Day Two At The NHL ASG

Day Two From The NHL All-Star Weekend:

As I predicted Friday evening, Saturday was a lot more hectic and crazy. The moment we woke up we quickly got ready and headed out the door. Today, even though it was a bit colder, was a lot nicer outside because there was no precipitation (at that moment) so we could enjoy the scenery in its entirety. As we got towards the Convention Center we noticed a surprising amount of people already there considering we were arriving 45 minutes before the fair was scheduled to open. Once the wait was over, we walked into the fair and I headed towards the Jarome Iginla autograph signing that was scheduled for 10:30. The wait felt like an eternity, but once I got up to him it was all worth it. He not only took the time to sign two things for me, but he also took the time to chat with me for a little bit which was really cool. There is something about Iginla that makes him so likable. As soon as I got Iginla's autograph, I headed out to the next autograph signing which was rookie Gabriel Landeskog. The line went very fast and as I got up to him, he too was very friendly. Following Landeskog, I heard about one other autograph signing I simply had to attend.

Islanders legend Denis Potvin and former Islander Garry Galley were signing autographs at the Canadian Tire booth. Not many people knew about the signing so we got a spot at the front of the line. Once they arrived people began to realize who was signing and the line grew tremendously. When I got up to Potvin he signed my autographs and we chatted for a bit. He was extremely nice, and when he took a picture with me he was unhappy with how the picture looked so three times we re-took the picture until he said it was good enough for an Islanders fan. Then I moved on to Galley, who believe it or not I remember as an Islander. When he played for the club I was 6 which is right around the age where you become a bit more aware, and when I told him I remembered him he was actually very pleasantly surprised. He also mentioned that he absolutely loved his time on the Island. He made a point to say that it was one of his favorite places he played and his family really enjoyed it there. Those types of little stories like the Potvin and Galley one, is what makes this weekend special. 

After that we decided we needed a little rest so we went back to the hotel for an hour and then headed to Scotiabank Place for the Skills Competition. We were very early for that as well, but being early for every event throughout the weekend is very important. Once they opened up the doors it was a mad dash to our seats which much to our surprise was a luxury box located on the lowest level of the stadium. I was in awe, I really could not believe I had those seats. Once I got that initial shock out of the way I really was soaking in the experience before the mascot game. Once the mascots finished their 15 minutes of fighting each other on the ice, warm-ups began and it was our first time seeing John Tavares in Ottawa. Seeing him and the other All-Stars out there for the first time was awesome. The Skills Competition is always great and this year was no exception. 

Halfway through the event one of my buddies whose name is Nick Montemagno (runs Rangers Tribune- Twitter: @NickMonteRT) came through big time for me as he very kindly hooked me, my dad, and my brother up with tickets to the NHL All-Star Saturday Night Party. I really, really appreciated Nick doing that for us and because it was his birthday yesterday we'd like to say a quick happy birthday to him. Anyway once the Skills Competition ended, we hopped on the NHL Party bus that went to the event. Once we walked in, it felt like I was walking into the most massive party I've ever been to. Dion Phaneuf walked in next to me and was with his girlfriend and actress, Elisha Cuthbert. The whole place was bumping, music was blasting, and lights were flashing. It was almost like four clubs in one. Early in the party it was fun, but not crazy. At about 12 that changed as alcohol started to take people over. It was crazy, beautiful women dancing on tables and people pounding down shot after shot at each of the many bars. The TSN crew even had some drinks in their hands. Every section of the party had a different theme, and they were all sick. I have been to a club in New York, and from 12-1 this place was better than that. I mean the amount  of beautiful women around was shocking. I have noticed this as a common theme around Ottawa, but this was on a whole different level. Needless to say it was a very, very good day.

Here are some pictures from today: