I love Canada...
There is much to be said about my experiences in Montreal this past weekend for the All Star Game and I will do my best to accurately portray the scene although I think words alone won't do it justice...
First up - The City of Montreal:
- These people love thier hockey...there is no doubt about it. You couldn't go anywhere without seeing a sign or banner promoting the All Star festivities. Most of them were larger than life, covering the sides of buildings, making me wonder what they planned on doing with all this signage once the weekend was over...seems like such a waste just to throw them out. Hopefully someone got to keep them and use them as wallpaper in their "man cave" or sports themed room.
- What a BEAUTIFUL city!! The architecture was amazing! I only wish I had more time to see more of it. I could have done without the biting wind or the icy sidewalks, but the snow was pretty and the people were so friendly! Thinking about it now, I don't think I heard anyone yelling anything other than "Go Habs Go!" the entire weekend. I've been told to come back in the summer, particularly for the Jazz Festival, and it's been put on my list of things to do...can't wait to go back!
- I got to practice my French! I was terrible at it, but I loved it! LOL I even watched a few shows in French and was FLOORED to find a Habs trivia game show...like I said, they love thier hockey!
Second - The Skills Competition:
- I actually enjoyed it, but I was also walking around and taking pictures and talking with fans so maybe I just enjoyed the experience as a whole rather than just the event. The fastest skater competion was the only one I found to be boring and would have preferred to see them go head to head rather than just against the clock. I'd also like to see them bring back the obstacle course where you can put the East against the West and involve several players in a relay style event...combine a bunch a drills that you learn when you're a kid. I think that would be a lot of fun not only to watch, but also to participate in.
- I was a fan of the Young Stars Game. Yes, there was no hitting except for the one by Marc Staal who then took the puck and scored. Yes, there was no defense and the game lacked intensity, BUT we really go to see these guys get creative and have some fun. To me, it was like watching them play outside with their friends. My favorite moment was when Luke Shenn scored (technically his first in the NHL) and he skated back to the bench to Steve Stamkos and Mikael Bodeker waiting to celebrate with him. He was so excited he almost fell down! I also liked how they included some of them in the skills competitions, but why not get at least one Young Star in each event?
- In regards to the breakaway challenege - I thought Kovalev's moves were disgustingly good and he should have won the contest for his creativity, but I understand Ovechkin's appeal. In the future, they need to continue to think outside the box and be over the top in order for this part of the competition to be a fan favorite. I also think they should bring back the judges. Make it like American Idol...include their opnions but let the public decide.
Next up - The Family Atmosphere:
- As I said on the impromptu Hockey Buzzcast last night, the All Star break is an opportunity for the players to spend some quality time with their friends and family and recharge their batteries, but those that are participating don't get that opportunity which is why they usually bring their families with them. I have never seen so many kids in the locker room. What was funnier, was that they had free reign. There was one little boy who was literally running all over the place and as I walked by the Western Conference locker room he whizzed right by me and the security guard looked at me perplexed and asked, "Should I tell his Dad??" I couldn't help but laugh at the situation, but it was indicative of the relaxed atmosphere.
- The Jamboree was also a lot of fun. All of the NHL's trophies were on display and there were several autograph sessions with NHL players past and present. There were also molds of the current All Stars hands and feet so you could see how yours compare. In the back, you could test your hockey skills much like the skills competition - accuracy, hardest shot, etc. The lines were long, but everyone seemed to be having a great time talking hockey while they waited.
- Montreal has a festival every year with ice sculptures and in keeping with that there were 30 sculptures outside on the sidewalk displaying each team's jersey which was frozen inside. I thought it was really cool and I hope they keep them up until they melt. I've got pictures, that I'll share with you later.
Finally - the Game:
- To be honest, I didn't really pay attention to the game in the first period. I had been wandering the concourse taking pictures of all the different jerseys people were wearing before the game started and I had four teams to go to get all 30 teams. So, I was scanning the crowd for those last few jerseys and then went down to snap their pictures and spent most of the rest of the game chatting with people in the stands about their experiences throughout the weekend.
- By the time I started really paying attention in the third period, I thought it was great! I was rooting for a shootout and lucky for me I got one! I was secretly hoping it went into later rounds - I picked ten as a nice round number - but Tim Thomas shut the door late in the third period and in my opinion won the game for the East.
In all, it was a great time. I had never been to an All-Star Game (even when it was in Philly) and now realize that it's more than just a game. It's more like a convention. Hockey fans from all over come together to celebrate the sport they love. I met so many people from all over the continent who came out with their friends or family members to have some fun and from everyone I talked with...mission accomplished!
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I worked with the Tampa Bay Lightning during this weekend's festivities for Lightning TV -
Click here to see some of that footage...
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Tonight, marks the return of The Hockey Chicks - 9pm ET. We have a lot to catch up on...if you'd like to join the conversation you can call in...724-444-7444 Talkcast ID# 10532
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Tomorrow, I'll post a college hockey update :)
Talk soon!
Jules
[email protected]
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