It has already been a busy spring... and spring isn't even here yet! After two back-to-back business trips that had him away for nearly two weeks, including an entire week in Berlin, Darren hit home running with a full-day of Girl Scout/NHL hockey fun less than 12 hours after his return. Though he was dealing with some jet-lag, this was an awesome way to welcome him back! We started our day with a panel discussion about women in sports then headed off on a tour of Nationwide Arena.
The organist who plays during the games.
This is a replica of a Civil War cannon. They fire it at the start of every game and every time the Blue Jackets score a goal.
The new scoreboard. The Arena was supposed to host the NHL All-Star game in January, but did not because of the labor dispute. However, the Arena did get several upgrades in anticipation of hosting the game, including the new scoreboard.
After the tour, we joined the throngs of people who had gathered in the Arena District before the game and got some lunch. Then we headed back to the Arena for the afternoon game: Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche. We didn't have the best seats, but I will say that I was impressed at how good a view you can get even from high in the Arena. The game has a great start with the cannon booming and lights and thumping music. The crowd is into the game before it even starts. Both kids enjoyed the game a lot more than I had expected. It really held their attention, and Darren did a great job of explaining what was happening on the ice. The Avalanche scored first, but the Blue Jackets tied the score in the third. With a tie at the end of the the regulation game, the teams went into sudden-death over-time. The Blue Jackets scored about 3 minutes into the 5 minute over-time period.... and the crowd went WILD!!! Everyone was on their feet and the cannon went off, music blared and confetti burst forth. The last time we were at a game, the team lost and this was a much better way to leave the Arena!
I love Degen's expression in this photo. He really enjoyed the game a lot. In fact, he has requested to have his birthday at a hockey game next year!
The kids cheering after the Blue Jackets tie the score. Degen kept pumping his fists in the air. So cute!
The game winning goal!
After the game, we joined all the Girl Scouts and their families to get our ice skates and return to the game ice. There is an ice rink on the premises, but we would get to skate on NHL ice! This was a very cool experience! The kids were excited, and once they put on their ice skates, they were nervous. They started out hugging the wall. Darren was able to take Kyrie out, and she did start skating on her own. I had Degen who did skate a little on his own, but never got rid of his jitters on the ice. After about 30 minutes, he was ready to be done. Of course, about 5 feet from the ice's exit, my feet slipped right out from under me and I fell. I was sore for a few days after that! Darren stayed out on the ice with Kyrie until our time was up. She got comfortable on the skates, and even tried out a few spins! This was a great end to a great day!
Kyrie getting the hang of it!
Degen & I took a break in the penalty box!
