My 21st Century Pen Pal

Connections between human beings can happen in magical and unexpected ways.

Most often, people connect face-to-face, but it doesn't always happen that way. When I was a kid in the 20th century, everyone had a pen pal some point. It was a person who went to a different school, or lived in a different city, that you never met in person. You learned about each other through letters, and sharing your experiences going through your lives. In spite of your physical separation, you found out how much you were alike, and learned about the world outside your own from the things you experienced differently. Sometimes you exchanged photos, but the words, and most importantly ideas, you exchanged were the critical piece that developed the relationship.

Fast forward to the 21st century. When you really think about it, technology allows people to meet and connect in a very similar way to the pen pal concept, but at lightning speed. Through social networking sites, blogs, and even e-mail, like minded people separated by incredible physical distances can share thoughts and ideas, and build actual relationships. Since I've gotten more active in the on-line community, I've been blessed to build some very special relationships. This post is the story of one of them.

Erika Zimmerman is my 21st century version of a pen pal. We met via Twitter while sharing our mutual passion for hockey, and that conversation quickly became the start of a friendship I cherish in spite of the fact that we've never met. Erika is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and a rabid Pittsburgh Penguins fan, but the Kings are her West Coast team. In particular, she loves Anze Kopitar and Wayne Simmonds. She is a madly creative writer and blogger, and she has the same in-your-face, totally honest and authentic kind of personality I have myself.

Every year, the LA Team Store at Staples Center has a clearance sale of all the prior season merchandise. Since I'm committed to making sure ALL my Kings fans buddies are properly outfitted, I sent Erika a note asking if there was anything she'd like me to pick up for her. She wanted a t-shirt with Kopitar on the back, which I found at the sale and sent off to her. Dedicated pen pal that she is, I got a lovely thank you note in response that made my day.

So this season, when Kopi and Simmer were both made into Bobble heads, I managed to snag a couple and send them to Erika for her collection. That prompted a causal conversation about whether I had a favorite Penguin, which I confirmed I do. Then a week or so ago, I got a note from her advising I would be receiving a package. And right on schedule, it arrived today!



I was stunned by her generous gift. I've gotten her a couple of Bobble heads and some t-shirts, and she cared enough to send me this.



Could it really be?



Yes, it is. An AUTHENTIC Sidney Crosby jersey, with the tie down in the back and everything. Oh....my....GOD!

And if that wasn't enough, she got me this INCREDIBLY AWESOME University of Pittsburgh t-shirt. GREAT COLOR!



So from one writer to another, this is just the start of my thanks to Erika - for our conversations, her generosity, and ultimately her incredible long-distance friendship. I'm working on getting her out here to LA for a game so I can thank her properly, but if that never happens, we'll still always be connected.

And I will cherish that connection...always.

A Weekend on Ice

Toyota Sports Center has become my home away from home most weekends. The Kings practice there, my friends all skate, there's always hockey going on, and there's just something about being around ice even though you have the option of being at the beach every day that's just...well, fun!

Spending Friday nights at TSC is usually guaranteed since my friend Mike plays in a rec hockey league there. Jen and Brianna live really close by, so instead of hanging out at a bar, we go get Starbucks, spend the evening gossiping, and watch our Caribou at play. It costs less, it's safer, and we still get to scope cute guys.



Now, our guys keep it pretty straight up with the jersey names. Mike's last name is Timoney, so that's what he wears, even though his nickname with the team is "T-Money." Their opponents this evening choose to wear their nicknames on their backs. It's hard to read in this photo, but the guy to the right of Mike is called "Diver Dave." Make of that what you will.



Now each "season" the teams change up a bit, and last weekend I noticed this majorly hot dude that joined the league. SO majorly hot, in fact, that the girls and I stayed to watch for a bit after the Caribou were done playing. And as luck would have it, we played Majorly Hot Dude's (that's his name now) team tonight! Too bad he got a game misconduct and spent part of the evening like this (when he wasn't camped out in the penalty box).



Of course, this would be the ONE night I forgot my regular camera when I switched purses, so this photo was the best my camera phone would do. Look for close-ups of Majorly Hot Dude in a future post.

Saturday, I was back at TSC with Nadine and John to help our friend Michael celebrate his 16th birthday with a skating party!



I did actually get on the ice, but I don't balance well enough to skate and take pictures, so I mostly got ones of Nadine and John. The birthday boy is actually an amazing skater and he was WAY too fast for my camera skills.



John, in particular, was an easier target because he stops a lot (he skates like me).





The funniest part is that Nadine and John actually wear the same size skates, so those are HER hockey skates he's wearing. I think that deserves some rabbit ears!



Then Sunday, my beloved Kings returned from Vancouver, ready to play Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Play-offs first round back at Staples Center. But first practice was in order, and since I rarely get to go during the regular season with my work schedule, I decided to camp out and get some practice shots. I took a TON, so I only posted my 3 favorites.

First up, the Clunatic himself, forward Rich Clune. Some of my best action work to date.



I HAD to include at least one Drew photo, and he stayed still long enough for me to catch him. That doesn't happen every day, let me tell you...



And then there's Mr. Popularity himself, defenceman Matt Greene. He was doing his fake stretch routine and having a fun conversation with Sean O'Donnell when I took this. Possibly my favorite practice shot ever in the history of practices.



If you're a Kings fan and don't already hang out with me on Facebook, here's a link to the rest of my photo gallery from practice.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=166131&id=787837661&l=af4951c3a6

And don't be afraid to ask me to be your friend, either. I haven't met a Kings fan yet I didn't like.

Kings Stanley Cup Play-off Season: Round 1, Game 2 - "In The Zone"

In the aftermath of the Kings Game 1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks Thursday, most of hockey people I follow, both friends and professionals, were pretty happy with the Kings performance overall, happy we lived to fight another day without too much real damage done. One person apparently wasn't happy enough-- Kings Head Coach Terry Murray.

He responded the morning of Game 2 by announcing two key veteran players, winger Justin Williams and defenceman Randy Jones, would be removed from the line-up.

The Jones benching wasn't all that surprising. He started well when the Kings acquired him mid-season, then suffered a concussion and just hasn't been the same since. A Jones-created turnover eventually led to the game winning goal for Vancouver in Game 1. Fair enough, right?

The Williams situation was more interesting, because he plays on the top line. He hasn't been bad by any stretch of the imagination since returning to the line-up from a serious ankle fracture. He was even OK in game 1. But maybe he came back too soon, because at least in Murray's eyes, his game hasn't completely returned. And his explanation about removing Williams was simple -- he's a veteran player who knows what it takes in the play-offs, and he should be doing more.

That was a lot of food for thought as I made the walk down to LA Live with Nadine and John for the Kings official Watch Party at ESPN Zone. Our friends Scott and Shawna Rousseau joined us, and I think we did a great job representing with the "Back in Black" look!



The Kings were even selling eye black patches with LA Kings on them. GAME ON!



Kings mascot Bailey was up to his usual tricks, entertaining everyone and being the life of the party.



I'm sure the ESPN Zone management loved having him.



It was another hard fought game, and the Canucks fired first with two fast goals in the first period. The second one, scored by Mikael Samuelsson (who also burned us for a goal in Game 1), I'd like to have back. I'm sure Quickie would like that one back too.

But the thing I love most about this team is they don't understand the word "quit." They came back with two goals of their own in the second, and definitely shifted the momentum our direction in the third. Ah, the joys of a team with young legs! Especially those of Drew's roommate, Wayne Simmonds. Simmer was ON FIRE the whole game! Taking full advantage of the bump up to the top line to replace Justin Williams, Simmer battled like a beast along the boards, protected the puck well, and drove hard to the net, scoring the game tying goal.

It took another OT period to finally get it done, but Anze Kopitar broke it open with the game winning goal, assisted by the incredible defensive power play tandem of Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson.

Then the ESPN Zone crowd absolutely ERUPTED! Everyone was screaming, hugging each other, jumping up and down, and cheering like mad. And then the beautiful reality set in - our team had won their first play-off game in 8 LONG YEARS!!!! And judging by the way they looked tonight, it won't be the last one.

Game 3 on Monday at Staples Center will be MAYHEM. Count on it! I'll be loving every minute from Section 114.

GO KINGS GO!

An Easter For The Record Books

What do you get when you combine 8 people, 3 dogs, a mountain of food, and an earthquake? A California Easter Celebration hosted by my friends John and Nadine Donat! They sure know how to throw a party!

I love the fact that I have an incredibly diverse group of friends, but I was more pleased to find out we have a couple of things in common - we're all great cooks and we LOVE to eat. And none of us know how to do things on a small scale, so we had enough food for an army. If any of this looks good to you, contact Nadine because I'm pretty sure she STILL has leftovers.













The doggies, of course, were very excited about Easter as well, because food and people in the house means snacks for them too. But Momma Denie has them very well trained and they know they have to wait outside until they get invited in. Bailey (left) was a little more patient than Ziggy, who barked the entire time.



Now I ask you, HOW do you resist that adorable little face?



Or that adorable big one?



Bailey is tall enough to see what's on the table. Luckily, he's pretty good about not stealing things....but we kept everything out of tongues reach just to be on the safe side.



Of course, if you're Sasha, you're only interested in beer. She's definitely Daddy's dog...



Special thanks to Bob and Natalie Adams, Chelsea Alexander, Aaron and Blake Danchik, and of course Nadine and John for not only being great cooks but excellent company as well! We shared a lot of laughs and got one HUGE surprise.

No, it wasn't the earthquake. We didn't even feel it, we just found out about it when my sister texted me from the East Coast checking to make sure I was OK.

The big surprise of the day was the news that the Kings CLINCHED A PLAY-OFF SPOT! That's right, we're going to the play-offs for the first time in 8 years!

Come to think of it, that must be what caused the earthquake....

Kings vs Avalanche: The Kid Comes Up Big

Most successful people will tell you to have a plan for what you want to accomplish in life. Set goals, write it down, execute the plan, make adjustments when you get off track, etc. But the really honest ones will also tell you that sometimes the biggest successes come from being in a moment where you see an opportunity, and you throw out the plan and just go for it. And in that moment, a combination of talent, vision and divine intervention come together and create something amazing.

If a hockey player's plan for success is a play book, Drew Doughty picked exactly the right moment tonight to throw it out and just go for it.

Much has been written about Drew's hockey sense, that instinctual ability to read plays that you just can't teach. And after an up and down game against the Colorado Avalanche, that instinct led him to disregard a planned power play strategy and score the game winning goal, in overtime, in the midst of a tight play-off race. Talk about coming up big at just the right moment. Especially after getting the wind knocked out of you in an open ice collision with your own teammate late in the third period -- Jeff Halpern, I'm looking at you. Check your blind spot before you change lanes next time!

So Drew was the big hero of the night, and was awarded a well-deserved #3 Star. But Drew is also the consummate teammate, and wouldn't want the whole game discussion to be about him. So he won't mind me taking a minute to talk about the #1 Star of the Night - Ryan Smyth.

Prior to being traded to the Kings this summer, Smyth was a member of the Avalanche squad, and my most hated Avs player. When he became a King, I understood after a few games why I couldn't stand playing against him - he will outwork ANYONE. In practice and game warm-ups, he's the last guy off the ice. He's got the most amazing hands around the net, and he'll hold his own against bigger guys in the crease until he gets that desperately needed "garbage goal" on an ugly scrum or rebound. So it was nice to see him score 2 of the Kings 4 goals against his old team. And he also did the coolest thing I've ever seen - sign his stick as he was skating out to give it away to a fan after being awarded his star. He is as classy a guy as you will find in the NHL, and I'm glad he's one of ours.

Aside from the game, tonight was also special because I got to share it with one of my oldest friends - Mike Lindsay.



He lives in Virginia and was in town on business, and in the ultimate case of divine intervention, the seat next to Nadine and I was open, so we bought it. Mike is a tremendously knowledgeable fan about all kinds of sports, so it was a pleasure to bring him to see my team. Thanks for showing him some great hockey, boys!

Now Mike is off to finish the rest of his business trip in Southern CA, and the Kings fly out to Denver for a rematch with the Avs Wednesday night. And even though the Kings are solidly in it, the play-off race is still going to come down to the wire. Let's just hope Drew keeps throwing out the play book, and success will take care of itself.

GO KINGS GO!

Kings vs Predators: Mascots and Maverick

Sunday. High noon. A visiting team from Nashville. It sounds like a showdown to me!

The Kings hosted the Nashville Predators in a rare afternoon game, which meant a lot was at stake. We haven't played well in most of our afternoon games this year, and Nashville has had our number (and not in a good way) all year long.

Knowing we were going to need a little extra motivation, Brianna, Jen and Rachel had a "Top Gun" night, got some inspiration from Mav and Goose watching the movie, and proceeded to come up with "Top Gun" nicknames for the entire team. We even have our own call signs - Mustang, Guppie, Clutch and Hustler. It's our little secret who's who, but you can probably figure out at least one by the end of this post.

So using "Top Gun" speak, the game went kinda like this.

MiG spotted at 4:42, direct hit - damnit, Mav! Shooter returned fire and scored his 32nd take down of the season, with some help from his wing man Paradise. After some more dog-fighting, the MiGs bugged out for a while.

Then a second round of MiGs buzzed in, which pissed Maverick off BIG TIME....so we had ourselves a little round of hand-to-hand combat. After a ton more sporadic dogfights, it was time for the final showdown.

Wolfman split off a great pass to Merlin, who buried it to move the Top Gun squad into position to go for the kill. But the MiGs weren't giving up, and fired back with a shot of their own less than 60 secs later. With 3:31 to go, the MiGs put the final nail in the coffin, and Goose proclaimed, "We're going down Mav! Time to bail!"

So we lost. To Nashville. AGAIN! Viper was NOT pleased.

At least we did have one major reason to celebrate today - it was Bailey's Birthday!!! And no Bailey does not have a Top Gun call sign because Bailey is already sort of a nickname all on it's own. Plus, I don't think he's even old enough yet to have a license to drive that motorcycle of his, so putting him at the controls of a plane it simply out of the question. But we love him anyway, so he can have cake!



All the Western Conference Mascots came to help celebrate, except Wild Wing, the Ducks mascot. I think Bailey humiliated him so badly last year he was afraid to show his ugly bill around Staples Center. The Kings fans sure don't like him very much. Of course, Nashville's mascot Gnash (worst mascot name in history, by the way), didn't get a very warm reception either, but he hung in there.



Bernie, the Colorado Avalanche mascot, was my favorite non-Kings character. Any mascot who pretends to pick his nose and wipe it on the jersey of the person in front of me wins major points in the creativity department.



Of course, I think Bernie hits the sauce a little too hard, which would explain his crazy behavior.



And we got a rare treat with our favorite visitor from the East - Max, the Manchester Monarchs mascot (and Bailey's little bro)! The fact that he was wearing purple nail polish that matched mine weirded me out just a little, but otherwise Max is the coolest! And he's always happy!



Thanks to all the mascots for helping our Bailey have a terrific birthday! The only thing that would have made it more perfect would have been a Kings win. Get to work on that for next year, boys!

Finally, since we've seen the Preds already this season, there was no "Opposing Team Hottie of the Night" this afternoon. But my new friends Kelly and Lisa Pajak send me this super photo of the Drew-Cam in action! So now you have proof...and a view of my pretty great seats!



Mustang is signing off....time to drink away this headache of a game! Goose, I think she's lost that lovin' feeling....

Terrific Times Two!

My little buddy Jordan Hershberg turned two last week, and since I couldn't make his "official" birthday party because of a hockey game, I headed over to Pasadena for a visit to help him celebrate. His parents, Micah and Allison, are wonderful friends I don't see nearly often enough. And Jordan is just too much fun for words. He knows how to say "Aunt Meg" and it just melts my heart every time!



I also got to see his little brother Jeremy, who has grown up SO MUCH since my last visit. The last time I saw Jeremy he was just a few weeks old, and now he's kicking up a storm in his bouncy seat and having a great time checking out the world with those big blue eyes!





Now that Jordan is two, he can do so many things it's amazing! Sliding down the stairs with Mommy is a favorite activity.



And he's already a tremendous photographer. He even knows how to say "Cheese!"



But his favorite things in the world are books and music. His birthday theme this year is Curious George, so I found a card that combined the two. It not only had a pop-up monkey face on the front, it made monkey noises when the card was opened!





That kept him busy for a while, which made Mommy and Daddy very happy. They weren't even the least bit bothered by the noise!



Opening presents, on the other hand, requires a bit of help. Especially the way Aunt Meg wraps them, which Jordan told me was too tight. But he loved the Curious George books and toys inside!

If he's already doing so much at two, I can't even imagine what another year will hold. Happy Birthday Jordan!

Kings vs Sharks: Missed Opportunities

Opportunity is a funny thing. Sometimes it comes along when you least expect it, and sometimes you work your tail off to create it. But no matter what the circumstance, you have to be ready to grab it and hold on for dear life, because you may only have one crack at it.

The Kings had a perfect opportunity to improve their position in the Western Conference standings tonight. The Washington Capitals were kind enough to help us by defeating the Detroit Red Wings, who before tonight were only one point behind us, poised to knock us out of 8th place. A win would give us some much needed breathing room. But we had to get past one BIG obstacle - the San Jose Sharks.

Let's break down the plus/minus factors for the Kings tonight:

(+) The Sharks played last night and should be tired
(+) The Kings did not play and should be rested
(+) The Kings are coming off a huge Saturday win against a tough Boston Bruins team
(-) The Sharks dismantled their last opponent, the Calgary Flames - a team the Kings have not managed to beat YET this season.
(-) The Kings homestand record has not been as stellar as their road record this year
(-) The Kings are young and still learning to play with consistency

In the end, the last minus was the one that tipped the scales, and the Kings missed their golden opportunity in a 5-1 loss to the Sharks. It's been the same story all season. When we come out flat and dig ourselves a hole, we rarely get out. And if we do, it takes so much out of us we tank the next few games. Results like 0-5 on the power play and 0-3 on the penalty kill won't get it done, and the boys know it. Now it's up to them to solve the problem. Hopefully some soul searching will happen on our upcoming road trip, along with some wins.

One positive did come out of tonight - Drew got his 27th assist! And at least we don't have to see the Sharks again this season...at least until we make the play-offs. Because I STILL believe we will.

Since my previous game write-ups have more than documented the hotness of the San Jose line-up, I decided to switch gears a little and forgo my regular "Opposing Team Hottie of the Night" feature. Instead, I decided to do a fan profile, and who better to start with than my friend Chelsea Alexander.



As you can tell from the jersey, Chelsea is a Sharks fan. Don't hold it against her, because she's the best example of the kind of competitive but respectful San Jose fan I've described in my previous posts. When she's not studying for her degree in criminal justice, or mentoring at-risk kids as a volunteer for Echoes of Hope, she covers the Sharks for The Hockey Writers. And believe me when I tell you, she knows her stuff.



When the Sharks are struggling, Chelsea will be the first person to call them on it and dissect the problem. When things go well, like tonight, she's still a gracious winner and always finds something constructive and even positive to say about the competition. If you're new to hockey, check her out because she's got a great way of putting things in understandable terms. If you're a seasoned hockey fan, read her stuff because it's smart and insightful. And if you're a social media junkie, you can also follow her live game updates on Twitter. And she's Kings fan approved...



Hopefully the Kings find some solutions soon, as they take to the ice Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres. Maybe the fact that our record against the East is great will help end this homestand on a high note. And since we aren't playing the Sharks, Chelsea can help me root for the Kings...

New Years Eve 2009: Resolutions

Since New Year's Eve would not be complete without resolutions, my plan with the girls was to spend a little time during our evening to record a video describing our individual resolutions for 2010. Unfortunately, it was a little too dark for video, but I took enough pictures that I found one to give you a corresponding visual image for each resolution.

Chelsea resolved to drink less soda (or as you Midwestern folk call it...pop) and eat less candy.



Looks like she's substituted our bartender's "Ryan Special" for the soda. Great work, Chelsea!

Brianna resolved to be less of a lightweight.



She's clearly well on her way. Way to go, Bri!!

Jen resolved to be more "girly."




OK. Tiara - check! Sparkly accessories - check! Make-up - check! Hiding behind paper beard...hmmmmm. That's a fail.



And lost the heels on the walk home...still, you get partial credit Jen. Keep up the good work and we'll have you there in no time!

My resolution was to take fewer self-portraits....










I clearly have work to do...