GRITS and Pucks

The holiday season is upon us - and what more than a spot in first place in the South East Division for the Thrashers could any Atlanta hockey fan want? 

Well: HAPPY HUNAKA - MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY KWANZA - HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE - Thrashers nabbed that beloved spot!

Who can say irony that the Devils *cough* Kovalchuck gave us the victory and allowed us the top spot… while they are well… in hell on the charts. 

Jingle Bells Kovy Smells!

The lyrics - incase you want to sing along ;-)

Jingle Bells, Kovy Smells

Lamoriello laid an egg

Kovalchuck is a _______

And the Thrashers win any way!

HEY!

Friday night I accompanied @heilpern to his office holiday party. (Yes, I checked the scores throughout the night as I could.) And despite all the fun, I was surprised to be approached with questions about hockey and the Thrashers while at the party by different guests who knew @heilpern and I are big fans. The question that truly caught me off guard was one that went like this, “So, did you know anything about hockey before you and Jeremy met?” The answer was, “No - I didn’t.” I was a happy southern girl - without any knowledge of the game - that became a fan because I taken to a hockey game by someone who is. Now I am as much as a fan as he is! If not at times more of a Thrashers fan than him - who has followed hockey his whole life and the Thrashers specifically since Atlanta was awarded it’s second go at the NHL.

After the party, a group of us ended up heading out for something of an after party… As I was  on the dance floor (shaken’ what my momma gave me, obviously), I bumped into another gal and guess what she was wearing? 

A Thrashers jersey. No lies. 

It was awesome to see another fan blatantly supporting her hockey team. If the music wasn’t so loud I would have tried to talk to her. Alas, I was unable to, but it’s nice to see anyone in Atlanta who is supporting and promoting the Thrashers. And why not? This team deserves the support.

So my question to you is this:  Who do you know, that you could take to their very first hockey game? Now would be the best time to get your friends out to a game, and who knows, maybe they’ll be another true blue fan - like me!

Dear Atlanta,

It’s time to get creative, don’t ya think?

It seems someone felt it was a good idea to steal goal songs, played at other arena’s, and use them as the goal songs here at The Bulb. 

Don’t get me wrong, “Ole, Ole” is great and all, but whenever we score, I can’t help but think the Canadiens just put us in a hole. What gives?

How about we consider putting the ATL back in Atlanta Thrashers?

Without further adieu, here’s my proposal:

Thanks @heilpern for the help :-)

I am a little worried about the game tonight, and it has nothing to do with my faith in the Thrashers. They will beat the Buffa-slugs! I actually am worried because I set my friend up on a blind date and they are going to the game. 

Let me back this story up a bit…

I know a family that has a friend from South Africa staying in town with them for a few days, and he has not really seen much of Atlanta other than their company office building. I met their friend before and I thought it would be fun for him to see a bit of Atlanta. I am proud of all the fun things my city has to offer after all. I knew exactly what friend of mine would be perfect to show him around. Yea, I am playing match maker: she is practically everything he is looking for in a gal.

So, after talking to her and asking her if she was interested, we decided that it would be fun for them to go to Philips Arena to watch the Thrashers game. I begin to set this up. I help him find great seats on the blue line and by the aisle for easy come and go. This is when I find out he is not new to hockey. Yea, come to find out he lived in Buffalo, New York for two years.

*cue horror film music* BUM BUM BUM

I just set my friend up with a Sabers fan!

This blind date could go one of two ways:

One: I am an amazing match maker, their personalities go together and chemistry matches. It doesn’t matter that they are cheering on opposite teams… in fact it is now a way they can flirt with each other - in a sassy kind of way.

Two: The Sabers are short a fan by the end of the night. I also owe my friend big for the date I set her up on. 

I will let you know if there is a Romeo and Juliet  love in the air or if disaster struck after the game. 

GO THRASHERS & GO HOME BUFFALO!

You may have heard me whining about this already, but I had been unable to catch any of the Thrashers games this season - that is, until Friday night. And I tell you what, I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw.

Picking up four of six possible points, on our trip West was more than I think many of us hoped for. The team looked good on the ice, both Friday against the Ducks, and Saturday against the Sharks. You can say what you want about the overall play, but these guys just refuse to give up!

I was impressed that we were able to keep the puck in our zone for longer amounts of time without the puck being stolen like it was candy from a baby. We also pushed back - we were not rag dolls with skates, we were solid. It’s safe to assume that Rammer seems to know what he is doing - and I look forward to the team becoming better and better as the season continues.

Speaking of better: Stewart’s Hat Trick during the Ducks game and another goal against the Sharks is double what he had previously made in an entire season! Rock on Stewie!

I also have to say that Mason has shined; one of my favorite moments of the Sharks game was the save against Heatley - the Sharks thought they had us but alas, no goal. 

What was your favorite moment of the trip West?

As always… GO THRASHERS!

PS: I am really excited about the upcoming games, and how the SE Division is playing as a whole. It’s gonna be an interesting season :-)

I feel like a kid in time out. Why? The hockey season has started and I have yet to see a Thrashers game! I would have used a penalty box reference - but even from there you can watch the game.

It seems that the universe has decided to put my nose in a corner.

Ok, Ok…

So I know I put myself in time out. My work has kept me out of the loop - I mean: pssh, who needs a job?

I am saddened that I have missed so much already in so few games! Glad that we won the opening game, sad that we lost the next two, and if I had been watching I would have more of an opinion - but what can I say? I missed the games. 

Tonight I’ll catch my first game of the season, as the Thrashers take on the Ducks. I’m interested in seeing how these two struggling teams match up…

I will be at the arena ready to make some noise for the Thrashers VS Lightning: Rematch on home ice. I’ll be there to cheer my heart out and soak in the joy of a new hockey season! Can I get a Hallelujah?!

All that said: what do you think our biggest problem is so far this season?

As always… GO THRASHERS!

Twelve days and then the NHL season officially begins. A great atmosphere, full of excitement and hope for what the new season will bring, will undoubtedly be present as our boys face off against the Capitals.

The smell of the arena; The blast of cold air; Fans cheering; Not having a voice the next day (hey, I’m a screamer); Big old souvenir sodas; The excitement of the game. It’s all coming back to Atlanta after a terribly long summer hiatus. 

And I will miss it all. 

I have always been to every opening night game ever since I fell in love with hockey five years ago, and now I have to miss it.

Work.

I will be flying out to Las Vagas to watch the babies I nanny while the parents are at a conference. I don’t think you can get the game out there, right?  For the love of hockey, what’s a gal do?!

I’m going to be relying on all of you - and your tweets - to get me through opening night. 

Keep me in your cheers.