Thrashers Face Off Event

Being a season ticket holder has it's advantages. So does being the friend of a season ticket holder. This would have been the season I finally did it. Those seats they had for $999 were good seats! But oh no, my stupid company had to lay me off. Way to go assholes. I can't wait to read how your company flops and goes under. Bitter vengeance...party of one. ANYWAY. My very awesome buddy Michelle is a season ticket holder and they gave her two extra tickets to the Face Off Event and she was super awesome enough to offer them to me. Laura offered one as well and she is super awesome too, but I got Michelle's first.


I've never been to this Face Off before, so I was pretty excited. I had a basic idea of what would happen. Players introduced, pictures, autograph, fun, etc.




So we got there and got in line. Then they open the doors and you go in and get a card that the players can sign. On one side of the card are details about the event, maps of the table and who will be there and a voucher for a meal and drink. Woo Hoo! They feed you, too.


So we go in the arena and of course the area near where Kovy is going to be is packed to the rafters. No problem, I'm not there for him. I'm there to get my buddy Hedberg signed. Hedberg was a birthday gift from my friend, Candace. A little refresher:
http://gettingpucksdeep.blogspot.com/2009/04/one-of-these-things-is-not-like-other.html


So we go take a seat near the Moose section. Boris Valabik, Mark Popovic, Nik Antropov and Josh Gratton are also listed as being at the Moose table. First the entire team and coaching staff is introduced.


Popovic: So where is this super fan I keep hearing about?
Moose: She's right over there.
Popovic: Which one?
Moose: The one with the Moose doll.





Our guys coming onto the stage Careful Kari! You are just now skating. We need you back ASAP!





So the guys came out and sat at the table and then you went in an orderly fashion and lined up to get your autographs. I really only wanted Hedberg signed, but I brought the card along with me so the other guys would have something to sign.





Moose signing some stuff.





Me and Hedberg waiting to meet the Moose.





Moose is signing my card and I'm about to explain Hedberg. Notice that Hedberg has caught Boris' eye.





Boris looks enamored with Hedberg. Pops looks like he is thinking "WTF is that grown woman doing?" I don't think he was though. Pops was super nice. Moose was delighted! Thrash's stupid hand is in the way. So I plopped Hedberg down and told him the story about how he was for my birthday.





When I got to the part about how he was supposed to look like the hockey players did on the "shirt off our back" night, he said "oh yeah. He does look like we did." And then commenced examining him and flipping him back and forth.





Then he noticed the tag and said "Oh, he's a Build A Bear." I knew Moose would know that. You don't have 3 young daughters and not know about Build A Bear.





Look how jealous Boris and Pops are that they didn't get a toy and didn't get to sign Hedberg!





Pops is super jealous.





Score! I got my moose signed by my Moose! Good job Hedberg! One of the photographers that was going around took a picture of him signing Hedberg. Maybe Hedberg will be a celebrity!





After I got Hedberg signed I took the camera away from my husband and started taking pictures. Mooooooose. He looks so young when he's clean shaven. Bastard! It's not fair how much better men age than women.





Ohhh La La! Mr. GQ! Boris looking VERY handsome.





I didn't get many pictures of Hainsey, I couldn't get too close.





Peeking through the crowd, I managed to get a little shot of Little.





On the other side, Kari and Bogosian are signing stuff.





Zach: It's good to see you man. How is your back?
Kari: It's doing better. I'm skating now.
Zach: Oh yeah? That's good, that's good. So... when will you be back?
Kari: I don't know I don't want to rush it.
Zach: Yeah, so...how is your back now? Is it any better?
Kari:
Zach: How about now?





Evander Kane getting his first taste of meeting Atlanta fans.





What a happy guy, such a great smile.





Now he's looking dead serious. I'm guessing someone is telling him something.





Slava. I saw him almost smile once tonight, almost.





New comer Max Afinogenov.





Boultsie meeting the fans.





The crazy crowd waiting to get a glimpse and signature from Kovy.





Kovy and friends. Marty Reasoner, Eric Boulton and Chris Thorburn.





Zach: Dear God, please let Kari get better and return to the net really soon, Amen. Oh...and please let us not lose as much this season, Amen. Oh and thank you for the A on my jersey. Amen.





Stupid camera! (stupid photographer more like it) Kari looked right at me and gave me a big smile, but the camera focused on Zach. It was so cute I had to use it anyway.





Zach looking for the door.





Toby got a hair cut and....highlights? Okay.





So after I had harassed the players enough, it was time to tour the locker room!





Jerseys hanging in their dressing area.





My own little piece of heaven, the goalie corner!





More jerseys





I leaned over the rope and hung Hedberg from Moose's stall and got a picture.





The night was a success! Go Thrashers!