Had our family skate at Rogers Arena yesterday - what a blast. We got there a little early so they let us do the open house bit first, and since we were the only ones there we got to take our time. Visited the dressing room and the press conference room before going back to lace up our skates. Dave Babych had come off the ice from an earlier group so we chatted with him a bit - he's such a nice guy. Asked about what I do in Kitimat, talked about it being a smart place to raise a family given lower mainland prices - also talked about him rescuing that hiker a few months ago.
After that it was onto the ice. My boys had an absolute blast. (I'll post some photos in a bit). Fin came on the ice, and of course he was the big hit with the kids. Garry Monahan came out and joined us too, and he was a great talker. My oldest asked him if he'd ever gotten injured while playing hockey, and he told the story of how he severed his hamstring for 200+ stitches by falling into a net. He autographed my blue Rink 'n Stick jersey for me, too, as well as some cards for the kids.
It was pretty surreal skating on that ice. The building looks enormous from ice level. Sitting on the benches, standing at center ice, and even the goal crease...pretty cool stuff! It was a great day.
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