U.S. Trip Diary – Day 5 and 6
Days 5 and 6 – Dan Plaster
Well the last two days have been the regular routine of game days. While the routine has been a welcomed change its been a tough one for the boys as it has been a pair of 5-2 losses, first to Portland and then to the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Spirits are high though, they know they have had their chances to win and just a few mistakes here and there have been the difference.
Game day in Portland was a treat because we got a chance to play in the Rose Garden. It’s the first time ever that the Pats have been able to play in the Rose garden as the Pats have played every other game…ever…at the “Glass Palace” otherwise known as Memorial Colesium.
Now the Rose Garden is a true professional sports facility. But with the NBA lockout, we get a chance to play there. As you can tell by the pictures, the Portland Trail Blazers equipment is just collecting dust.
Still lots of basketball merchandise available…once the NBA decides to get its act together.
In the afternoon, when the players had their pregame meeting…long time player and coach, Tom McVie had a chance to address the players. Now Tom coached Pat Conacher for five years over multiple stops in the NHL and AHL. It was quite the treat to listen to Tom tell stories and inspire the players on what it takes to be a professional hockey player.
Tom is currently a scout with the Boston Bruins and after 55 years of hockey, he finally won a Stanley Cup. Above is a horrible picture of what every player aspires to win…a Stanley Cup ring. Tom has made Portland his home, and when he had a chance to bring the Cup to Portland, thousands showed up in the downtown square to see it. It was the first time ever that the Stanley Cup made an appearance in Portland.
As I said…the Rose Garden is a great facility…for basketball. The hockey press area is within the crowd. It’s the same area the basketball team uses for much of their media. If they want a NHL team in Portland, a gondola style press box would have to be built.
Rain…but it’s better than -30.
So Wednesday had the Pats travel from thier hub in Everett to Kent, Washington…the home of the Seattle Thunderbirds. It was quite the adventure, as Ted, the bus driver, had to endure both rush hour, and Thanksgiving long-weekend traffic.
Once we got to the Showare Center in Kent, it was business as usual getting ready for the Thunderbirds.
Lots of merchandise…I will say many great things about American hockey fans. Now while they may not be as educated as Canadian hockey fans…they sure have a passion for sports, and their local teams. There was plenty of T-Birds merchandise to purchase…and much was purchased as the crowd were all clad in T-Birds gear.
Everything is green…not Rider green, Eskimo green or Kelly Green…but neon green…everywhere.
My angle from the press box…not the greatest, but I made it work!
So tomorrow is American Thanksgiving…i have given the video camera to Brandon Davidson…and with it being a day off, I should get some great stuff to put up tomorrw.
Happy Thanksgiving to our lone American player in Brandon Underwood, and also happy birthday to Dryden Hunt…who turned 16 today.
