Labor Day Hockey Tourney

This season we were able to get our hockey fix early, with the Soo Eagles hosting a Labor Day Tournament. The Eagles welcomed the Soo Thunderbirds, Blind River Beavers, and the Sudbury Cubs from their league, the NOJHL. They also had the Traverse City North Stars from the NAHL and the Wellington Dukes from the OJHL. The North Stars were the best team in the tournament, but that's probably because they have former Lakers guiding them (Anthony Palumbo GM, Mike Matteucci associate head coach). Not a bad deal, though, as $20 each got us into all the games over the weekend. We were able to see every team play at least once, and I was even able to enjoy a beer or two. Good to see hockey again, and can't wait for the Lakers to start in October.

Eagles Kick Off 2010-11 Hockey Season

We kicked off our hockey season this year again with the Soo Eagles. The held a pair of exhibition games over the weekend against the Flint Jr. Generals. I felt good to be back at the rink, and the cool air felt nice inside as it was pretty hot out both days. Lily and Trevor got to play with their friend Sydney, who we've seen at many Laker and Eagle game. She moved to Cheboygan, so Trevor won't have her in class anymore. The hockey games will probably be the only time they'll all get to see each other. Brian had a good time also, peeking out onto the ice and admiring the Zamboni when it passed. We're glad the Eagles are around, too, since the Lakers don't start until October. This also starts a busy week for us including a baseball and football game later in the week.

Vetrans Honored at Hockey Game

This is not the way you want to see a local 23 yr-old soldier come home. Specialist Brandon Steffey was killed over in Afghanistan by an enemy IUD. He was honored at the Soo Eagles game on Saturday. Also in attendance was the National Guard unit that will be departing for Iraq in a week or so. It was a sad way to spend the weekend, but makes me thankful for all that I have and that I have the opportunity to spend this time with my kids while our armed forces make these sacrifices.

As far as the game goes, we did have a good time. The Eagles got spanked 5-2, but Trevor got a game puck so all was good (it actually hit him in the leg). They also got to play with their friend Sydney again, which is becoming a good habit for them.

Pictured is the National Guard, the banner honoring Steffey, and the kids with the game puck. The Lakers are in town the weekend of the 20th, so we'll try to make that game.

Sunday Afternoon At the Rink

It was a nice Sunday afternoon, so the kids and I headed to Pullar Stadium for the Soo Eagles game. The kids can sill ride their bikes (no snow..yet). We had a lot of fun as usual, and the kids got to play with their friend Sydney who we always run into at either the Eagle or Laker games.

At home the kids were playing around in their Halloween costumes and, being Dad, told them to put them away before they ruined them. They were good and did as they were told. They put on hockey jerseys for the game. We got there only to find out that kids could get on the ice during the first intermission if they had costumes on. Way to go, Dad. They were pretty easy on me, though. Wish I would have known that ahead of time.

Good hockey game as the Eagles beat Blind River 5-4 in a shoot-out. Halloween next weekend, so I don't think we'll make it to any games. More soon, though.

First Hockey Game of 09-10

Saturday the kids and I put on our short sleeves and shorts and rode bikes to the hockey game. No, this we didn't go watch the Florida Panther, the Tampa Bay Lighting, or even the teams in Texas or Phoenix (yes, they have NHL hockey their thanks to the dwarf Bettman).

We just went two blocks north to the legendary Pullar Arena to watch the Soo Eagles take on the Marquette Rangers in an exhibition game to kick off the 2009 hockey season. The Eagles didn't fare too well, but we had fun anyway.

Brian got to watch some hockey, too. He won't be going to too many game this season, as he's a little too rambunctious and is always running around in the stands and getting into mischief.

Hockey....Already???

Yes, I know it's weird attending a hockey game in early September, but we'll take it. The last few days have seemed cold enough to be thinking of winter sports, too. This was the first exhibition game of the new Soo Eagles team of the NOJHL. Pullar Stadium is only a few blocks from the house, so this is great for us to be able to just walk to the games. I anticipate us going to a lot of games here this winter and even doing some skating here. We had a lot of fun and I got a game puck for Trevor. His little friend Sydney from school also came and sat with us, so it was a special night for him. The kids also got signed up for tap-dance today and Lily will start cheer leading in a couple of weeks, so no rest for us with summer coming to an end. Trying to find something else for Trevor to do, but he just might hit the gym with me while Lily is in her cheer leading class. Stay tuned, it'll be a busy fall and winter.