Flashback! 2008 NHL All Stars
No, this wasn't this season, but it was so much fun and I got so many good pictures, I'm gonna do it anyway. I didn't have this blog then and no where to share the pics!
I had been excited about the All Stars coming to Atlanta for ages, before the lock out when we were SUPPOSED to have them in 2005. Finally, we got our chance back for the 2008 NHL All Star Games.
Unfortunately at the time, finances dictated that I choose either the All Stars Skills portion or the All Star Game itself. Of course now I wish I had sold a kidney or something and gone to both, but at the time, I chose my favorite, the Skills. Girls like skillz.
We got down to Phillips Arena hours early so we could walk around and look at the vendors, hang out and hopefully see some stars. We did see Mario Lemieux. We decided to go get good spots for the All Star Red Carpet, when the stars arrive.
It was cloudy, could and damp, but we were almost 2 hours early to the carpet and it was already packed. I fortunately got a great spot standing on a landscaping display. I fought the weather, crowds and trees for my pics! That's me in the red circle. I have NO idea what is on my head. I don't remember putting a do-rag on. This picture was taking by Mark Holland, you can see more of his pics here http://www.markholland.com/asg/redcarpet.html
Atlanta's All Star Banner.
As nuts as I am over goalies....I'm almost that nuts over mascots. I was way more excited to see these dudes than any 35 (at the time) year old woman had a right to be.
Ottawa Senator's Spartacat
Bailey from the L.A. Kings
One of my favorite pictures from the event. San Jose's Sharkie picks this kid up and the kid looks right at me.
St. Louis' Louie looking very sharp.
I was so excited to Vancouver's Fin!!! How can you not love a mascot that shoots steam out of his head??
From Phoenix, Howler the Coyote.
NJ must have been able to sense the New Jersey Devils fan in me because he pointed to me, then did a "pin-up" pose for me.
Okay, enough of the furry convention (so joking). I've got a billion more mascot pics, but we'll move on to the All Stars!
The Eastern Conference All Stars arrived first.
Swoon...Tim Thomas.
Oh to be that pen. In case anyone forgot, this is Rick DiPietro and he is paid a lot of money for a long time to be a goalie. This is one of the last sightings of him :( Get well soon Rick! You are too hot and talented not to be in the NHL.
Stupid kid's book messed my Ovy shot up. The one good thing is Ovechkin looks like he wants to eat the kid's face off.
Zedeno cleans up well, huh?
Evgeni Malkin
Eric Staal giving someone a "watchoo talkin bout Willis" look.
Vinnie "hot ass"Lecavalier
Sergei Gonchar
Ah, the good old days....Marian Hossa was a Thrasher and an entire city (or two) didn't hate his guts.
Our Russian super star, Ilya Kovalchuk.
The Wild Wild West showed up.
Ozzy!
Anaheim Ducks' Chris Pronger.
Rick Nash looking ratty as usual. Such a good looking guy if he'd clean himself up.
Ryan Getzlaf. Getzy let's talk. Let's talk about your hair...or lack there of. You are hot Getzy. You need to shave that shit or buy some more. The black eye does help though.
Dion Phaneuff looking grumpy, too.
Finally! All the guys have arrived and we can go inside for the All Stars Skill Competition.
Phillips Arena lighting it up.
Tim Thomas and Tomas Vokoun doing a little warming up.
More warm ups
Rick DiPietro warming up.
Group shot on the ice
Warm up is over and it's time for the guys to come out one bye one.
Group shot of the West
Timmy Thomas coming out for the East.
Group shot of everyone (yeah, not the greatest seats)
Speed skating contest!
Kovy participating in the speed skating.
Kovy doing an interview.
Kimmo Timonen shooting on Manny Legace.
*sigh* Pretty Ricky doing an interview.
A few minutes later her would be in net and announce to the world that he "fucked his hip up." That's pretty much the last time we saw him :( Get well Rick!
Marian Hossa shattering one of the targets in the Accuracy competition.
Zdeno Chara about to blast the winning puck into the net for the Hardest Shot contest.
Ovy getting ready to do his show boating in the Break Away Challenge.
What a day! One of my best hockey memories for far. I do regret not going to the game, too (screw money, this is hockey!). I also regret not running around the arena and getting pictures with all of the mascots! Next time!!
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