-mannered friend got past that section and then started squealing "I touched a glove!!!". Hee. AND we got to say hi to Forslund. Twice!!

Captain Slack

12-14-2006, 08:52 AM

Yeah, it's odd what some of those folks think will "help" the line. The guy running the Stanley Cup display offered to use Captain Slack's camera to take our pictures, and when Cap politiely declined the usher kept offering, and then got huffy about it. "Just trying to move the line along." Well gee, I think the line would move better if you would STOP ARGUING.

Actually, that wasn't one of our ushers. That was one of the Cup Keepers!

Pardon me, dude, but unlike you, I don't get to see the Holy Grail EVERY FREAKIN' DAY!!! Excuse me, if I'd like to take some time to admire it! :fire:

nccanes

12-14-2006, 08:57 AM

Was it really a Cup Keeper? Or maybe just some "suits" from the Canes org?Normally the Keeper sits back (if they are even in the immediate area) and lets the Canes staff to all the work. My son said he didn't even see any of the "keepers" when he was up there.

Maybe it was though. I'd just rather blame GFH/RBC staff than the HHOF people. :lol:

SoCalcaniac

12-14-2006, 09:03 AM

E. and Patty, you'll be happy to know I did get in a little chat w/LaRose about horseshoes and told him how we played horseshoes (and damn! I REALLY wished I'd remembered to have brought one with me!)-- He said, "I'll have to bring Commie with me to your place." And I said, "I'll have the shoes. You bring the beer!" :lol:

OMG Shawn! I love it! You have to have a horeshoe party for sure now!

Thank you for sharing your moment with EC, I didn't start crying reading your post, so that's huge for me, but I was pretty darn close! I am sure Steve will love it. I remember that photo, and I loved it too. Erik Cole just gets it doesn't he?

In all of the miscues of last night, I did enjoy the time I did have getting things signed and interacting with the players. they never disappoint. What ends up being the 'story' is how goofy the people are who are in charge of keeping the thing rolling and how inept they are at doing so.

I do commend the people running the JWill line, who kept it open until 8:30ish so to accomodate the people who were still standing there (and I think to appease people who were kinda put off that the one rogue security person kept letting people pose with players and holding up things)

broomhilda (yes that one) shoo'd us away because there were people w/in 10 yards of us headed our way.

:laugh: Broomhilda. Wow, she got around.
I thought she was gonna put me in a headlock after I had the audacity to tell Rod I hoped to see him on the ice for Toronto, after he had already signed my photo. He responded with a thank you and said something like he's trying to get back out there but he has to get the "a-OK and they're making me go through some things" and I said don't come back too soon and get hurt again, cause we need you; or something like that, and Broom started with the evil eye, as if to shoo me away because she owns them or is is their body guard. She wasn't ruining my minute with the Captain. ;)

I know I'm being a broken record, and I fail to believe that it will ever change, but the whole bush league staff thing and how things are just so slapped together on alot of fronts (save for the small cadre of people like Doug Warf and Karen Prince) it's really so irritating to continue to have to harp on them. I know others who feel the same and feel defeated because nothing ever changes. That's disappointing given the fact that the team is full of AWESOME men who are just great dudes and represent the team so positively and then you get the whammy from John Q. Security dude who tells a mom waiting in line to get her kids to stop moving, while they've been standing in line for an hour-like you can keep 6 and 7 year old types from 'moving'. :huh: (it happened last night, crazy as it sounds)

The funniest thing last night was during Lavi's "State of the Canes" when they did the injury run down, and talked about Rod possibly being back on Friday- and Lavi explaining that Rod wants to be in of course, but that Freisen has this regimine he goes by to clear a player to go back in the line up and it's A-B-C-D and the player has to clear all of those before he gets the green light. So apparently Rod has elements of the A-B-C-D but not all; and he's 'trying to skip B&C' to get to D. LOL. Had everyone laughing, and it made me laugh , because I remembered what he said to me when I told him to get better so we can see him back out there.

I think we all should feel fortunate to have this event. I seem to recall a colleague who is originally from TO tell me after last year's STHer party, how "The mighty blue and white would never do this for the common fan- the corporate people all the time, but not the die hards" so I'll be content to say Thank You Canes Players and Coaches, because after all, they are the event.

nccanes

12-14-2006, 09:14 AM

Yes. THEY are the event and they did not disappoint.

The man in front of me in the line that held Babchuk had one of those big team/Cup photos, the kind that's mounted on some sort of board (I think they sell them in the Eye for $40). He asked Babs to sign with a Silver Sharpie (the table had both available for the signers) and he took the pen and found a spot near him to sign, but as he wrote, nothing was visible. I could tell he (Babs) was worried that he was about to f-up the big item (that to that point had only Laviolette's sig). Fortunately, it just didn't work at all so there was no "partial" signature and the man had a silver of his own. I could tell he (Babs) was relieved when it worked, lol.

I did have my "school flashback" when the security at the beginning of the locker room tour told us all to "line up" on one side of the hallway...for a line that was one way - everyone kinda just laughed. I was relieved they didn't resort to "single file". :lol:

Canesluver

12-14-2006, 09:53 AM

I've come to a realization this morning. I used to think that I was just "lucky," never having experienced a mean usher or surly Eye employee... or whatever. But now... Maybe it's just my nature .. or something.... but so many of the things y'all mention as annoyances or "bush league," I just don't notice. All I really expect (and get) out of being a STH, is to get better ticket prices than the box office, playoff priority, and a competitive team. Anything else is just gravy to me. I could give a rat's ass what their website looks like - I don't care what kind of freebies we get -- I could care less if we ever get a 3rd jersey -- I don't care what the "official" message board looks like or how it's managed. I must just walk right past surly ushers (every workplace has jerks) :lol: And I've been in the customer service business (essentially) for the past 11 years, and I quickly learned that if I let people get to me I wouldn't last very long in my job. I've developed a pretty tough hide, and sometimes I think I'm coated in Teflon 'cause so many things that seems like huge ordeals to others would just slide right off me and be forgotten 24 hours later.

So... I probably really have witnessed a lot, but my brain just cancels it out because I'm so easy-going and don't really have any more expectation of being an STH other than getting a good deal on ticket prices.

And I really and truly think part of it is getting older, too. I think about dieing almost every day. I've been thinking how I've probably lived 1/2 my life at this point, and I feel these next years are going to fly by and be so precious that I don't want to spend too many minutes of it hating, or grousing, or worrying. In this last year, I'm trying so hard to dedicate what time I have left to being happy and making lemonade out of whatever lemons might be thrown my way. At every opportunity, I try to eliminate stress and find the bliss to get through life smiling. And those who know me best, also know my sense of humor and if I ever have a snarky moment (I'm really not a Pollyanna) --9 times out-of-10, it's tongue-in-cheek.

So-- at any rate.....I enjoyed my experience at the STH party last night just as much as any previous year--- even if I was in my own little bubble of Shawn-World. :laugh:

nccanes

12-14-2006, 10:07 AM

Yeah...I figured a lesson in attitude was going to come from somewhere. I should have stuck with my initial thoughts of not saying anything negative at all.

I'm able to separate the great value we've gotten for our ticket prices for the product on the ice from the way the game/fan/communication management is handled. But I'm sure the Canes would love for anyone with a complaint or observation on how things could be improved to be chalked up to their own issues rather than anything they can do to address it.

This isn't a thread about "life's outlook" I didn't think. CL, I'd suggest if things like the Canes website or fan/staff interactions don't matter to you - that you just not partake in the discussion. Wouldn't that make more sense than some insinuation that people aren't laid back enough or aren't interested in leading a happy blissful life?

Maybe it's because I truly want the franchise to grow. I don't just buy 2 tickets to the reg season and 2 tickets to the playoffs and that's it. I brought over 30 people the a game last season using MY lockout funds to share my love with friends. I *care* about how easy it is to find information on the Canes website because that helps spread the word about the franchise I *care* about. When I couldn't find a link on the main page to look for tickets to the very next game (to check on seat availability) - that's disappointing. You seem to look at that as a some sort of complaint that you rise above - but the reality is that it IS bush league. If you don't care that's fine. But please don't try to imply that it's not important. It's not important to YOU. Period. It's completely topical for this board though.

Canesluver

12-14-2006, 10:14 AM

That wasn't my intention at all! I'm glad y'all voice your concerns. I find your experiences interesting to that point that I wanted to search for why my experience was different.

I just had this, like, WOW moment this morning. Just wanted to share.

SoCalcaniac

12-14-2006, 10:22 AM

Ok girls, we already had the lightbulb in the VIP room come on, but I have to agree with Apolinar's post in there that this is what happens when the team's losing. We pick at each other. :lol: ;)

CL- I am trying mightily to get where you are, I thought brain surgery would have 'corrected' it nothin' doing, and hub, who is as laid back as they come said to me 'you're not wired that way- you care too much' and he's right. And also, I have a tendency to beat things to the ground- it's my nature, but I wish,wish wish, I could just zone all that peripheral stuff out, but sadly I can't.

Kumbayah ya'll..... that's all I'm sayin'...... (until I get into one of my own cranky, snarky, surly moods and all bets are off :kiss: )

E-I will always have your back on all that you just posted. It will never be ok, to be 'bush league' because they're a pro franchise, and we all care and because we all want the franchise to succeed and all we see is them shootin' themselves in the foot.

dakuwan

12-14-2006, 10:23 AM

I enjoyed last night. It was my first STH party and thought it was handled pretty well. I understand the player time limits but wish they would've extended the times for locker room, slapshot, and pictures on the ice just so that the crowds would be spread over more time.

I hit the slapshot first thing like I had planned. My friend and I were talking with Ron the Ref messing with him while we were waiting. He'd kick the puck in if someone was missing so we told him it was waved off due to a distinct kicking motion and he said they'd have to call Toronto to be sure. Then a guy almost cleared the glass with his shot and hit right behind Chuck Kaitons head and Ron went into a fake news report about how a hall of fame announcer was brained during the day. When i got up there they guy asked righty or lefty so I told him lefty and he said wow you're the first one, so am I. So i got my stick set up the puck and laid into it with a real slapshot. I hit the ice slightly behind the puck but stil picked it up a bit and nailed the net just under center height and dead center inside. I heard it echoing around when I stood back up :D. I gave the guy the stick back and he goes "You really put some heat on that one." Awesome, and yes i did step off the mat, bend down, and touch my beloved ice. It was outstanding being on the ice finally, cant wait for the skate with the canes.

Then we headed off to the Stillman/Whitney line. I wanted to get my Whatever It Takes poster signed by Stillman and brought a car flag for everyone else. Got through that line pretty fast. I handed my flag to Craig and he slid it to Cory but I told Cory I needed him to sign the poster and he's like the lines blocked up so Ill get you both. My friend just moved past everyone to Ray and finally got his Goal Puck from game one signed by Ray. He told Ray it was the puck from game one and his first goal and Ray looked at it and goes "Cool" and took his time and made sure to take up the whole puck. My friend was stoked as it's the only thing he's ever wanted autographed and the only one he's ever gotten.

My friends headed over to see the cup and I got in the horrendously long Cole/Kaberle line. I managed to get through that but it took forever. When I got to the table Chad was talking to the woman in front of me and she was telling him she wanted him on the ice more and he told her to go get in the coach's line and tell him and she said she had so he turned to the usher and said sweet, now ill get more ice time. He said he'd stay out here as long as people wanted now that practice was over. I got Kaberle's signature on my WIT poster and now have it complete from everyone whose still on the team. Hopefully Ill get the rest of the guys as they visit in the Spring.

Hit the photos on the Ice and made sure I stood on center ice. I also took a picture of the banners from ice level and got one of the Cup Banner with the Cup below it in the champions club. Got my picture on the bench and then headed back up and saw Cole doing his signing outside on the concourse which I thought was awesome.

Hit the locker room and snapped a bunch of pictures, even got the workout regimen on the whiteboard in the gym. I wanted to grab a Brindy stick so bad from the rack. I also noticed the Flood nameplate in the laundry room so was wondering the same about him being called up or something.

All in all it was a blast and I cant wait for the skate with the canes.

SoCalcaniac

12-14-2006, 10:29 AM

Dak, sounds like you were a busy dude- Hopefully you'll share your pics, sounds like a great first STHer party for you!

Hmmm, Flood getting a call up? Coach did mention Nic Wallin's hurting, but he did practice last night- and of course Hedican and yet another injury-and Tanabe is "unavailable" according to coach. so again, hmmmm.

LostTexan

12-14-2006, 10:41 AM

dakuwan

12-14-2006, 10:47 AM

One thing that hasn't really been talked about too much was Laviolette's talk and after Dak's story about Chad it reminded me about some of coach's comments. Forslund made some comment along the lines of people have been asking me a lot of questions around the concourse tonight, at which point Laviolette says something along the lines of just around the concourse? I get questions where ever I go, if I go to get doughnuts people are always asking me questions, like why dont you shoot more on the powerplay? at which point everybody laughed. I've never really heard him speak in a laid back relaxed situation like that and I thought he was a really nice/humorous guy.
I forgot to say that I hung around for the State of the Canes too. I wasnt happy to find out that Hedican is going to go under the knife for another surgery. Coach didnt say when that would be so it makes me think it may be elective, or elective till he cant wait any more.

I thought he said Wallin was going to come down to a game day decision but could be wrong. He said originally that the Colorado docs said that Wallin would need surgery and he wanted to jump out the emergency exit on the plane when he heard it. When they got back however the docs here didnt think so and he's been feeling better.

He also mentioned how they're still trying to work out the point on the Power Play and when Kaberle is back he'll be on point for the first Power Play squad. He estimated a month but said it could be three weeks or it could be six.

IceSaber

12-14-2006, 03:08 PM

Hate I didn't get to go - but thrilled Puck_it took my precious angel! She had a BLAST - still talking about it this am. Cam continues to impress me by remembering her and noticing when she's there and when she's not...those Easter Eggs must have left some impression - Hey Socal...we'll have to do it again, you realize!?

Puck_it - she's forgetting - she and her mom got an invite to a party early in the summer. We got to have lots of quiet time with the Cxp and lots of pictures that will find their way into frames for Christmas!

SHE LOVED getting the shot on goal and can't wait to start iceskating lessons in January...These boys have definitely given her a love of the ice! Sounds like she blew past Williams and Gleason though - only concerned with her two favorites (Cam and Wallin). Can't believe they were at the same table!

CL, sounds like you had singlularly WONDERFUL night! Congratulations!

NcCanes, Kam was so looking forward to seeing the boys! She told me one was there and the other wasn't because he was sick and she seemed very concerned...:lol:

And Socal - Mr Socal deserves a hand - I saw a few photos of practice...looks like he had his hands full.

I know I've said it before, but we may have a great team full of great guys - but the people on this board are incredible - from the lurking babysitter who Kam nearly toppled with a hug last night, to the many people who recognize her and make her feel special...I'm so grateful for you all!