Hurricanes Season Ticket Holder Party

So earlier this evening the Hurricanes hosted their exclusive Season Ticket Holder Party. All the STH's got to have a free meal, me a few of the Canes and tour their locker room and "behind the scenes" areas. We actually almost forgot to go to it this evening, but thankfully remembered in time (just in time as it turned out later).

Most of our time was spent waiting in line to get autographs. The team had set up 6 different tables around the RBC center with 4 players/coaches at each table. The schedule only allowed for an hour and a half of time allocated for autographs from the players, and with all the STH's attending, waiting to get those autographs took about 45 minutes per table. Our first table we went to had Assistant Coach Kevin McCarthy, Michael Leighton, Joe Corvo, and Eric Staal. Here's some pics from that table.

Notice out of all of those, who looks like they are most used to being in the spotlight, in the fish-eye lens, and getting the publicity. Someone's been groomed for the public eye.

Next up we waited in line for Jussi Jokinen, Joni Pitkenin, Chad LaRose(The Chuck Norris of Hockey), and Ray Whitney. We were actually the next to last people to get to see those guys. They closed the doors right after us (see the timing part above). The people behind us were pissed. Here's some pics from that table.

The Locker Room tour was much quicker but offered a lot for the camera. Here's some shots.

Saturday Reflections

First off, the Canes got pounded by the Bruins yesterday afternoon. I didn't get to watch it, but from the sounds of Chuck K, they didn't show up. It helps to at least be motivated when playing the best team in the NHL, otherwise you get embarrassed like yesterday. Seems like if Carolina was in your teams name yesterday, you were bound to be disappointed.

On a brighter Canes note, we went and got our Season Ticket Holder gear at the RBC Center yesterday. Everything we got, from the Gym bag to the umbrella was of much better quality than we expected. Most handouts from the Canes normally aren't up to the best standards, but these items seemed like they may last more than 2 weeks.


The best highlight from yesterday was brewing my next batch of beer! This will be a much lighter ale than the porter from before. Let's call it an American Amber. It's just something I threw together and experimented with. We'll see how it comes out.


Here's the ingredients.

• 3.3 lbs of Light Malt extract.
• 1.65lbs of Amber Malt extract.
• 1 oz. of Clusters hops.
• 1 oz. Mount Ranier hops.
• 11g of Nottingham Ale Yeast.

The cluster hops were added at the beginning of the 60min boil with the Ranier hops being added with just 5 minutes to go. Here's some process photos.


























Now, in just 6 very agonizingly long weeks I'll be able to enjoy my concoction!