NHL All-Star weekend 2011

Friday Travis, Lauren, Mary and I headed to Raleigh North Caroline for the 2011 NHL All-Star game. We had more fun then I can express! Jason and Erinn hooked us up once again! Here is the journey in pictures.

Our hotel, about a 5 minute walk from the downtown festivities (fan fair).

Found a little place called Remedy Diner for earlier lunch/breakfast.

Took in the fan fair.

Found an AMAZING Irish Pub called Tri Na Nog. They had Strongbow on tap so we had to stop in. Met a really cool lawyer there, gave him a card, hope he calls. :)

Back in our room about to head back to the Sheraton for a few drinks with Erinn and Jason then catch the bus to the stadium.

All of our ticket. Skills competition, the game and both NHL VIP parties.

Mascots were everywhere!

Danny Briere hitting the ice

Right behind our seats was the set for the NHL show. On the right is one of my all time favs, Jeremy Roenick! That's Kevin Weekes with him.

Jumping around a bit. Jason brought some guys he had met in Chicago at the alumni wine release party. Very interesting guys, very smart and hilarious. We all gathered in front of the area where the show was and I mentioned I loved Roenick and had his shirt jersey and all. Well, Bob (one of the guys from Chicago) says, "We are having dinner with him tonight he is a close friend, come on." Motioning me over. Bob and David start cutting up with Roenick with me standing there. Bob introduces me! Told him I was a fan, shook and they went on with there discussion over some of his old hockey gear, including me in the conversation. It was the highlight of the trip for me.

Our room on the 9th floor.

Us in front of the RBC Center heading to the pre-game party.

At the party and it was INSANE. A huge selection of food and drinks.

Cool ice sculptures everywhere

L and T enjoying themselves!

Clay Aiken sang the national anthem, and did a very good job.

Mary and I with Tommy Hawk, he likes Mary hehe

Harvey of the Calgary Flames

Us with Jason and Erinn right before they left.

Tied up 6 all in the 2nd.

Game over :(

The game was very exciting! 11-10 with team Lidstrom stealing it, which is the team I was pulling for. Team Staal had a quick 4-0 led in the first but Team Lidstrom came on strong. It was a very entertaining game, those guys are so fun to watch, graceful. Got to see an All-Star game first as well. Ovechkin chucked his stick at the puck on a break away caused by his turnover. That's a no no and led to the first ever plenty shot in the ALG.

Overall it was a great time, meet some awesome people and got to hang out in a cool city. Look forward to next time!