Last night I spent my evening rubbing elbows with local media celebrities at the Bradley Center. I didn't win the shootout like I'd hoped to - but I was close - and I had a really fun night anyway.
I rushed home from work yesterday and changed my clothes and then we were off to meet my parents downtown for the Admirals season home opener. A little before 7:00 we made our way up to level 300 - where the suites are. I had never been in a suite before and it was really nice - spacious and comfortable with a great view of the ice. There were chips and salsa out on the tables, and after a few minutes, pizzas were set out. Beer and soda were served, and I sipped my Pepsi (unfortunately, I hate beer) as I watched the other celebrity shooters stroll in.
We grabbed some pizza as the players were announced, and we listened to the national anthem as solemnly as we could - seeing as though it was sung by an Elvis impersonator. The game began and Dave and my dad sat in the seats with their beer and watched the first period as my mom and I talked and nonchalantly tried to name all the local TV anchors surrounding us.
I was very excited when Jim Stingl arrived, as he is the only one I'd met before. I really enjoyed meeting him when he wrote the story on the blog, and I was looking forward to talking with him again. I visited with him a lot throughout the night, and he was very kind in introducing me to the people I may not have met otherwise.
I got to talk with Susan Kim from Channel 4 for quite awhile - she was incredibly sweet and her family was beautiful - and I also met Charlie Sykes (he and Bill Michaels were human hockey pucks last night), Bill Johnson of ESPN radio (who wanted a picture with me so he could be on the blog!), Mike Strehlow of Channel 58 (he was incredibly nice and cute - and he smiled a lot!), and Patrick Paolantonio from Channel 12 (so handsome!), who was there with co-anchor, Caroline Lyders, to root on his other coworker, Joe Gehl.
I'm not sure how much of the game I actually watched. I was talking a lot, and we were sitting just above the new Poop Deck - and the fans sitting there were REALLY loud with their yelling and their ringing cow bells.
Halfway through the second period, we were taken downstairs to prepare for our shootout. Dave rode the elevator down with us - he was my official photographer, like always. I had been wondering where Gene Mueller was and when we got downstairs, we saw him - he had never gotten his suite tickets in the mail, so he and his family were sitting elsewhere. I have listened to Reitman and Mueller for years and I was very happy to meet him.
The second period ended and the players shuffled by us into the locker room, slapping hands with their young fans as they went by. We had been lined up in the order we were to be shooting in, and we headed onto the ice in a single-file line.
One by one we took our shots. Jim Stingl went first and missed. Susan Kim, the only other woman in the group, missed. Everyone ahead of me missed except Jim Powell and Joe Gehl. I was second-to-last and was feeling pretty confident when I walked up there. I wound up a bit, pushed the puck, and ... missed by about two inches. DARN!
I have to say, I think of all the people who missed, I came the closest to getting it in the goal. (But what's the old saying? 'Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.') Gene Mueller brought up the rear - and missed (by quite a bit - but who's keeping track?) Jim and Joe both shot again and Jim ended up winning the $1,000 for his charity. The rest of our charities got $100.
So then we headed back upstairs and watched the rest of the game. Well, almost - I think most everyone left a bit before it ended. The Admirals ended up losing, 0-1. I said good-bye to everyone and got a hug from Susan Kim. I also had to give Jim Stingl a big hug, of course. I must say, he holds quite a special place in my heart now. He's just the nicest person ever to talk to. I truly hope I can see him again and again!
The four of us went to Buck Bradley's for a drink after the game and visited for another hour or so. It was a really, really fun night. I had been a bit nervous since I'm not exactly a local celebrity the way the others are, but they were all so nice. I feel very lucky to have been invited.
It was nice meeting you the other night. It was actually Joe Gehl who made the finals with Jim Powell.
Stop by and see us some time.
Bill
Posted by: Bill J | October 15, 2005 at 11:05 PM
Oops! Thanks Bill - I was about 80% sure I was right - thanks for correcting me! I changed it - probably before anyone else really saw it, which is good. It was nice meeting you, too!
Posted by: Erin | October 16, 2005 at 12:07 AM
Look at our little girl from st.charles!!!
I am so proud of you erin and all of your success -- including being brave enough to go out there and even try to shoot!!! love, heather
ps. how is your first non-working weekend?
Posted by: heather | October 16, 2005 at 08:05 AM
Looks like a great night!
Michele sent me.
Posted by: chatty | October 16, 2005 at 08:14 AM
Erin:
Enjoy your blog as always. Your time at the Admirals game sounds like fun. Did you have any interaction with Joe Gehl of Channel 12? He appears to be a good guy. Interested in your thoughts.
Thanks and keep up the good work.
Posted by: fips133 | October 19, 2005 at 09:07 AM
Hey! I was there! I didn't pay attention to the celebrity shootout, though I was aware it was going on. I'm sad I was oblivious, now!
Posted by: Mike Oettiker | October 19, 2005 at 10:40 AM
Hey.This is the frist time i see English blogs, although my English is not well , i can clear about your meaning . Feel good.
Posted by: Dongjian Wang | July 04, 2007 at 09:13 PM