So, we had something really exciting happen this evening. The IcePlex Mites program was invited to participate during the first and second intermissions of the Carolina Hurricanes game tonight against the Anaheim Ducks! I’ve witnessed this spectacle many times over the years and never thought I’d have a kid participating in it, but here we are! Every time Brian and I had been to a game and we saw the Mighty Mites, he always wanted to know when he could do it. I could never give him an answer as it’s something you’re invited to, not something to request to do. I was so happy when we were notified that we were invited, and Brian was on cloud-9 when he found out! We only had a little over a week from finding out until tonight.
We wanted to let everyone we knew know about this, so we actually created little postcard invitations that Brian could pass out to his friends and teachers. A few of his friends were in the stands. But, we also had Grandma Sue, Nana Rosemary, and Pake Sytse joining us on this night! This experience was unlike anything I’d done before, so bear with me while I itemize what all happened!
So, Brian and I had to meet with the team at the Loading Dock Gate Entrance with all equipment at 6PM sharp, one hour prior to scheduled start of the game. To do that, we had to get both kids a bit early to get there on time. We parked in the Green North lot located at the North end of the building adjacent to the loading dock, as we were not permitted to drive or park inside the loading dock area. Alison and Kendall took their tickets and entered through the East gate like we’re used to while Brian and I chilled (literally) outside the gate house. A member of the Hurricanes staff met us inside the Security Control Door to collect waivers. The kids and coaches got their tickets at this time. Brian and I dropped off equipment in the dressing area across from the ice resurfacing machines. We were then escorted into the PNC Arena seating area where we met up with the rest of the family. Parents and family had to buy their own tickets, but it was well worth it for this experience.
Only watched the game from face-off through the first commercial break, then it was already time for us to head down to the dressing room! We got dressed and got photos in short order. I left Brian and his teammates to head down the tunnel to the ice while I headed back up the stairs to get to my seat and subsequently rink-side to get in position to record the fun! The first period was a Mini-Game. Although he didn’t see much activity, he can legitimately say he had a shutout in his first appearance in the PNC Arena ice, check out the video below for the action!
The coaches split the kids up into two groups, however, the goaltenders can remain the same for both the first and second intermissions, and that is what happened here. Since the goalies remained the same for both intermissions, they remained dressed during the second period and watch the game from the glass at ice level! I was able to see Brian after the first intermission and then escort him over to watch the game with Shane Willis. Once I knew he was in good hands, I headed back to my seat for a few minutes before coming back down to make sure Brian was dressed for the second intermission. Unfortunately I was not allowed in the hallway and at the glass as it is considered a security risk.
The second period was a shootout. And again, he executed another shutout in the shootout! Check the video to see the saves, and near misses!
When the shootout was over, I headed back down to the dressing area to get Brian out of his gear. Once we were all packed up, I again left Brian with Shane Willis while I got all his gear back out to the van. I could then re-enter through the loading dock, get Brian, and we headed back to our seats to watch the conclusion of the game! Unfortunately, the Ducks defeated the Hurricanes 4-1. But, another piece of information is a favorite goaltender of Brian’s from last year, Anton Khudobin (traded by the ‘Canes to the Ducks), was playing for the Ducks. And of the four goaltenders playing this night, Brian was the only one that didn’t get scored on! Can’t get a much better evening and memorable life moment than that!
I want to also an extra special “thank you” on this post to Alison. Besides the photos and videos from our camera and phones, she was able to get some great screen-captures from the CanesVision video that we have on this post. You DID see the video, right? 🙂
