This Practice is TOTALLY Perfect!

The Thrashers were scheduled to play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, November 21. I had a hot tip that the Pens were going to practice at the Duluth Ice Rink after the Thrashers did. Then the tip fell through. Of course I was still going to practice. Well I get to rink and buzz is that yes indeed the Pens WILL be there. SWEET!


This fantabulous day started with me giving Colby Armstrong an early birthday card. I gave it to him and he looked at me, looked at the card, looked at me and said "Thank you. Thank you very much." It was very sweet, he seemed sincere.





So me, Michelle and Kerry are waiting around for the Pens to make their appearance and Marissa comes running in. "Virginia, get out here RIGHT NOW." So I go running.


Pens soccer and football game. HELL YES! The Pens were enjoying our lovely weather and getting warmed up with a little fun.




Disco Dan, Coach Bylsma.





Bylsma: I've heard that chick from Getting Pucks Deep is here.
Talbott: No way!
Guerin: I've heard of her, she's kind of nuts.
Talbott: She's cute.
Bylsma: You better watch out, Max. I hear she likes you.





Staalsie horsing around.





Max, get away from the damn dumpster. Most of the pictures I have of him he's standing by the damn garbage dumpster.





Max giving some instructions on the game.





Geno wondering:
1. How I got so close
2. Where are his handlers that usually shoo away the riff-raff like me.





So the guys finally stop goofing off and get themselves suited up.
When the guys came in I saw Max Talbot and said "SUPER STAR!" He laughed and said "yeaaaah!" *swoon*


Gonchar chatting.





My Flower! Flower seemed a little grumpy. He did get lit up pretty badly the night before. When he came walking in I got so excited!!





Flower listening up for instructions.





Group pow wow.





My two favorite Pens! Talbot and Flower.





Lining up to take some shots at Flower.





Chris Letang in his red "do not touch" jersey.





Sorry Duper, Flower says you aren't that Super!





Maxime!





Flower seeing some shots.





They had Flower flipping and spinning.





Goddard and Fedotenko chatting.





Staal and Tanger.





Letang: Stop touching me.
Staal: I'm not touching you.
Letang: Yes you are.
Staal: No I'm not.
Letang: Stop Looking at me.
Staal: I'm not looking at you.
Letang: Coach, Jordan is blowing in my ear!





Never enough Max.



During the practice Brooks Orpik took a puck or stick to the face and was bleeding from his mouth. He left the ice. On his way out, I said "Brooksie, is your mouth okay?" He said "Oh yeah, it will be fine." Tough hockey boys!


"Dear God, please let this lady stop taking pictures." Amen.





Taking some shots on Johnson.





A little before the practice was over, Marissa and I left the ice area and went to area where they had to walk through to get to their locker room. Yes, we set a trap for them. I felt bad for them, they had to get through the gauntlet of ebay people who are always there. Then we were waiting! All we wanted was a picture though.




This is a very important picture. On the surface it appears to be a picture of the adorable Marissa and the equally adorable Chris Letang. What it actually is, is a picture that cost me getting my own picture with Max Talbot. While I was taking the picture, Max slipped by me!





Photo Bomb! While I was getting my pic with Ruslan, Dupuis popped into the pic.





No.
Words.





Geno had handlers. Michelle told me that when he was coming out, his guys were telling him "sign and walk...sign and walk." When Marissa asked "Geno, can I get a picture?" The guy said "make it quick!" Yes sir!





Free Candy!!! His mouth looks (mighty) fine to me.





Marissa and Staalsie Part Two. I took their pic outside and Jordan is so damn pale, he blended in to the sky.





So Michelle has this new bad ass camera and I hate her guts, here camera and her stupid good pics (you know I'm joking, Michelle). This camera will be mine. As soon as I have a job of course. I'm hoping by next season to have this bad boy. Getting good practice pictures are tough and she got some great ones.

March of the Penguins





Chris Letang.





Awwww, poor baby Geno is sleepy. He's actually blowing his nose, lol. Gross boys.





*stunned silence*


Seriously, best day EVER!