Skate With the Canes - January 13, 2008

[livinthedream]

With all the other "excitement" going on, I didn't want folks to miss this opportunity, since tickets went so quickly last year. Tickets go on sale next week and will be offered to season ticket holders first and to the general public the next day. If you've never been, it's a top-shelf event.

http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&id=2855


With the holidays right around the corner the community relations department has announced that the popular Skate with the Canes (SWTC) will go on sale to season ticket holders on November 20th and then to the general public November 21st. With the record sell out last year, the event sold out in 2 days, we wanted to make everyone equally aware of when the tickets would go on sale. For those who have never attended the SWTC it s a great event where fans and players can interact in settings that they would not normally be able to. The event is broken into 3 parts: skating, locker room tour/photo session, and autograph session with groups of 200 participants at each part. Each portion of the event is approximately 40 minutes and should be ample time to interact with each player/coach in each group. It really is a great event for both children and adults alike and the tickets make a great stocking stuffer for the holidays. Like our other events, all the proceeds from the SWTC benefit that Carolina Hurricanes Kids ‘N Community Foundation.

[hyena]

I notice no mention of $$...is it safe to assume it costs the same as previous years?

edit: ahh, it's in the other article...$10 increase.

[Guyute]

heh, I would've been Shocked if there wasn't an increase.

[Canesluver]

It IS for charity, after all. If it's popular, and people are willing to pay more--- why not raise it -- I would.

[nccanes]

Yeah - with last year's success (which was impressive!) and the fact that it's been $50 for many years...not surprising. I think that was the price back in 02-03. Another $6,000 for Kids-N-Community.

[gocanes0506]

could they rename it like fall down with the canes or look ridiculously stupid while trying to skate with the canes? Then i might go.

[andyt]

could they rename it like fall down with the canes or look ridiculously stupid while trying to skate with the canes? Then i might go.

It's really hard to be a worse skater than me and I made it around the ice a few times.

[c-girl]

It's $60 this year.

ETA: Oh, sorry, I didn't notice your edit.

[Guyute]

CL & E, I didn't say "those b@stards, raising prices again!!!" did I? lol

Just that it doesn't take a nuclear physicist to recognize that price increases are part of the grand plan. If someone hasn't figured out by now that prices are ALWAYS going to go up... well... I doubt anyone can offer any help.

[nccanes]

Oh no - I didn't think you meant that, lol. Just adding the background info since we went way back when when it didn't sell out. :beatup:

[Caniac]

Any season ticket holders that know they will not be able to attend and would do me the favor of purchasing 2 tix for me, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Shell]

I am definitely in for sure.. Cole will just be beside himself to get to skate on Canes ice, meet the players, see the locker room, etc. so there is really no choice. Good timing too as he starts his ice skating lessons this Saturday :D
So, anyone know if my 10 pack counts for going on sale early or is it just full season ticket holders?

It really is a great event for both children and adults alike and the tickets make a great stocking stuffer for the holidays.
I can't argue about it being a great event, but I always got oranges and life savers in my stocking, not tickets costing the three of us $180 LOL

[livinthedream]

could they rename it like fall down with the canes or look ridiculously stupid while trying to skate with the canes? Then i might go.

That's okay. We walked with the Canes last year and had a fine time anyway. :lol:

[VandyCane]

I hope mini-plan people count as STH for this event too. I have never gone and since my birthday is in January this could count as a birthday present. :D

[KaniacFever]

I've decided that a ticket to this event will a b-day present to my nephew. I've always wanted to go myself, so what better way then to bring the kid who will be estatic that he is skating on the same ice as the Canes.

He'll bring his own skates as he plays hockey, but I don't have to officially put skates on do I. I've skated before when we've been to the Ice House, but with my luck, Timmy will be in the skate part and I'll break my freakin neck and embarrass myself :lol:

[livinthedream]

He'll bring his own skates as he plays hockey, but I don't have to officially put skates on do I.

That was me last year. Nah, there are plenty of people who will be out on the ice just walking around. I can skate but would prefer not to while I'm taking pictures and asking for autographs. There's a game the night before so the ice will have plenty of grip to it.

[KaniacFever]

That was me last year. Nah, there are plenty of people who will be out on the ice just walking around. I can skate but would prefer not to while I'm taking pictures and asking for autographs. There's a game the night before so the ice will have plenty of grip to it.

Me trying to actually keep my balance while I'm snapping pictures just won't be a pretty sight. And of course I'll be taking tons of pictures. Good to know that I don't actually have to throw on a pair of skates. Even if I did its not like I'll be able to keep up with the kid, he skates circles around me.

[c-girl]

My son and his wife went last year. He skated but she just walked around.

[andyt]

The last time I went, the skates were the rentals from the RecZone. They hadn't been sharpened since Gordie Howe was a Squirt.

[livinthedream]

Another thing......time spent lacing and unlacing skates = time away from the ice with the players. Staying in street shoes gives you a head start.

[Guyute]

^ That is true. But I can tell you, as someone who has skated on a LOT of ice... getting to skate on THAT ice, is special in itself.

[Canesluver]

Yeah--- I only fall on my ass on the GOOD stuff!! I'm not bruising my ass on the $hitty stuff!! :lol:

[andyt]

^ That is true. But I can tell you, as someone who has skated on a LOT of ice... getting to skate on THAT ice, is special in itself.

My daughter has had practice on that ice and really didn't like it. She said it was too soft.

[LostTexan]

Skate with the Canes FAQ
11/15/07

When will the tickets for Skate with the Canes go on sale?
The season ticket holder pre-sale will begin at 10:00 a.m. November, 20 2007.
The general on sale will begin at 10:00 a.m. on November, 21 2007.
I am a 24 or 10 game plan holder. Can I participate in the pre-sale?
Yes; all season ticket holders may participate in the pre-sale.
How do I purchase tickets during the pre-sale?
Season ticket holders can purchase tickets through their Caniac Account Manager system or from the Time Warner Cable RBC Center Box Office with their official Season Ticket Holder ID Card (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) If you have questions about your Caniac Account Manager please contact your ticket representative.
How do I purchase tickets during the general on sale?
Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Time Warner Cable RBC Center Box Office (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.), all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone 919.834.4000 or online at Ticketmaster.com.
My child would like to attend will I need a ticket?
Yes; all those who enter the RBC Center must have a ticket. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
What do I need to bring?
We recommend that participants bring a camera, an item to be autographed, and skates. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for your items throughout the three sessions.
Do I need to bring my own skates?
We recommend that you bring your own skates but we will have some skates available for free rental. Keep in mind that we will not have enough of the popular sizes for everyone.
What if don’t skate. Can I still participate?
Two out of the three sessions do not require the ability to skate. We are also currently working on a plan so that those who cannot skate can experience the RBC Center Ice and those who would like to skate will be able to.
How much does it cost and is their a tax deduction?
This year’s Skate with the Canes is $60 per person. $50 of the ticket is tax deductible.
Will autographs be available at all sessions?
No; autographs should only be sought during the autograph portion of the event. The photograph session will be for photographs only and the skate session will only be for skating.


http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&id=2855

[c-girl]

Reminder - the tickets for season ticket holders (and 10 and 24 game plan holders) just went on sale. I got mine through my Caniac Account Manager.

[IceSaber]

...and propmtly sold out the presale in under 10 minutes...

[hyena]

got mine too...talk about stress...they're lucky they didn't try to tack on any extra fees, i would have been http://canes.electrichyena.com/forum/images/smiles/crazy.gif

[Guyute]

I'm not happy. I got the Find Tickets link within seconds of it going live, and all I ever got was "Error occurred".

Changed to Sold Out at 10:02, then back to Find Tickets a time or two several minutes later. But the best I got was an option to buy 2 tickets (no higher # in the dropdown list). And even trying to buy 2, I just got an error and was told to try decreasing my quantity.

F'ing TM...

[Canesluver]

I got ours! :D But, I drove over to the B.O., since I only work about 5 min. from there. It was about 10:15 when it was my turn.

We're in the "Blue Line" group. First time first us!

[c-girl]

I had a lot of trouble too. The sale didn't go live exactly at 10:00 - it took a couple of minutes - and I got the error message a few times but I kept trying. My purchase went through at 10:07.

[KaniacFever]

I went out to the box office as I didn't want to risk the chance of the account manager going bonkers on me. They had 5 ticket people there and were moving quickly. I got up to the counter and I had my tickets in my hand in less than a minute. I was back in my car at 10:04.

I got the Blue group.

[Guyute]

Well I guess unless we get lucky tomorrow, we'll have extra money to spend on Cole for Christmas. Too bad he'll not get to try his new talents out on the ice with the Canes (he's taking skating lessons now).

Honestly, I'm not sure why they don't do all 600 tickets as ticket-holder buy only. A) even if you're not a plan holder of any kind, you most likely know someone that is. B) the limit was supposedly EIGHT tickets, so getting extras for people is likely not an issue (why 8 anyway? ugh.). C) It's another incentive to get people to become a plan-holder.

[livinthedream]

Guyute, I started at 10:00 am and had the exact same issue you did, kept refreshing and CAM waffled between displaying Sold Out and giving me an error message. Guess I'll be in line at the Box Office tomorrow morning.

59, or any of the folks who got tickets today from the Box Office, what time did you get in line?

[KaniacFever]

Guyute, I started at 10:00 am and had the exact same issue you did, kept refreshing and CAM waffled between displaying Sold Out and giving me an error message. Guess I'll be in line at the Box Office tomorrow morning. 59, when did you get in line?

I was there at 8:45am and was the 8th person in line.

Sounds like the box office is your safest bet. I was surprised that they were actually organized and had people moving in and out of their windows fairly quickly.

[Canesluver]

I walked in the door at 10:00, and there was about 8 people in front of me. They had about 6 windows open and I was out of there about 10:15.

[nccanes]

Sorry some of you had issues. I didn't attempt to buy them (weren't planning to go). I have to say I'm stunned that it sold out that quickly. I recall a year I bought one at the door when I needed 1 extra!

Perhaps it's also time that they consider doing this event twice in the same day. With 40 minute "sessions" at each of the 3 stops, the whole event is done in 2-3 hours. They should consider doing a morning and afternoon session. I know it's a big chunk of time, but honestly - it can't be THAT taxing on the players to go thru the whole thing twice.

[c-girl]

I agree, NCCanes. Considering how many Canes fans there are, 600 tickets are not a lot. This event is becoming extremely popular. Just think of how much money they'd make for the charity if they did it 2, 3 or 4 times every season.

[Guyute]

I agree, it should be twice a day. Being that it's "for charity", I'd think that the guys should be able to give a little more time than 2-3 hours and it shouldn't be a huge deal.

I'm over the whole thing... but, I know how much Cole would've been floored to be on the ice where they play, and being that close to the players. That's the only reason this is still worth a couple hundred bucks to me.
But add the $180 with TM fees (public onsale through TM for instance) and it'll likely be $250. That's getting a bit absurd. jmo.

[livinthedream]

I dunno, I have mixed feelings about more events. Sure, I'd love it, I'm not saying that more opportunities for more people to attend wouldn't be great, and I'll definitely be disappointed if we don't get to go, but I think we're pretty damn lucky as it is that the team puts on this kind of event (and makes it relatively accessible for fans) in the first place.

[nccanes]

It's a fundraiser though - it's not free or cheap.

I'm pretty sure that other teams do similar events and are on a large scale. Boston and Philly come to mind.

edit: Found a release about last year's Bruin event.....4000 fans.

http://www.bostonbruinsfoundation.com/news07/010707.asp

[caniac97]

I was tenth or so in line and got mine (8).

[SoCalcaniac]

Well I'm bummed for all of you who had trouble- I've not ever gone to SWTC, it always seems to fall on some event or another and I wind up having to bail - but I agree, the event has gotten larger, and there should be a way to do two sessions so you cover a larger base of fans, plus raise all that money for charity.

The B's and the Flyers put together huge events for their fans- and that Ducks in Tux thing in ANA has gotten so large they moved it to some huge Ballroom in Marina Del Rey, and I think it's time for our team to turn that corner, this event has really taken off over the last 5 years or so, and now that many of the fans have little ones are little ones who are now getting big, the ticket requirements are going to continue to grow.

[CC]

8 tickets per person does not help either. With 300 tickets per sell that could be 38 people.

[Guyute]

Yeah, an 8 cap just blew my mind.

[MeanGene]

It's a fundraiser though - it's not free or cheap.

I'm pretty sure that other teams do similar events and are on a large scale. Boston and Philly come to mind.

edit: Found a release about last year's Bruin event.....4000 fans.

http://www.bostonbruinsfoundation.com/news07/010707.asp

IMO, that is too many people. With 4000 fans and 20 players, it seems like it would be a lot of waiting in lines and frustration.

[Canesluver]

I agree. I'd like them to keep it intimate-- that's what makes it so appealing.

[nccanes]

Okay, if they did TWO sessions (as I suggested), it wouldn't affect the fan experience 1 bit. It would merely service 1200 people total and raise twice as much money. The only people that would be affected would be the staff and players that would "work" another 2-3 hours. My point was that the other clubs offer a similar event that raises more money and allows more fans to participate.

I guess I'm just not making my point well, lol.

and to be clear, my first post on the subject was that "perhaps it's time to consider" making the event a two session event. Obviously they need to be sure that they will sell out (or come close) to filling a 2nd session, but I was merely suggesting that perhaps the fan interest in an event like this has grown. In a similar vein, I believe the Wine Tasting Event has moved from simply tha,t to a Casino night. At some point the org realized there would be enough interest in it to grow the event.

[Guyute]

I don't think there's even a question that they'd be able to fill a second session. When the STH allotment of tix sells out in a few minutes, and there are people who didn't get them... I think it's a safe bet that more tix could be sold.

[Guyute]

Oh, and good luck to those of you trying for the remaining 300 tix right now.

I was hammering Refresh on TM's site and ran through 3 tix at 10:00 on the button, and haven't pulled a single ticket. Maybe they have them all locked for BO purchase, I don't know.

[dakuwan]

Just got back from the RBC and no luck for me. They opened up about 10 mins before 10 and they sold out at 10:02. I was literally the first person they told that it was sold out when i finally got to the window. The first group of people seemed to take forever but after them the line moved really fast.

At least I got to go last year, some of the people I was trying to buy for had never been so it really sucks for them. I just wish the account manager had worked yesterday. We couldnt log in and when we did it was error message after error message and sold out.

[ZJCanesFan]

It took three tries just a minute ago, but I was able to log in to my Account mgr account and it brought up two available in the Blue group... so you might want to try that way at least for a little longer.

- zj

[c-girl]

I have 2 tickets in my Caniac Manager shopping cart right now. Anybody want them?

ETA: Lost them.

[livinthedream]

Folks! Keep trying on Ticketmaster. We just got through asking for single tickets.

ETA: CAM is now working for us as well.

[Guyute]

I just pulled 3 through CAM with no problem. Decided not to buy anyway... but, try CAM right now and you may be surprised.

[c-girl]

I'm still able to pull up tickets on CAM so try it.

[svandijk1]

Simply stunning. So they're telling people at the BoxOffice it's sold out but you can still order online? I wish I could say I was shocked.

*Maybe* this is an indication they have opted to do an additional time slot/event, but even so, it would suck for the people that got turned away at the box office. More likely this is simply just another TicketMaster fiasco.

[KaniacFever]

Just for giggles I logged on to ticketmaster at 11:15am and was able to pull 2 and 4 tickets.

Either they released more tickets or something crazy is going on.

[c-girl]

^There's a reason why it's nicknamed Ticketb*stard.



CAM now shows Sold Out but I just pulled up 2 tickets on Ticketmaster.

[svandijk1]

CAM now shows Sold Out but I just pulled up 2 tickets on Ticketmaster.

I guess that could make sense if the assumption is that going through CAM means you'd be ordering from the season ticket holder bucket whereas TM is pulling from the general public bucket.

[c-girl]

But earlier TM showed sold out. They seem to go back and forth between tickets available and tickets not available.

[NotUrDaddy]

Just got back from the RBC and no luck for me. They opened up about 10 mins before 10 and they sold out at 10:02. I was literally the first person they told that it was sold out when i finally got to the window. The first group of people seemed to take forever but after them the line moved really fast.

At least I got to go last year, some of the people I was trying to buy for had never been so it really sucks for them. I just wish the account manager had worked yesterday. We couldnt log in and when we did it was error message after error message and sold out.

I'm not sure where you were in line ( I was #3) but the first group probably went faster than any of the later ones. We did get pulled to the windows 6-7 minutes ahead of 10:00, but the machine won't start spitting the tickets until the appointed time. We were able to give our orders, get our money counted, and have the order punched into the system ahead of the time. When time came, all he had to do was hit enter, punch in the cash tendered, and hand off my tix. I was away from the window in about 10 sec. I don't know exactly when the machine started, but with my "atomic time" watch the call by the "line guy" that they were sold out was indeed at about 10:02:20. I was surprised that that many were there for the $9.99 tix. I went back to the back of the line for that, as I wanted my "Skate" transaction to go as quick as possible to maximize the chances for those in line.

/New alias to preserve holiday gift info

[livinthedream]

Well, this has been a strange morning on TM and CAM. Mr LTD and I had two computers pounding out the requests. We started hitting both TM and CAM right at 10:00 am and by 10:01 it said that nothing was available. It didn't matter what quantity you chose. But we kept tryiing. Then around 10:25 we started getting hits on single tickets on TM so we both bought a couple. Then around 10:30 they started showing up as available on CAM. Net result is that I "think" we may actually have a couple of extra tickets, but I don't know how many or which group yet. As soon as all the details are fleshed out I'll post an update, so if you need a couple of tickets, stay tuned, I may be able to help.

[dakuwan]

I'm not sure where you were in line ( I was #3) but the first group probably went faster than any of the later ones.

Thats probably why I thought it took so long. The waiting for the tix to print, I didnt realize you guys were waiting on that.

Hey, LTD. If you end up with one extra please keep me in mind. Id like to go with my friend this year. He scored a single on TM just a bit ago but I'm getting the not available message now. Wish I had thought of checking TM when I got back from the box office.

[livinthedream]

D, I sent you a PM so we don't hijack this thread. I don't know which groups are assigned to the TM tickets, but we'll work something out! :D

[caniac_26]

I was just able to buy a single on TM...just FYI for all y'all still wanting to go.

[c-girl]

This isn't about the Skate but it is about ticket buying so I'm putting it here.

I was trying to buy extra tickets for my younger son and his friends for Friday's game through my CAM account. When I got to checkout, the only delivery method option they gave me was standard mail. Well the tickets won't get to me in time if they mail them. Do they add these tickets to my CAM account and I can forward them to myself and print them? Anybody know? Or is there any way to get these at Will Call?

If not, can we buy tickets at the box office and get the CAM discount?

ETA:
Nevermind. I'll ask at the box office tonight.

[nccanes]

cgirl - I'm surprised they listed "mail" as an option, but you can always use CAM to forward seats on your account.

[c-girl]

Thanks for the answer, NCCanes. I ended up getting them at the box office tonight.

[livinthedream]

Hmmmmmm.....interesting change from previous years. This is from Doug Warf's blog on ch.com. Sounds like if you don't skate, you're not allowed on the ice.

ETA....of course I never got around to buying skates, anywhere I can go tomorrow or Sunday morning to rent them so we don't risk not having them available at the RBC Center? (I know they have them there, but they warn that they do run out of popular sizes).

As many of you know, this Sunday is our “Skate With the Canes” fundraiser. The popularity of this event has definitely grown and we are trying to ensure that the event is as good as it has been in the past. The event will remain virtually the same as in year’s past, except for the fact that we will alter the ice portion slightly to allow more skating.

This year, we are taking down the glass around the north end and allowing anyone who does not want to skate the opportunity to sit front row (with no glass) or on the team benches. In year’s past we have had many near accidents with people skating running into/over people in shoes. Hopefully, this will help create a best of both worlds and truly allow a “skate” with the Canes.

[VandyCane]

I wondered about that too, LTD. It certainly sounded like that to me. One of the nurses in our office asked for a ticket for her birthday. Her mom managed to get her one and a week later she breaks her ankle. :( Poor dear has been in a walking boot ever since. She was hoping to get pity points on the ice. So if you see a tall lady with a walking boot tell her howdy! :D

[livinthedream]

Well, the wording makes it sound as though sitting is being offered as an "option", but given past history with the wording of posts on ch.com, I certainly wouldn't want to bank on it. Might be worth a little trip over to CoolSports tomorrow.

And I'll look for the tall lady in the boot.

[Shell]

wow, if they wanted to make that change, fine, but they should have mentioned it before people bought their tickets! People aren't going to watch from close, they are going to be there on the ice with the Canes! If they thought they had near accidents last time, let's see what happens this time when a bunch of people are on skates for the first time!! At least if they announced it back then people would have had time to try it out a few times!
At any rate, I am still jealous and sad that we can't make it this year.

[livinthedream]

Good point, Shell! I can skate but I'm no expert. If my choice is skate or sit, I'll skate. But I'll be juggling skates plus a camera plus a five-year-old, which to me sounds like an accident waiting to happen.

[Alicia]

Look for me and my "entourage". lol

[livinthedream]

Reporting in from SWTC. I was in the Red group so mileage may vary with the two other groups. Unfortunately, several guys were missing today (or at least I didn’t see them) – Justin, Glen, Trevor, Ray, plus the guys who were shipped back out to Albany. I did not see Brandon Nolan although it was mentioned in another thread that he was there.

Autograph sessions were the same format as last year - two tables x 4-5 players. Last year you were allowed to take pictures of the players, just not allowed to stop the line to take pictures with the players. This year we were told “no pictures” when we walked in to the session, but one attendant let us take them as long as we didn’t hold up the autographs. The attendant on the other side towed the line and wouldn’t allow them at all, no exceptions. I suspect there may have been complaints last year if not everyone was able to get through both lines, the lines did seem to move faster this year. (Red group autographs included Michael Leighton, Cory, Staal, Craig Adams, Jeff Daniels, Nic, Frank, Jeff Hamilton, Ladd).

Locker room portion was also the same as last year – you did the tour, then back upstairs to the West lounge where they had two lines set up for two sets of player photos - one locker room backdrop, one press conference backdrop. Some folks in my group almost lost out on half of the photo shoot because after we left one line, we had to leave the West lounge and go back in the other side, and they closed the doors and wouldn’t let us back in. Luckily a K&C rep saw what happened and let us in.
(Red group photos - Cole, Lavi, Tom Barrasso, Casey Borer, Commie, Scott Walker, Gleason, and Sergei).

As mentioned previously, they did change the on-ice format so that only skaters were allowed on the ice. If you weren’t skating, you were able to stand either on the bench or in the first seating rows next to the bench (106?). In my group, some players stayed near the benches and signed autographs and posed for pictures (Rod, Bret, Seids) while others were way out on the other side of the ice so I’m not sure if standers got to see them (Matt, Cam, Wade Brookbank). I have mixed feelings about this one and I’m interested in hearing some other perspectives comparing year to year. Last year the three of us walked on the ice, chatted with every player, got great photos and autographs, never felt unsafe even with a bunch of folks skating around us, although perhaps we got in the way of the skaters. This year Mr. LTD sat on the bench (he didn’t want to be out on the ice with a big camera) and Junior and I skated. I don’t feel I got quite the same experience with the players that I did last year, and I thought there were some logjams where it was just too crowded and the players were trying to please both the bench and the ice. Could very well be because Junior had no business out there on a pair of skates although he loved every minute of it. He fell right at Chad LaRose's feet, and Chad (who was an absolute riot) picked him up and held him up for the crowd like he was the baby lion king.

Given the dreadful outcome last night, the players and coaches were in very good spirits and engaging with us as always.

We had a great time, and would do it again in a skinny minute.

[Alicia]

We were in the Red group, too! Last in line for the lockerroom background photos.

[c-girl]

We were in the Red group today, too. We're nonskaters so we stood at the bench and watched. Larose, Brindy, Cullen, Seidenburg, Brookbank and Hedican all came over to us and signed our items. Larose was quite entertaining. He's such a goofball - he had everybody laughing. AND he's quite a flirt with the young ladies which I wasn't expecting.

This was our first time at the Skate - our son and his wife went last year but we didn't. I enjoyed every second of it. I thought it was very well run and all the guys seems to be very happy to be there. As always when I see the guys close up and in street clothes, I'm surprised at how much they are just "normal" people. They seem so larger than life on the ice. If I saw Stillman at the mall, I would think he was just a balding, approaching-middle-age dad.

The highlight for me was being able to sit between Commodore and Walker for the photo and shaking Cole's and Borer's hands - the only players who offered.

[nccanes]

If I saw Stillman at the mall, I would think he was just a balding, approaching-middle-age dad.


He certainly looks older than his years imo. I think we had a debate about whether or not he looked like a plumber or an IT geek a few years ago. :lol:

Glad everyone had fun!

LTD, sorry to hear that the new ice stuff may have made the experience different. I do wonder if someone did get run over by a skate or something since they decided to change it. But who knows, since the ice crew has to wear helmets now and even tried to get Tripp to wear a helmet when he reports from between the benches, it may have been a insurance issue? Too bad.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I hope Stiller looks older than he is, because I'm older than him and I just do not think I look that mature. And for the record, and in case he's reading, I'm not saying he looks old. He's quite handsome, IMO. He just looks way more like a grown-up than I think of myself looking. Like a grown-up plumber. :lol:

[livinthedream]

^ I was very disappointed that we weren't able to get pictures of him today, because he definitely had the grunge look going.

^^ To E's comment, it could have just been my situation. About once a minute I (not a great skater) was picking a five-year-old up off the ice because he was expecting to be out there so I had to put him in skates (probably bad parenting but what are ya gonna do?).

Mr. LTD didn't even know Cullen was out on the ice because he was so far away on the other side he couldn't see him. I did, however, take the opportunity to ask Mr. Cullen how many kids he saw in front of his eyes when he was signing Junior's jersey. Luckily he thought I was being funny and laughed at my question. Good news was he answered correctly and said that he's feeling much better and hopes to be back very soon!

[canesgirl22]

Does anyone have any pictures they want to show?? lol

[Alicia]

Larose was quite entertaining. He's such a goofball - he had everybody laughing. AND he's quite a flirt with the young ladies which I wasn't expecting.He's a sweetie...he remembered me from 2 years ago! He skated away, saying he'd be right back, came back and said "I've got a present for you", and hands me one of his game-used, autographed sticks. Sweet guy!

[nccanes]

Wow A! That's awesome! He knows a good woman when he sees one! :kiss:

[Alicia]

Wow A! That's awesome! He knows a good woman when he sees one! :kiss:Where's the blushing smiley?

[livinthedream]

Awesome story!

One other thing I noticed....after we left the autograph group, we were waiting on the steps in Section 115 for the skate group to finish. They had sounded the horn at least twice, but they couldn't get Erik or Commie off the ice - they stayed and stayed to make sure everyone who wanted a picture or autograph got one! Very nice touch and I know it doesn't surprise too many people here that those two stayed until they were ushered off.

[c-girl]

He's a sweetie...he remembered me from 2 years ago! He skated away, saying he'd be right back, came back and said "I've got a present for you", and hands me one of his game-used, autographed sticks. Sweet guy!

We saw him do that! We thought it was very sweet of him.

Did anybody notice Cullen's baby? Adorable, looks very much like his daddy but with lighter hair.

[KaniacFever]

Reporting in from the Blue Line Group:

First up for us was the locker room/photos. As we were standing out by the locker room door (we were told some players were still in there), Wesley comes out hacking up a lung. To which we then asked the lady security guard if they disinfected that locker room or if we need to get the lysol bottles out. They really rushed you through the locker room which I didn't really care cause I've seen it before, but I had my nephew with me who was very intrugiued and wanted to see where Cole sits. Then it was up for the photos. For the fake locker room we had Cullen, Brind'Amour, Cam, and Hedican. Then for the press picture we had Brookbank, LaRose, Seidenberg, and McCarthy. LaRose was his usual self when I went up he was like "I'm gonna be seeing white spots for the next week" lol

Then we went for autographs. At the first table it was Borer, Samsonov (who took me a minute to figure out who he was), Walker, Commodore and Nolan (maybe it was Tanabe, but I swear it was Nolan, it went so quick, maybe someone else in the blue group can confirm). The second table was Lavi, Barrosso, Gleason and Cole. I actually was able to talk to Gleason and Cole for awhile, the people behind me were slow thankfully. But I had a picture I took of Gleason during warm ups and had it blown up to an 8x10 so I gave him that to sign and he was like nice picture then he says to Cole, "Check out that handsome looking guy" lol

Then we went to skate. Since I wanted to get pictures of the players with nephew I borrowed some skates and thankfully didn't break my neck. He wanted to go see Staal first so we go get in line for Staal and the ice police comes over and says Eric I need you to move over there so Eric says ok everyone follow me. And I was like I can't skate over there, so Eric looks at the ice police and says "help this girl over there since your making me move". The others in that session was Leighton, Adams, Wallin, Kaberle, Stillman, Hamilton, Ladd, and I might be missing one or two.

We had a blast and can't wait to do it again.

[hyena]

Mr. LTD didn't even know Cullen was out on the ice because he was so far away on the other side he couldn't see him.

Luckily I had a posse of player-wranglers with me (:kiss:) who corralled Matt and Wade to bring them to me. :D

Really though, the way it's set up now makes things a lot harder. Supposedly it is a safety issue -- they've had problems with folks on skates running over/into folks without. But is it any safer to have people that aren't sure of their skating abilities go out there anyway because they're desperate to be on the ice?

[livinthedream]

59, while we were standing over in Section 115 waiting for the previous skate session to finish, I saw Tanabe over near the benches, which I think would have put him in the autograph group for your group and locker room photos for my group. But he wasn't in any of our sessions, maybe he left early?

[puck_it]

So who all has contracted the bird flu from our Canes? :beatup:

[KaniacFever]

59, while we were standing over in Section 115 waiting for the previous skate session to finish, I saw Tanabe over near the benches, which I think would have put him in the autograph group for your group and locker room photos for my group. But he wasn't in any of our sessions, maybe he left early?

Maybe it was Tanabe. That part went so fast and Tanabe and Nolan both have the real dark hair so I may have just glanced and thought Nolan. I tried to look at the autograph and can't make out the name, but the # looks more like 45 than 36, but even the # is hard to tell.

[livinthedream]

So who all has contracted the bird flu from our Canes? :beatup:

I did ask Wade Brookbank if he was contagious before we got too close to him.

[SoCalcaniac]

He's a sweetie...he remembered me from 2 years ago! He skated away, saying he'd be right back, came back and said "I've got a present for you", and hands me one of his game-used, autographed sticks. Sweet guy!

That is SO awesome, Alicia- so happy for you and yeah, he remembered you cause you're awesome! That Chad is so great and I'm sure he entertained one and all.:lol:

Sounds like everyone had generally a good time. Sounds like the change has had mixed reviews, but your reports all make me wish I went- I'd love to see pictures! (hint hint;) )

On a similar subject- We were at the Battle of the Badges event tonight at the RBC, Chad was a HOOT as coach of the Leathernecks (firefighters) and JWill and Commie and a cameo by CAds coached the blueliners (policemen) Forslund & Tripp doing play by play and honestly I have never laughed so hard during a hockey game than today. Chad is a one man show. Totally hilarious.


they couldn't get Erik or Commie off the ice - they stayed and stayed to make sure everyone who wanted a picture or autograph got one! Very nice touch and I know it doesn't surprise too many people here that those two stayed until they were ushered off.

2 years ago at the Jimmy V, EC was out with a horde of fans shaking hands, playing with babies, and held up his group to make sure everyone got a picture, a hug, or whatever was asked. I think the whole bunch of us that were on hand we so floored we couldn't believe it; and I remember one of the guys who's kid captured EC's attention saying something like, for "such a piss & vinegar type player, he sure has the touch with the common people" :lol: I remember telling him that I had always thought he was such a snarly guy on ice, but every encounter I had ever had with him as a fan was exactly like this.

Glad to hear such great reports!

[canesfan24]

Chad LaRose is a NUT !!!!

I walked over to the photo session and stood beside Dennis Siedenberg Chad and Brookbank etc... I looked over at Dennis and the first thing that came out was Hey Gleas.... Ok I have shortcut names for all the players....

I turned for the pic and my GF said you called Dennis, Gleason... I said oh S###, I am sorry Tim. I called you the wrong name. She said dude that is Apple, not Tim. I said #$$$ I did it again. I said Dennis I am so sorry, I called you Tim again. Dennis was lauging and you guys know what happened next.

Enter Chad LaRose and his antics, "it doesn't matter what you call him, call him Chester Labeaux."

I was soooooo embarrassed...

[rosey12]

I was also in the Red Line group and had a wonderful time. All of the players seemed to be in good spirits and enjoying themselves. The changes to the on-ice portion weren't too bad. As a non-skater, I was a little disappointed I couldn't get over to Cam or Matt but you could tell that most of the guys were trying to cover both groups of people. I do want to learn how to skate before next year rolls around though :lol:

The highlight of the day was watching the interaction of the guys with the little kids. They may hit hard and have that tough guy exterior on the ice, but they are all just teddy bears at heart.

[Guyute]

He's a sweetie...he remembered me from 2 years ago! He skated away, saying he'd be right back, came back and said "I've got a present for you", and hands me one of his game-used, autographed sticks. Sweet guy!
Absolutely awesome Alicia!!! Glad it went well :)
And Big kudos to Chad!

[dakuwan]

I was in the Green Group yesterday.

Our first session was the skate which had Commodore, Samsonov, Borer, Gleason, Cole, Walker, Barasso, Tanabe, and Lavi. Since we were first for the skate I wish they had let us go down earlier to put out skates on rather than have us burning the clock getting them on. I'd much rather have skated the extra few mins. I got out there and took a few quick turns on the ice before the players started filtering out. I got a pic with most of them and chatted for a few mins. Everyone except for Cole that is because his line was way too long from the start. Commodore had a shiner and cut lip from the fight the night before. The funniest moment was when everyone was out on the ice including the players and I skate by and see Sergei slowly skating around. Not a single person had recognized him in at least 5-10 minutes. I grabbed my friend Paul and said lets go see Sergei. Like my other friends he was like where is he? He's out here? I asked Sergei to sign a puck for me and then got my pic with him. I asked him how he was liking it so far and he said he liked it a lot. I told him he could handle the puck like a mad man and he said thanks and I headed off. So far with practice and yesterday he seems to kind of stay on his own more often than not. Eventually he started picking up people as they recognized him and by the end of the skate the word of who he was had filtered around and he had a mini line formed. Sergei, Gleason, and Borer had the most opportunity to skate as not a lot of people seemed to recognize them and they skated around stopping here and there. Walker gave the standard "I hope its soon" answer when I asked him if we'd see him on the ice again soon. I spent a lot of time telling people who was who and where they were after filling my friends in.

The best part of the day was heading up to the photo session. I was wearing my Chad LaRose USA hockey jersey so I could get it signed. Chad was first on the ice as I was heading up the stairs to the photos. I look back and Chad sees me and points right at me. I give him the thumbs up and he gives the rock symbol, you know..first and pinkie up and two middle down, and starts doing a head rock with is tougue out. My friends cracked up on that one.

The photos were Wallin, Kaberle, Hamilton, and Adams on one side. The other side was Ladd, Staal, Stillman, Daniels, and Leighton. The autographs were Brind'Amour, McCarthy, Seidenberg, and Cullen on one side with Cam, LaRose, Brookbank, and Hedican on the other. Chad came up the stairs to go to the table and ran down the line low fiving everyone who put their hand out. At first he went to the wrong table and was sent across to the other and did the limbo under the tape to get to the other side. When I got to him I handed him the jersey and said "So you like my jersey huh?" he said definitely and asked me where I got it. He said that he has one and that I must have the other one and started laughing again. He thought it was game used and I told him that it wasnt and I ordered it when he was put on the team because I wanted his jersey and wanted a unique one. He said I definitely got that and he thanked me a lot for getting it and for getting his name on it. I got Cam to personalize a photo of him celebrating the Canada Gold medal and Brrokbank said he was feeling a lot better. Rod seemed a bit distant but that could've been just for me. I had him sign a Team Canada puck for me and he may have been, its this guy again with another puck :D. I've gotten him to sign one for each of his teams, an All Star Puck, Brind'Amour night puck, Sabres vs Canes puck, and Eastern Conf Champ puck for me over the past couple years.

As usual I enjoyed the event. Since I skated I cant comment on the standing off the ice but I did enjoy the skating a lot more this year. I was able to actually move around the ice a lot more this year and the highlight, even more than the players, is to be able to skate on the same ice as they play on.

[nccanes]

Photo gallery is up for the event. Lots of cute little Caniacs in attendance!

There is a photo of Cullen holding his kid (I presume) and holding hands with another small boy skating. I noticed that little boy 2 years ago wearing his little kid jersey with an add-on screen of CULLEN on the back and thought it was so cute that a kid that little would latch on to a player. They now sit beneath us in the club level and I leaned over this season to see if he was wearing another Cullen jersey. He's big enough now that he has a youth jersey with a real personalization. Makes me smile everytime I see him. He must have been thrilled to get to skate with him, holding hands.

One thing I've noticed about the locker room is that they don't seem to allow visitors IN the locker area proper. They used to let you snake into the room and pass along the lockers themselves. They even took the photo at the end of the locker room so you could inspect and pose in a locker while you waited or as you exited. They seem to have stopped that for all tours now. Too bad. Guess I'm glad we have one of our kids sitting in a stall from years ago.

[nickgregory]

One thing I've noticed about the locker room is that they don't seem to allow visitors IN the locker area proper. They used to let you snake into the room and pass along the lockers themselves. They even took the photo at the end of the locker room so you could inspect and pose in a locker while you waited or as you exited. They seem to have stopped that for all tours now. Too bad. Guess I'm glad we have one of our kids sitting in a stall from years ago.

I had noticed that during one of the proper locker room tours I had gotten that people were leaving business cards, letters, and the like in lockers. Now I am sure from kids it is cute, but I saw adults leaving catalogs, letters, etc..which is definitely creapy

[nccanes]

OMG - you're joking! :lol:

yeah - I should have included that they probably had a reason to curtail that practice....either crap being left, stuff being touched, or stuff being taken. Where is the security nazi when you need her? :lol:

[Canesluver]

Or germs being left! ;)

[SoCalcaniac]

:lol: Yeah, security nazi would halt that hot mess in a minute,

and OMG, Nick's story is verrrry creepy. I had thought about that way back when when we we through a tour a few years back. I find it so incredible that people can be so brazen or just ballsy. It would never occur to me to do something like that, but to each his or her own, I suppose....

[carterrett]

Skate with the Canes 2008.

Photo gallary from Canes web site. (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app.swf?digest=85d5b8c22a7a870c07e67922b2f214ab&path=%2Fmedia%2FGalleryViewer%2Fgallery.swf&service=asset&playlist=%2Fteam%2Fapp%3FgalleryId%3D4205%26page%3 DMediaGalleryXML%26service%3Dpage)

[KaniacFever]

Anyone know how you can save a picture from the gallery. Last year they used something different and you could just right click on the picture and save it, but you can't with this gallery.

[dakuwan]

Anyone know how you can save a picture from the gallery. Last year they used something different and you could just right click on the picture and save it, but you can't with this gallery.
Someone may have a better way but I usually do a print screen and then paste it into a graphics program (Fireworks for me) and crop out the image.

[Shell]

One thing I've noticed about the locker room is that they don't seem to allow visitors IN the locker area proper. They used to let you snake into the room and pass along the lockers themselves. They even took the photo at the end of the locker room so you could inspect and pose in a locker while you waited or as you exited. They seem to have stopped that for all tours now. Too bad. Guess I'm glad we have one of our kids sitting in a stall from years ago.

yeah I miss that too.. Cole is fascinated with the lockerroom for some reason and I want him to get to be in the real one! well, actually he has been, but he was too young and doesn't remember our accidental escapade of being the only one's in there!
http://www.tridead.net/images/LockerroomEscapade.jpg

[kermelbar]

Reading your stories makes me <3 Chad even more. LOL. I love that he has such a good time with it.

[caniac97]

my pics

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j265/prgmr/-SWC-1-13-08-_0040a.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j265/prgmr/-SWC-1-13-08-_0022a.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j265/prgmr/-SWC-1-13-08-_0014a.jpg

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Is someone sitting in Brindy's lap in that second picture? :lol:

[c-girl]

^Damn! We could do that?????

:lol:

[Canesluver]

He actually looks like he's rehearsing his ventriloquist act!
:lol:

[magnolia_mer]

Is someone sitting in Brindy's lap in that second picture? :lol:

I would never have the nerve to ask to sit on his lap. I'd keel over and die of embarassment first.

Worse, it would probably end up a replay of the Ralphie and Santa scene in A Christmas Story.

[StormShaman]

I would never have the nerve to ask to sit on his lap. I'd keel over and die of embarassment first.

Worse, it would probably end up a replay of the Ralphie and Santa scene in A Christmas Story.

You owe me a new monitor, miss missy. :-p

[caniac369]

That does take a lot of nerve, but then Wally's told me stories ten times worse of things fans will ask the players to do/sign...

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I just wouldn't even want to sit in his lap. I don't make a habit of sitting in virtual strangers' laps, I suppose. :lol:

[Canesluver]

I bet there's some weirdo somewhere that would make it her "thing" to sit on strangers' laps. :lol:

I guess lap dancers do that all the time, though. Hmmm... well... at least they get paid for it. <shrug>

[puck_it]

damn it, if you're payin for it, they better not be sitting. its called a lap dance, not a lap sit.

[Canesluver]

:laugh: We've gone from skating with players.... to..... 'hos lap dancin' :laugh:

[Guyute]

Why she gotta be a ho??
:p

Though I agree with puck_it. That better not be a lap SIT. lol

[Canesluver]

O.k... O.K.... so she's an "exotic dancer" who likes to semi-dry-hump guys for tips!! :lol:

[nccanes]

OMG - we had this EXACT "discussion" about exotic dancers vs ho at my old office. There was one guy who said any woman who takes money to come dance at a guy's party is basically a "ho" - the other seemed to think you could be exotic and ho-less. :lol:

(and please note that I said "at a guy's party".....not "at guy's party" :laugh: :lol:)

[Guyute]

Thank you for that clarification. Wouldn't want to have the missus thinking I had one of those parties. :lol:

[kermelbar]

its called a lap dance, not a lap sit.

*snorts*

[Tricia]

Is someone sitting in Brindy's lap in that second picture? :lol:


Notice how they all look like they're laughing harder than Brindy!!!!