Pookey No Likey Roster Cuts

For the record, I'm getting to the pictures. It's like the day before opening night (yeah, or not), scary stuff is going on here, folks! I also know that the Air Canada Centre is the ACC not the AAC as I've been calling it. I've been calling it that forever, even when my dad worked for Air Canada. 

Before I get to the Sabres...

I love, love LOVE that Maxy Poo has signed with the Thrashers. I don't like the Thrashers (yet) but I'm glad he was able to stay in the league and go to a team that appreciates him for who he is and the talent he has. I hope he does a phenomenal job there.

I'm sure that Rhett is proud as well, Max. 

Seriously, I want this guy to score a hat trick or something against the Sabres so the Max haters can suck it (sorry). I always get fired up about him, I don't think he was treated fairly by this team or the fans at all. 

No worries, he looks damn spiffy in the Thrashers jersey. 

Hawt. 

I'm so excited. Shelby and I were planning to go to the New Years Day game, and it'll be more exciting with Mr. Max there. Also, Petey signed a 2 year deal with the Devils. I'm also excited for him, he found a new home. It's probably a huge culture shock because it's not Buffalo, but a multi-year deal is something he should be proud of. 

In Sabre news, for those who are still Sabres, Gerbe and Weber are not for the time being. The final roster cuts were made, and the only new guys on the team (from the AHL, we already know about the other new guys) are TK and Tyler. I'm kind of disappointed, I think. This makes me mad for reasons I don't understand, haha. 

I realllllly thought Gerbe was going to stay with us. Not that his pre-season performance was anything stellar (then again, neither was TK, in my opinion), but I thought with such determination that it was just going to happen for him.. And I'm sure Weber is kicking door frames left and right. That has got to be a tense plane ride back to Portland for those two...

As for Tyler, I was pretty sure he was going to stay. Even had Toni not been hurt, I was assuming he'd be with us. However, the first nine games are gonna be nail biters for him/me, regardless of Toni's health...since he will come back eventually. We shall see...

Stupid Toni and Drew, getting hurt the week before. WTF guys, you just like to ruin everything!

Despite those two party poopers, opening night is the day...after the day...after tomorrow. Right? I think so, something like that. Shelby and I have two fun filled days planned out to make sure this season starts off right/without any arrests.

 And tomorrow we are seeing DAVID FREAKING SEDARIS! Oh my goddddd I love that gay.  man. Shelby is probably scared to be going with me, but I have been waiting awhile to see this guy in person (and for free! not an important detail, but a fun one). It makes me almost feel bad that I'm ditching my co-host for an event we were suppose to be working at tomorrow. But she understands...even if she doesn't, who cares! I may also go on a sweat pant shopping spree tomorrow. I hate jeans and this weather is making me want to be ultra snuggy.

I shall end this post with  little preview of the last thing Craig Rivet will ever remember from the upcoming Catwalk for Charity. 

As Shelby said...one of these things is not like the other...

 

Bad photoshopping apparently includes out dated flipflops and Derek Roy having a lolli.

Tamara and Caroline vs. AAC

My class got out early, and I have to stick around for my radio show at 10, so I thought why not update! Another good reason would be that Caroline and I had a rather successful adventure to Toronto on Sunday, and aren't blogs for sharing? Yes, they are!

So, we left Buffalo around 4:30 (we aimed for four because we knew it was probably going to be late) and had smooth sailing to Toronto, except of course until you hit downtown. And since the Air Canada Centre blends in with other downtown buildings (unlike the Rogers Centre, which you can almost see from Buffalo) we drove up and down random streets winging it.

Everytime we saw Leafs fans, we assumed we were in the right general area. We pulled over on one street for Caroline- already in her Miller jersey- to ask for directions. How many people live in Toronto? And we ask the only non-English speaking couple on that street who went ' uhhhh' and pointed in a random direction. Fantastic.

We parked on a random street since it was Sunday and thus, free and headed off- Caroline in Ryans jersey, and me in Patty Cakes (goalies represent!). We were walking targets and felt like it. We kept trying to follow Leafs fans and had to ask for directions in a subway station when the Leafs fans mislead us. We did see a few Sabres fans on the way, so I started feeling a bit better.

Finally, we made it! Ten minutes before puck drop, we were in the security line. Somehow, in those ten minutes, we managed to make it from the underground entrance, up to our seats, and got Caroline beer along the way (she was far too excited to be drinking, haha). Our seats were row 18, which is NOT the row 18 it is at HSBC. It's the last row, right below the standing section, and we were so high up that we were BEHIND the press box, and had a little TV because you might not have been able to see the top of the scoreboard. Don't get me wrong, they had a great view, and you take what you can get when you buy tickets that afternoon.

It was already such a culture shock. They announced the Leafs starting line up with names and numbers we were not use to hearing, and Caroline and I had to scream extra loud for our starting line up.

One of the downfalls to the AAC being bigger than HSBC is that when the Leafs score, coma patients know about it. They arena was definatley not sold out, especially since it was preseason, but you still heard it (I actually got a video of one of the Leafs goals while TRYING to film something else!).

The first time we were actually heckled, other than people yelling ' BUFFALO SUCKS!' as we walked around, was during the first intermission. We were down by 2, as we all know, and when passing by other people in our row to go get something to eat, an old man said " oh, are you coming back?" I guess it looked like we were bailing, but it was an intermission! Not to mention the first period. But Caroline was like ' oh yeah, we're coming back!'

Along with Caroline and I returning to our seats for the second period, the Sabres came back. Similar to the Montreal game the night before, Gerbe and Clarkie scored a little over a minute apart. A few minutes later, Thomas scored...right after Caroline asked " have the Sabres scored on the power play this pre-season?" He was kind enough to answer her question.

Then the Leafs scored two blah blah blah, we never went down after that! I must say, it was very weird cheering when they scored. I know we weren't the only Sabres fans there, we weren't even the only ones in the section. But when you're so use to 17,000+ people cheering with you, sometimes it took a second to realize it was a goal (kind of like when you think they score at HSBC, then realize they didn't, but you're thrilled for that small period of time). Even in the Wachovia Center, there's more people cheering when the Sabres score. Odd.

Despite not admitting it, the Leafs fans loved when we cheered for the little guy, and Kennedy scoring, just because we had the tendency to sound like we hated the Sabres more than they did for a moment. The woman a few seats over from us was laughing so hard when Caroline yelled ' THE LITTLE BITCH DID SOMETHING RIGHT!' when we thought Roy scored (but it was really Vanek).

But, that game was intense! If they scored, we scored, and so on. And I'm very upset that so many are dissing Patty and his performance that night. I'm not saying he was stellar, I'm sure there were some soft goals in there, but there were also amazing saves. Half the people bashing him, didn't even watch the game! I understand he let in six goals, but Toskala- a starter- let in seven. In high scoring, and close scoring not to mention, games I rarely blame either goaltender. Patty was on his A-game, unlike our defensemen. I love Hank, I love Craig...I don't love them together. However, everyone killed that 6 on 4 at the end of the third, so shove it haters (sorry)!

...by the way, HAD the Leafs scored on that 6 on 4, it wouldn't have been Goose's fault. Somehow, we would have made it Dereks.

So, the game ended, Caroline and I were screaming (I finally got her to work WITH the Sabres, haha) and what not. People yelled ' Buffalo sucks!' but we were oh-so-lame and yelled ' WE WON!' We had to make a pit stop at the bathroom, and I felt SO awkward standing there in my jersey when waiting for Caroline. But, women usually aren't as nasty. One woman even rubbed my shoulder and said ' you're a brave girl.'

While leaving the AAC- not even being off the property- we saw two MAJOR fan fights. One was actually inside, and we didn't see anything more than shoving, but when we walked away from it, a lot of security guys were running that way. And outside, we saw a guy get jumped (well, he didn't seem to be doing anything) and shoved around by some angry/drunk Leafs fans. He was kicked in the face, poor guy. If I hadn't been a girl, I probably would have jumped in to help him.

We wandered off in search of the car. On our way (in the wrong direction) a guy on a corner stopped us. He was maybe in his 50's or so, and immediatley started raving Buffalo, saying how his first game was in the Aud when he was about 9 (or six?). He went on about the French Connection, and how the fans were great, and the Leafs fans were not. He was so sweet, Caroline just adored him, and got my picture with him haha. Definatley a nice way to end the last walk through the city.

...actually, it really ended when a homeless guy had to point us in the right direction. For that, we gave him some money (he tried to woo us by saying he loved Buffalo, haha).

All in all, very awesome trip. It was Caroline's first away game, and first time seeing a game this (pre)season. I LOVE the AAC, I think its a gorgeous building...and that's about it. We survived a night of rivarly (during the game, they talked about a DVD that was going on sale of the Leafs greatest games, to which I yelled " SHORTEST DVD EVER!" so I was going a little outside of the somewhat safety zone).

I would like to personally thank the Sabres for winning, and making the trip back to the car a little less dangerous (at one point, I thought my car died, and was ready to run after their bus).

I have a good amount of pictures from that night. I'll do a picture post with a few of them later today, but my radio show starts in about 13 minutes.

Be cool and listen in. www.medaille.edu/wmcb <--- click on the lizard and listen, folks!

Pre-Game: Pray for Us!

So, after much confusion and waiting until (almost) the last minute. 

Myself and Caroline from Hockey Night in Buffalo are 45 minutes away from heading to Toronto for the final pre-season game for ours boys. Our seats are bad, but lets hope the Leafs are worse!

I've been to the Air Canada Centre before for a Leafs game, but they weren't playing the Sabres. This should account for some fun times!

Patty should be in net, too! I'm glad he gets the last game before heading to the bench. 

Side Note: 

Jeff Cowam, Joe Dipenta, Felix Schutz, Philip Gogulla, and Marc-Andre Gragnani are joining Jhonas in Portland. And Mark Mancari signed? Well, he tried to put up a fight. 

It's go time, folks!

This Gets its Own Post.

Hey, guess who's 32 today!

This guy!

(I seriously just found this picture two seconds ago).

Happy Birthday, Toni Bear!

There we go!

Have a good day, big guy!

I'm So Neglecting.

Sorry folks, but yesterday I was death with a Sabres shirt on. I don't have swine flu like poor Jill, but something finally brought me down. Luckily, the worse only lasted a day, now i'm just sore and congested. Oh, and like my grandpa, whenever I laugh, it leads to a coughing fit. 

Anyways!

Shelby and I had loads of fun at the pre-season game. The red carpet was spiffy, except for the lack of Craig Rivet, and Derek Roy still being allowed to dress himself. I think his suit is why GOOSE was Captain, and he was not. But other than that, everyone looked sharp and seemed to be more comfortable with the concept in comparison to last year. Joe Dipenta, who finally came out of the wood work, seemed to be a little confused...which is weird because he played in California, land of this kind of crap. He also had Tim Hortons in hand, very adorable. 

Some things from that evening. 

- Patty didn't bring his daughters, but he had a pink tie (like Hank!). I think Patty K was most hardcore into the signings, and Drew just wanted to make fun of Derek (he said what we were all thinking). 

- I loved that Adam went. But I'm sure he has a lot of time to waste, this along with his new blog. However, I bet he will be right back at the 6 week mark. Afterall, according to Jim Corsi, he's a ' hip guy.' (insert awkward laughing).

- The ONE autograph I wanted was Patty on a Penguins card I recently got. But this skank next to me (not Shelby) pushed me aside to get him to sign her Winter Classic banner. The game HE WASN'T EVEN ON OUR TEAM FOR!

- Security was suspicious of my bag. I love having to say  ' uh, a bobblehead' when he felt it. Thank god he didn't ask me to take out Toni's card, even though it was occupying the most room in that little bag. 

- Shelby and I attempted to get to the 200 level to FINALLY get a picture with Patty and Patty, but apparently even during the preseason they check tickets before you go up. And not until I just read Shelby's blog did I realize we also forgot to do it after the game (darn you, Toni Lydman!). We have time to keep forgetting...

- Goose being captain was the greatest thing since...Craig Rivet being captain. Also, his goal was totally called by Shelby and I...including Mike Grier's assist. 

- Jason Pominville looks ridiculous with the camera on his head. More so, that is. 

- Yelling at Leafs fans will never get old. I never have issues with other opposing fans, so I save it all for them. 

- I called Shelby a 'cunt-nugget' because she filmed me backing up my car in our oh-so-cheap parking lot. 

- Toni loved the bloopers video. Drewseph didn't even budge when they did the air guitar thing.

- Speaking of Drew, they finally put that man in a cage...and denied him his burrito. 

- There's probably some stuff I'm forgetting.

- Toni's mom should be proud with that woman he married. I've always thought Mrs. Lydman was a funny girl, like when she translated my Finnish sign. Wednesday night, Shelby and I gave Toni an early birthday card explaining why his present would be late (hehe). You know those ones that play music? Imagine that 6 times bigger, and thats what we had. He did stop, but we were acting too chicken shit to give it to him. But we figured we had to for it all to fall into place. So, we handed it to him and said blah blah blah it's for your birthday. He smiled and said...something, but the his wife grabbed it from him and said ' oh good, because I was going to forget it!' That's a solid hockey marriage right there!

Also!

- Timmy is going to be on the second line with Clarke opening night, and an unnamed winger. Roy, Thomas, and Drewseph are going to be the starters. I like some parts, but not others, we'll have to wait and see. 

- According to Jhonas's Facebook, he's going to Portland tomorrow. Obviously, we all knew, but still. I wonder who is next...

- Adam Mair was skating today. He had Timmys red jersey on, but he was pretty active, until he fell over. 

- Home opener is 8 days away! 8 days! Goodness gracious, that means 6 days until Shelby explodes. 

Pictures from Wednesday? Of course....    http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2222470&id=90400158&l=362c670fdc

We Pre-Game Harder Than You Party

Tomorrow is the day HSBC, Buffalo PD, and Paul Gaustad have been fearing for ages. 

It's Shelby and Tamara attending their first Sabres game together. And sadly, it's just a warm up before the home opener a week from Saturday...when we actually decorate my car. Tomorrow we just might do the flag, but it's all in preparation, folks. 

We should be there in time for the Red Carpet, so if anyone is out and about looking to meet some new people, look for the home made Craig Rivet shirts and a Finnish flag. 

Tomorrow should be good stuff game wise though...Toronto is always a fun game to watch. And our boys have been doing really well, so lets hope that keeps up tomorrow. 

Speaking of talent, Kevin Sylvester posted a blog today in which he praises Patty. 

Without being bias, he has a very good point. Given the right amount of time and preparation, Patty will be just fine when Ryans all rawr Team USA. And it's not just the preseason for the goalies. Hopefully Patty Cake will keep up his good work...he should be playing in Montreal if this rotation keeps up.

Not tomorrow, but I'll live. I'm sure come Olympic time, I'll be dragging Shelby to a game just because Patty is playing. Afterall, I drove through the bad part of Buffalo at midnight to get tickets to the Anaheim game from some guy off Craigs List (edited for the parental story). 

Tomorrow will be interesting. Hopefully the boys show up with their A-game and stylin suites...classy stylin, not Derek Roy stylin. 

However, I would LOVE a repeat of this:

-dreamy sigh-

Re-Cap the Sequel...Same title, still not funny.

I didn't watch any of the game last night. 

There, I said it. 

But, an unplanned nap and then a quest to buy Honey Nut Cheerios sometimes takes priority, right? 

And it's pre-season, it's hard to follow this stuff. That, and I am still willing to look the other way while they make boo boos. I heard Mike Weber and Goose were on that list last night, but I REALLY look the other way for Goose. He could totally wreck Timmy one night, I'll pretend it never happened. 

I think Katebits put it best. When we lose, its just preseason. When we win, we are beasts who will never lose again. 

ALSO!

(put your hand down, Sean Collins!)

Sometimes I'm not sure if I like the idea of Timmy being captain. With Goose and TV over his shoulder with the A's, maybe, but he is not a balanced man most of the time. 

I heard Patty did well, despite not getting a lot of action. So, this means he won't be playing Wednesday, but I was prepared for this. As long as Craigory and Toni are, for stupid reasons. And Vanek so I don't have to shut Shelby up...

VERY proud of our little goal scorers! And 11 seconds apart...someone was antsy!

Eeep!

Tomorrow is the ever awaited Toronto game. It's going to be good time, folks!

p.s- My radio show starts today! My friend Courtney and I will be broadcasting from 10 to 11 am every Tuesday and Thursday.  We're aiming to make it a Sabres show, since its on the right days, but we shall see. 

To listen online, go to medaille.edu/wmcb.

Listen, folks!

Tamara Raids the San Jose Sharks

That is, their website. 

Now, some may tell you it was Dany Heatley that brought me to the San Jose video site this morning. Others, Craig Rivet. Joe Thornton, maybe. But frankly, I don't remember. 

And it doesn't matter, because being a weirdo brought upon these two gems that I would like to share.

First off...lets get to know Craigory a bit better. 

- I think Craig should have had a guest spot on Desperate Housewives...just saying.

- First date was a party? I think he and Mrs. Rivet met at a very young age if they were still going to parties. Not dinner parties, parties. 

- I can see him being moody, but just a bad moody. And can you be moody and outgoing at the same time? I bet Craig could. 

- I knew he was going to say Tiger Woods, and I don't know why. Also, glad he defended him. 

- No, not Val Kilmer. Come on, Craig, you're better than that. 

- I like red. 

- Craig can enforce, but claims he would be a terrible shootout participant. He claims he would go right before Patty Cake. Go look at it on Sabres.com right after Toni's shootout goal.

- I swear I heard a Shark drop a swearing bomb right after he was asked who would be the best role model for kiddies. If this was Buffalo, he would have said ' Goose' in seconds. 

- I'm sure Buffalo has given him numerous more reasons to go ' IDIOT!'...positive or not. 

- Isn't 250 like 4 Ryan Millers?

- " Who picks the locker room music and do you like it?"  - looks over shoulder slowly-

- " This is MY time!" could be a new NHL commercial. Just sayin. 

- I would set my apartment on fire just to ride bridal style out of it in his arms. Not gonna lie, not gonna like (even if I tried, Shelby would bust me). 

- You are doing a great job, Craigory. 

...by the way, yes, his hat does mention studs.

And second...

this CRACKS me up to no end. I love how funny he is, and that he can be talented at the same time (like Peyton Manning!). I don't think he was given a fair chance....

One last thing...

the second piece of Shelby and Tamara vs. HSBC Arena arrived today....

Beware...

I'm Going to Hell

Sometimes, you just can't hold it in. 

As Shelby put it...Giddy up!

Goosey, Goosey, Goosey!

I didn't watch this preseason game as much as the first one...obviously, I don't live in Detroit. Shelby had the feed on her computer in my living room while we were watching Dirty Dancing. I have never seen the movie all the way through, sadly. 

But that is not why we're here!

Craigory was the captain tonight, which makes sense because when isn't he the captain? Other than games he doesn't play in. POMINVILLE, not Roy, had the A, which I don't like, but it's a nice step down from what could have been captain.

And who had the other A?

This fine boy...

( missing from picture: letter A)

Fine work done there. And what else, he scored an empty netter! The title of this blog actually comes from Shelby and I chanting that as we bounced around my living room after his goal (trying oh so hard to avoid the wet paint of our shirts).  See our encore this coming Wednesday.

Did Derek also score? Yes. Did he score a goal that was actually necessary rather than an empty-netter? Probably. But that doesn't matter! Goose plants trees, Goose plays with sick children, Goose plays with YOUR children, Goose delivers babies (not yet, but we have a theory...)

Special shout-out to Tommy boy. I will never get tired of your butt screening goalies and scoring goals. 

I leave you with our work in progress:

We're going to start copyrighting them....if that's even legal. 

Until Monday...or tomorrow with some babbling nonsense. 

Pregame! Woo!

Alright, folks. Preseason continues tonight!

Our boys are in Detroit, hopefully ready to bounce back against the Red Wings. 

Maybe we should all take a moment to remember what happened last time we played them...

Luckily, Drewseph is not playing tonight. Craigory, however, is. So, in case someone feels like getting out of hand, he shall be there.

Also playing from Thursday night are Vanek, Roy (gah!), Butler, Gerbe, Myers, Pominville (gah!), Weber, Mac, and Kennedy...probably because of his Michigan relations.

SPEAKING OF MICHIGAN! Ryan is playing tonight, the WHOLE game with Jhonas backing him up. Patty didn't get to play the whole game...

...anywho, other new guys in the mix are Goose, TC, Matty Ellis, Patty K, Mike Grier, Peaches, and Toni Bear. I'm excited some ' seasoned' defensemen are going in tonight. They can help out the little ones, even if it's only to kiss the boo boos better.

Shelby and I will be listening to the game at the same time of watching Dirty Dancing...not even kidding.

After tonight, the boys head to Washington to hopefully not re-create Thursday night. Then, they are back here for the second (and final) home preseason game against the Leafs.

It's also going to be Shelby and I's first game together...

...I wonder if they let you blog from a holding cell.

Spell Check, Peeps!

I had remembered hearing about this on another site (cannot remember who) and last night finally checked it out for myself. 

Sabres people can spell Afinogenov backwards and drunk, but a Finnish name (spelled how it's pronounced, or at least how Toni tells us to pronounce it) suddenly gets ripped off.

Come on, people! Focus! Even if it amuses the guy...

Re-Cap...Get it? Cap? Anyone?

I'm so excited, this is my first post game blog! I've been blogging for months, but started in June so it makes sense. 

Anyways, hockey is back! It almost felt like it never left. Unfortunately, I have to open with a losing game, but they didn't go down without a fight...literally Mike Weber almost killing a guy. 

A few of my observations: 

- The girls behind me were so close to being a scene in a bad horror movie. I saw them at training camp all week, and of course they end up behind me. They screamed at EVERYTHING (including calling Ennis Tennis?) and it really took away from the game. Ugh.

- A few Caps ganged up on Nate. How do you get them off? Why, you put Tyler Myers out there.

- Patty was sans banana hat. Hopefully he's just keeping it fresh until the home opener, but he can't just not do it anymore.

- Shelby, who did not actually view the game, had to tell me what that was on the top of Patty's mask. Apparently, it was a camera. For what? We don't yet know. The refs had one, too, but Jhonas didn't? This could be the beginning of something awesome...or weird. 

-  Derek Roy bugged me. I mean, when doesn't he? But here we are, a fresh new start in the PRE SEASON, and what's he doing? Diving. Not to mention, diving to the point where he almost took out Drew. There are a huge amount of rookies willing to kill the other to make this team, and this jerk, who is having his spot handed to him on a silver platter is still jerking around. As Shelby put it, this was so four years ago!

- He was also captain, I didn't like that. I bet Craigory was in the press box banging his head on the wall/table/Hanks arm. But, TV had one of the A's and that was great. I think he would be good in that role, as long as it doesn't stress him out more. Also, I didn't notice until the second period or so, and proceeded to text STOP THE PRESSES! to Shelby. 

- Jhonas and Patty both did excellent, excellent jobs and are the reasons that game wasn't burying us alive. I don't care that Jhonas got a penalty, it was an innocent one. Both were on their game, and should be proud of themselves. Also, I will take out a bitch who knocked that poor boy down. Even if he did get in the way by standing on the bench.

- At one point towards the end of the game, Tyler Myers dove in front of the net. I think Jhonas is still trying to figure that one out. 

- Two rookies collided when one was leaving the bench and the other was going back. It was kind of cute, but very silly to think they were so into it they didn't see it coming. I hope Lindy doesn't take off points for that.

- I totally forgot Mike Knuble plays for the Caps now. I kind of like him, but not tonight.

- Why does Drew always look so scared during a shift? Is it Thomas? Is it Derek? Does Lindy have a battery secretly hooked up to his nipples. Sorry about the imagery. 

- I should be able to pay more attention at Wednesdays game, because I won't be texting Shelby...because she'll be sitting next to me.

Well, I Suck.

Shelby so kindly pointed out to me that the so-called Sekera picture is actually Timmy C.

Lookin good, lookin good! Except, there were no flip flops in the 1950s...then again, there was no HSBC Arena either.

My bad...Craigory distracted me, and I saw bald and assumed Sekera cause why wouldn't it be? Other than the fact that it was Timmy...

God, you put one man on the bad headshot list, and this is what he does!

Lets call a truce, Timmy. Hug?

Hehehe.

So, I wasn't going to post tonight. I'm being a bad blogger, I know, but I'm fighting some sort of mystery illness, and it's taking a lot out of me. 

Like I was saying, wasn't going to post, but then I was on Caroline's blog, and I saw that there were some Catwalk photo-shoot pictures added. They can be seen here.

Let me just get this out of the way now. Ryan Miller should have been born in the 1950's. It suites him so well and I think he'll look smashing in November

But let us focus on why we're all here. 

This is going to be the last thing Craigory ever remembers from the Catwalk.

Chris Drury never looked this stylin', folks!

The best part is, he looks like he was just randomly at that stop sign on Perry Street and they took that. Like, hello!

I'll probably be peeling Shelby off her living room floor tomorrow.

Today I attended my third training camp session, and it looks as though everyone is alive. I still get a little over excited when I see Drew, even if he is sometimes a pain to the world of photography.

10727_638749784055_90400158_38208468_4542629_n.jpg

Down in front!

Gosh, one good headshot, and suddenly you can just stick your butt wherever you want!

Don't worry, where there is agony, there is amusement. For instance, 

10727_638749794035_90400158_38208470_4497794_n.jpg

Peaches and his missing pearly white. He's so proud of that.

10727_638749624375_90400158_38208439_6113492_n.jpg

A smiling Finn! (wait until they tell him he's on a line with Drew...)

10727_638924309305_90400158_38215190_788401_n.jpg

And last, but certainly not least, Gerbe boy standing on a booster stand to watch the practice group

(it was just as amusing to watch him jump down from it). I cannot seem to look at that boy without giggling. 

Anywho, tomorrow is the preseason game. And what comes after the preseason? The REAL season! I am so excited for tomorrow, but will actually believe that when I can stay awake for more than fifteen minutes. Also, I'm nervous to find out who's actually playing. I'd like to wear my Patty jersey at least once to a game that he actually needs. 

Luckily, the great city of Buffalo remains safe for a week, as the game Shelby and I are going to attend isn't until next week. Red carpets and Finnish flags all around, folks!

Also, random side note. Tonight was the finale of America's Got Talent (which means my obsession is over...at least until the Bad Girls Club started). My original guy didn't make it to the finals, and my back up guys placed third, but I am really proud of the guy who won. His name is Kevin Skinner, he's a chicken catcher from the south (not kidding). He's not the best singer in the world, and the second finalist was a really good opera singer. But, I just love his charm and his personality, so I am SO proud of him.

In case you care, this was his audition:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to_dareBr5Q&feature=related

Stupid YouTube won't let me embed it. He's like Susan Boyle (except he won) never judge a book by its cover, and if you make fun of people, you'll get smacked!

Before Ze Nyquil Claims Me

I now know how dreaded my parents were when I brought home school pictures.

Alright, lets do this. 

The Good: 

Though I did like Toni's picture from last year, and no one else seemed to, I think this one will satisfy all around. Good posture, good proportion, and good smile! AND do I suspect some hair growage? Yes, I do!

Oh Adam Mair! Okay, first off since Adam made the top five cancels out all other times I am bias. Yes, it's a goofy smile, we all know it. But, to be Adam Mair and produce said goofy smile is spectacular. Plus, he did this knowing that he's benched for the time being, but still sat down with his a-game. Good job, Adam!

Could Hank's smile be a tad bigger? Of course, he's Swedish. But, he has hair, and that ranks him in the top five.

Come on, people. It's Paul Gaustad. He could have sat down covered in green paint (!) and still looked fantastic. Especially loving his hair this season.

THIS I can look forward to all season. Especially following last seasons zombie attack, I think this is a superb picture of Drew! He's not smug, he's not flesh eating, he is just adorable! Fantastic! I cannot love it enough. Katebits would be proud of you, Drew.

The Bad

Patty, I swear to God it kills me to put you here (especially with Adam in the Top 5, what's up with that?). It's not that I think this is a bad picture, it's that- as my dad loves to say- you are capable of so much more. That smile is like they posted the picture at 75%. No worries, we know the truth about you!

Mike, I'm giving you the same look you're giving me.

Something about this bugs me...not sure what yet.

Timmy...no. Nothing, not even another season in Portland, is that dull in your life right now.

I accept your baldness, and THIS IS WHAT YOU DO TO ME!? Next year, we are getting hand puppets to put next to the camera, that is it!

The Clarke MacArthur

I don't need the Nyqul for that to freak me out...

Night, folks!

Christ on a Cracker!

- Saturday was Craigory's birthday! The big 3-5 ! Shelby and I celebrated the only way we found necessary...

Why, by giving him a turkey! Not really. Its actually a raspberry cake. As for gifts, he received a teddy bear (complete with fighting tape), a license plate, a card that made noise, and the first part of a top secret superhero story. We'll get back to that another day...

We waited behind the arena until 4pm on Sunday to give it to him, we weren't going to give up. He seemed very...confused, but nevertheless said ' you shouldn't have.' Okay, so maybe he was a little weirded out, but trust me, he got over it. 

- The Puck Drop wasn't all that great, in my opinion. Here's the article I wrote for mybuffalo.com on it.

http://www.mybuffalo.com/_Sabres-Drop-Puck-on-2009-2010-Season/blog/714460/85283.html

The only excitement that came of it was seeing Drew on the ice, though it left us all wondering. 

SPEAKING OF DREW FUCKING STAFFORD!

dear GOD it is FINALLY OVER!

The funny thing is, I got the text from the Sabres Sunday morning, but for the first time ever I didn't check it. However I think God, Geico, and AT&T wanted to keep my safe until I got to Shelbys house where SHE told me. I proceeded to put my head in her lap and go  ' OH MY GOD!' for a good two minutes.

He's shocked that his Google search stats are going to plummet. Then again, I still Google him just to see the headlines (f0r now).

And 2 years, 3.8 million? I was expecting Vanek The Sequel with how long this bad boy took. The money will keep message boards from exploding, that's for sure. I was hoping for more years but obsessive compulsive weirdoes can't be choosers, right? And, I think Shelby and I will need a year off from this craziness. 

If you'll excuse me, I have to go figure out why my life existed prior to his qualifying offer. 

Poke

I swear I'm getting around to a post...

...once I am peeled off the ceiling.

My Little Shark :)

Dear Dany Heatley, 

I'm sorry you got a lot of crap in this off season. Though I am rather bias, I truly believe you were over frustrated, and no one was listening to you properly. Anyways, the Senators are a thing of your past, and I have recently learned that you are on your way to San Jose (a nice rhyme, eh?). Hopefully, you fit in well, and I think you will. They're a good team, and you're a good guy, so everyone should be happy!

Shelby and I are planning to go to the San Jose game here, because in case you missed it, she's recently becoming to like you, so it'll be great to see you (even if it won't be as often with Ottawa). Maybe we'll even look in to some San Jose shirts...but I don't want to push too hard with her. 

Anywho, don't ever think I gave up on you! This league is too full of money hungry jerks, wanting some pride in your work is a nice breath of fresh hair. 

Best of luck in Cali! Now that I know San Jose is in California. 

Love always, 

Tamara :)

p.s- say hi to Joey for me!

p.p.s- why is Murray denying it? Because now he knows the team is REALLY going to hell? Sorry, you're not the guest of honor to answer questions!

Off Season is Overrrr

Tomorrow is training camp...which means the biggest stomach ache of an offseason is over. 

And, while there is no official announcement (yet)....

1.) He finally came out of the woodwork...

2.) He's on the camp roster

(side note: I love that Goose is the only one listed that has two positions)

He's here, he's ours, its over. Four agonizing months, over two since his initial offer. 

And Blogspot takes a collective sigh of relief. 

Ahhhhhhhh. Phew.

Commitment Issues and Giant Zambonis

I know what you're thinking...what is she dong up this early? Well, my tummy decided that 5 am was as late as I had to go this morning, which was complete shit. I only have class until 9:30 (to which I will then rush to the Pepsi Center one last time) but I can already feel the pain. 

It's okay, naps are becoming regular routine with me. 

So, I'm killing time by painting my fingernails lime green (to match my toenails). I was warned that its a bad idea before going in to such a professional setting on Saturday. But, I don't consider half naked hockey players ' professional' (even when they're clothed, it's a tough call). 

I also spent some time changing the template (haha, again!). Honestly, I don't think I'm ever going to be happy with it, so don't get too comfortable. I just hope this isn't a preview of my married life...though the Sabres likely are. 

Oh! Somewhat fun news. Somewhere in the course of yesterday, one of my teachers made me sign up for the internship class and is now working to get me a sports reporting internship at Channel 2 (he's a hardcore guy, he didn't even know my name before we did all this). I don't watch the news too often, but I only watch Channel 2. I don't know why, I just love them. Our broadcasting class 2-ish years ago took a trip there for the 5 o'clock news and I was on the edge of my seat with bright eyes and all that jazz. 

And sports? Lets face it, five minutes in they'll realize I know about as much as football as Yo-Yo knows about baseball and HOPEFULLY stick me with the Sabres (look at me! I haven't even been interviewed yet!). Either way, I have a thing for Adam Benigni, not like that, he just seems like a cool guy. He kind of reminds me of Adam Mair (seriously, go look at it, he does) so I think that I can be reminded of Mair without being scared is always a perk. 

Speaking of Adam Mair, I am starting to mentally prepare to cover the Puck Drop. For anyone who doesn't know, last year was pretty scary for me, and I tried to dodge the bullet this year. But, part of being an unpaid intern is that no one gives a shit about you. 

Though, looking back on last season, I am going to avoid/do things that I didn't do last September. For example...

- Eat breakfast. I think Natey P and I will both be thankful for that one. 

- When I asked who I want to interview, I won't answer honestly. Last year, I asked for Hank and got Adam. So, this year maybe if I ask for Steve Montador, I'll get Patty (I probably won't, I'll probably get Steve Montador). 

- Avoid Adam Mair all together. He'll likely be there, and not skating so more chances to encounter him. But, post hip surgery, there's a good chance I'm faster than him. 

- NOT peer into the locker room when they stand me in the hallway. In all fairness to them, the chances that a 20-something intern is in the hallway and sees THAT are rather slim, but it can be easily avoided, and thus, should. 

- Smack Drew Stafford. This I did not do last season (I'm not even sure if I saw him) but I think it serves a purpose this year. I learned to love him over this off season, but the love was not returned. Also, I feel like if I do it in front of Toni, Hank, Patty, Craigy...whoever else is up at the end of this coming season, they'll think ' wow, we shouldn't do what he did, she'll get mad.' Yes, she will. 

- Somehow ask Craigy his favorite sweet. Shelby and I are going to spend Saturday night making a birthday treat for Sunday, and it would be nice to go in a direction of something he likes (though everyone like chocolate cake, it'd be nice to do something special). I'm not sure how I could squeeze that in there...asking about the changes to the blue line, an old teammate returning, chocolate vs. vanilla? Maybe this would be easier if they asked HIM that during the ten stupid questions thing. 

Ugh.

On a closing note, I saw this on another blog....

First off, let me just say that is my DREAM...a zamboni get away on a city street (it doesn't have to be Manhattan, and I'm not sure there is such thing as getting away on a zamboni, but in comparison to my old car, it's a good start). I like to think this wasn't staged...he got bored, and went off on it. And when he returned, there were a number of tourists wedged under that bad boy. But, I'm probably not that lucky.

I've always had a soft spot for Ovie (mostly because he's not Crosby). He seems to be an easy going guy, and always up for a joke, or something silly.

Though I'm sure his antics are easily spotlighted because he's Russian and all, and Russians don't do this kind of thing, I think he has some tough competition. 

Ovie, buy some leopard print pants, and we'll talk. 

However, I don't recommend it. 

FOUND!

In case anyone was really that concerned....

Patty Cake has been found! (ignore the orange soda, but this picture does very well sum up the loves in my life).  He shouldn't run off like that anymore, it's really scary.

Also found...

Not my picture, clearly. I don't have one from him today, because I wasn't there. But I did get reports that the Goose has returned to his team. I would have expected him to be the first one there back in ...July? August? I'm not sure when I started going. But, between saving the lepers in Africa, and probably being the one to personally make/perfect the ice at HSBC (go on the Sabres twitter, the picture is there. It's nothing new, I know, but some may get a kick out it).

In reality, Goose was in Portland visiting his mommy...and that is much better than getting ragged on by Petey. 

Also, after much fighting and attempting to hide under my bed, I AM working the Puck Drop on Saturday. Gahhh. But, there is no word saying I actually have to go near any players, but they're probably lying so I don't disappear...or something. 

And no props to Mr. Obama, his speech ran late and it cut into Americas Got Talent. Now I get to watch like ten minutes before I have to go to work. 

And it's a results show!

Few Things.

I'm kind of in a rush. Its my second day of school, I have to beat traffic/parking issues, and only have half my hair straightened. But, since yesterday made me even FORGET blogging, here it is!

- Speaking of hair, my friend and I tried stripping my hair color yesterday to dye over it. I now have blonde/red/copper hair. I also went to sleep with it wet, so when I walked by the mirror half asleep earlier, I thought Brian Campbell was back in Buffalo (and somehow in my room).

- The Finn is BACK! His hair, however, is not. That's okay, we got lucky with the Swede, right?

- Goose is not. Neither is Drew. This is very suspicious...

- Still no contract announcement. 

- I LOVE Chris Butler.

- Last night at Chefs, the hostess purposely sat us at the table next to a bunch of rookies (" they're not sabres, they're just trying" she said). It was a very awkward half an hour. JP Lamoureux (who we thought was Jhonas for a bit) kept staring at Shelby and I....but we didn't know it was him until after. He also forgot his food, and we considered going after him. TJ Brennan was also the only one we recognized at the time. 

- Steph threatened to punch me during that half hour

- I wish there was a way to take chocolate milk to school.

- Patty the Bobblehead is MIA! I thought he was in my car, and he is not! The going suspect is JP, actually. He forgot his food, but took the love of my life! Any information of his whereabouts is greatly appreciated.

- Puck Drop is like the day after tomorrow (or not). And last night I just realized that the first pre-season game is in a WEEK! This is exciting stuff people!

- Today is my first day not going to the Pepsi Center. So, likely, the MIAs will show up.

And if you excuse me, I have to return to playing host to Soupy's hair.

Putting the ' Labor' back in ' Labor Day'

I am about two hours into an 8 hour shift at Labor Day. So while you all may skim through this while laying by the pool in the nice heat, before September really hits (I start school tomorrow...scary) please think of the freezing cold girl behind the receptionist desk. With no one here! Other than my Danny Briere co-worker (okay, he just looks like him, but whatever). 

However, after this shift I only have three hours of work separating me from the Puck Drop (which may be considered work, we're not sure yet).  I know I'm excited for the Puck Drop, or at least will be...soon. Right now, I'm kind of mellow, but Friday night I will be unbearable. 

While I may not yet be excited (openly), there are some things I am definitely looking forward to in the days/weeks/months ahead. 

- Opening night. I know it's further away from the Puck Drop, and I shouldn't be more excited for that at this point, but there is nothing better than being at a game where it's so fresh that they're is actually hope for the team! It's an undesirable feeling, but I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about.  A breath of fresh air...fresh air being the cold vents inside the arena. I'm so excited, I almost want to start planning what jersey to wear...

- My first day of classes, which is actually tomorrow....Medaille is a bunch of late bloomers, we know. 

- Shelby and I creating superheroes (yes, wouldn't YOU like to know!)

- Nashville trip. I already promised myself that no jersey is coming on that trip, just my Goose jersey shirt. It's Nashville, I'm not exactly going to go in there guns ablazing, because I don't think they even like the Predators that much. 

- To see whether or not Toni has hair. Don't get me wrong, the hurdle we jumped with Hank was HUGE, and not to mention much more important, the many changes of Toni Lydman always leaves me wondering. 

However, for the Olympics, I would not mind (in fact, i would LOVE and highly encourage) a repeat of this

Yes, Toni, I know that helmet hair is hard to avoid, and a definite occurrence should such hair come back. Don't worry, I still like what it can do.

- Christmas...I mean, duh. And I might be spending Christmas in NYC...the CITY of Christmas. Random, I know. 

- Seeing some guy named Paul Gaustad. I just realized that in the wake of worrying about the Finn and Drew, I've forgotten about Goose...the heart/soul/lone goal scorer in some games. I thought he'd be around the Pepsi Center. BUT, I am stoked for his return, and hope he's doing okay.

Shelby and I actually went on a Paul Gaustad praise last night (though it's almost a daily thing). We were going back to his days of using little children as shields

(You can't see it here, but he does have an apron on. How manly...no, really). I do wonder if there actually is a Sabres fan out there who does not like Goose. Little children, flour, aprons, tree planting, can saving....other stuff.

And lets not forget, the woman who made it all possible. 

Now we know where he gets his inspiration from. Not to mention his interpersonal skills, good manner, and if you look closely...good looks.

So, I think this Labor Day should be celebrated not from the crappy minimum wage jobs we work (or the pesky nine to five ones) but the work that GOOSE does (i'm not trying to knock anyones jobs, I'm just trying to be proud)

Yep.

Enjoy your holiday, folks!