Hockey, Cancer, Life

October 27, 2014.  That was the last time I logged on to this site and wrote a blog post.  Why did I stop?  I really couldn't tell you, but I did.  Over the past two years there were a couple of times I thought I should write something and then I decided not to.  I'm not a great writer by any stretch of the imagination and who even cares what I have to say?

Today, for some reason I just got the "itch" to write again.  You'll have to forgive me for the "quality" as it's been a while.  On second thought,..that's not right.  I will write what I think and I will do so using the language I use every day and if the spelling or punctuation is not correct...you'll just have to deal with it.

Now for the reason for this post.  I was scrolling through Facebook, just minding my own business when I got a text message.  This message was from Twitter and it was an RT by Erik Karlsson of a tweet made by Nicholle Anderson thanking everyone for their love and support.  This tweet got me to thinking about athletes and their families and the fans who love them.

For those of you who might not know, Nicholle Anderson is the wife of Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson.  This past week, we learned that she had been diagnosed with Cancer.  We don't know what kind and that's none of our business really.  What we do know is that Craig left the Sens to join his wife and two young children during this difficult time.  He took a leave of absence and no one knew for just how long.  The next game, the Sens' backup goalie, Andrew Hammond, was hurt and with Craig gone, that would mean the Sens would be left with two minor league goalies for an indeterminate amount of time. Nicholle urged Craig to call the team's GM and to re-join the Sens the next day.   

I know how it feels to have a member of your family be diagnosed with that horrible disease and I'm not sure I would have cared about anyone outside my family at that time.  The fact that she even cared is a testament to the kind of person she is.  I've never met her and have only seen her a couple of times at the rink but what I do know is that my heart went out to her and her family when the news was announced. 

When Craig returned to the team and played the next game, you knew it was probably going to be an emotional game for him and for the entire Sens team.  I don't think anyone knew just how special it would be.  Craig posted a shutout against the Oilers in Edmonton, was named first star, and received an ovation from the Edmonton crowd.  You could see the emotion all over his face and you had to know this one was for Nicholle. 

Cancer is such a horrible disease.  Over the past few years, a few people I know have been touched / ravaged by it. 

My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer and with multiple treatments was able to fight it.  He's now doing well and on Friday we're making our annual Christmas donuts.  Through it all, we haven't missed a year of making our doughnuts. :)

Last February, my friend and Sens PA announcer, Stuntman Stu was diagnosed with Leukemia and has gone through months of treatment but is now back working at the rink.  It's so nice to see him around again and he looks so good.

My good friend Lola (Laurel) was diagnosed with Melanoma, had surgery and everything looked to be good as far as I knew for a little while and then it came back.  Sadly, she lost her battle (can someone find better words for this?) in April of this year.  This one hit me hard because it was unexpected to me.  I remember the phone call telling me she was gone.  It took me a few days to process it and going to her service was heartbreaking.

For Nicholle, she's starting her battle and I am sending all my good thoughts and prayers to her and her family.  We don't know when Craig will leave again and for how long, but it doesn't matter.  Hockey is just a game and family is the most important.  I hope everyone will support him during this time. 

This Saturday November 5, 2016 is Hockey Fights Cancer night at Canadian Tire Centre.  Being a season ticket holder since 1999, I've been there for many of these and always support it.  This year is even more special in light of everything.  If you can, I hope you will support the initiative.

Nicholle, Craig, I will be thinking of both of you.  I wish I could do more to support you, but will be sure to donate to Hockey Fights Cancer this Saturday.  Take care of each other! 

Julie/@Flip_4

The day I turned into a 12 year old - Martin Gélinas

Not a picture taken that day.

Earlier today, I mentioned an older post on Twitter and Facebook about Martin Gélinas and how he was my favourite hockey player for a long time until Chris Phillips at least.

The day I turned into a 12 year old is mentioned in that earlier blog post and I never did explain how that happened.  People who know me, have probably heard this story many many times.

It was a Sens vs Panthers game at the Palladium/Corel Centre/ScotiaBank Place/Canadian Tire Centre.  I couldn't tell you the date and it would be sometime betweent Oct 2005 and April 2007.  I honestly don't remember the time of year or anything.  I probably still have the ticket to that game somewhere though.

I brought my old style Vancouver Canucks 'Gelinas' jersey to that game.  My Bestie and I had bought tickets close to the Florida bench...for me of course...and we gave our season seats  to my parents.

During the pre-game warmup, I wore the Canucks jersey (although I had brought along a Chris Phillips jersey too).  I went to sit along the glass to take pictures as there weren't many people around.  Yes...I was taking mostly pics of Marty - but I did take others too. ;)

At one point, Steve Montador (I believe), banged on the glass in front of me, pointed to my jersey and his and gave me a thumbs up.  Why do I remember that?  I don't really know.  It was just cool I guess.  Then I saw him talking to Gelinas and he looked over.  I of course pretended I was taking pics of other players. 

When the warm-up ended, Marty went to the bench to talk to the trainer.  The trainer gave him another one of his hockey sticks and Marty came over to where I was.  He looked at me, smiled and passed the stick through the camera hole in the glass.

OMG!!!!  I must have had a grin from ear to ear...just writing about it is making me smile wide!!!  I turned to my Bestie who was shocked herself.  The usher came down to tell me I needed to bring the stick up to guest services to pick up after the game.

I RAN up those stairs faster than I ever have.  Gave Guest Services the hcokey stick and then RAN up the stairs to where my parents were sitting.  Now, if you know where we sit for the games...there are A LOT of stairs and I always feel like my heart will beat out of my chest when I get to my seats.  Not that day though - I could have run a marathon on the adrenaline alone.

I got up to my parents and first thing my mom says is..."We saw it"  They saw everything...they weren't sure it was me at first - but they recognized the jersey and knew that it HAD to be me.

The entire game, I was giddy.  Yes the giddiness happens to me often...see any Chris Phillips posts I have on here. :)

Anyway - I still have the hockey stick alone with a few ex-Ottawa 67's broken hockey sticks.  I really should put it up on the wall as a reminder of that day...although I'll NEVER forget it. 

Unfortunatly, after an incident with my computer, I don't have any of those pictures anymore.

I hope one day I get to actually meet him and speak to him.  I know in the other post, I wrote about meeting him - but that was just in a throng of people while trying to get something signed.  I'd love to be able to actually TALK to him.

Again...see any of my Chris Phillips posts to see how LIKELY my actually talking  is.

It doesn't matter - it's a memory I will cherish forever.

Thank you for all the great hockey memories Marty...maybe one day you'll come coach in Ottawa :)

Julie / @Flip_4

Hockey players - They're human beings - not robots - My opinion.

I've been a hockey fan for the better part of my life.  When I was a child, I HATED hockey and slowly grew to love it.  This is mostly due to the fact that my dad would take me to see Ottawa 67's hockey games when I was young.  Spending time with my dad somehow grew my love for the sport.

I would cut out every picture / article from newpapers and magazines on both the 67's and the Montreal Canadiens (before the Sens came back in 1992).  I would have posters all over my room.  I LOVED everything about hockey.  Yes, there was a short amount of time in my teens when it was all about the cute boys - but even back then, I LOVED the game of hockey. 

I'm 40 now and all *ahem* grown up *ahem*  At some point, reality sets in and the hero-worship tends to disappear. 

They become human again instead of these heroes that you once looked up to.

What I want to understand is how adults in today's world seem to expect so much more out of these people than they would ever expect out of themselves.  They want perfection.  If a player makes a bad pass - trade him.  If a player doesn't stop the puck - Oh he's done, should've kept the other guy.  If a player has a few bad games - He should retire or get rid of him.  My personal favourite - He makes way too much money, get rid of him. There is no room for error.  It always seems to be all or nothing.

Come on people, these guys are human beings.  Just like you and I, they have good days and bad days.  They make good and bad decisions.  There are a few big differences.

1) Most of our decisions aren't made in split seconds, you have time to weigh the pros and cons, even in our work environments.  These hockey players on the other hand do not have THAT much time when they're on the ice during a hockey game.

2) They are being watched and judged by millions of people every time they step on to the ice.  How would you like it if that was what you had to deal with on a daily basis?

Sure, they CHOSE to play hockey and they make a ton more money than most of us, but that doesn't make them any different than you and I where it counts.  They have responsibilities, families, bills to pay and hey - they have feelings and emotions too.  Sometimes outside influences can and will affect their performance on the ice.  

Watching so-called fans of a team/player suddenly start attacking these people personally, or in ways that are entirely uncalled for, boggles my mind.  Sure, you want to criticize their play on the ice or their hockey decisions?  That's fair.  Go ahead, do what you want...but keep in mind that they have family members and friends on the internet as well who might read these things.  There are ways of critiquing that don't involve personal insults to them or their loved ones.

Think about it when you post...how would you feel if this was said about a member of your family and you came across it on the internet?  Or how about someone says that about you and your child finds it on the internet?  Don't you think constant negativity can have an effect on someone too?

Everyone wants hockey players to be on social media - twitter etc…but when you read what some people post to them, it’s a wonder any of them even try it.  I can't really blame the ones that stay away from it.  This is how you're trying to encourage them to join in on the "fun"?  They should just ignore the negativity you say?  Do you really think that can work all the time? 

Even if you "Hate" a player, there are ways of making your feelings known other than attacking them.

I complain when a hockey player makes a bad play - but I also understand that my view of the game is WAY different than theirs.  I'm perched up in the rafters and see the ice as a whole, or I’m sitting at home watching the game on TV.  I may see things they don't and they certainly see things I don't.  I, in my infinite wisdom, will defer to them since they're the ones that have been playing the game their entire lives.

You will never see me attack them or their friends/family personally...no matter how I feel about the player in question.  There is no point and quite frankly, I was raised much better than that.

They're HUMAN BEINGS.  Just because you're jealous that they were able to follow their dream playing a sport that they LOVE and made it professionally, and are likely making more money than you'll ever see in your life, doesn't give you the right to treat them so badly.   You cannot expect perfection out of them no matter how much money they may be making.  You cannot expect them to turn their feelings off because you think they owe you something.

Criticize their play all you want - stop making personal attacks on them.  Start treating them like you would someone you know.   Have compassion for things they may be going through off or on the ice.  Try to be more realistic in your expectations.

What gives YOU the right to judge them - or discuss certain things on internet message boards.  When did privacy suddenly stop being a right?

RESPECT them.

I know a lot of you won't understand what I'm trying to say or agree with me - but it is what I think.

Ok - off my soapbox and back to hockey.

GO SENS GO!!  Keep the streak alive!!!

Julie / @Flip_4

Big Rig Kitchen and Brewery - My thoughts :)

 

For those who know me, the fact that my fave place to eat / hang out at is Big Rig Kitchen and Brewery is probably not a surprise at all.  There are many reasons for this - but let's be honest here for a second.

The fact that my favourite Ottawa Senators player, Chris Phillips, is part owner and the restaurant is also named after him did help at the beginning.

When I first heard that he was opening a restaurant, I was really looking forward to going.  I was going to go eat there whether it was good or bad just to support his project.

Of course - it turns out that it isn't bad at all.  It is actually great in my humble opinion.

I've been going to the restaurant fairly regularly since it opened on June 12th 2012.  I was there the first week and yes, there were a few hiccups, but  I have to say that every time I've been since the opening, the food and service have only gotten better and better.

I like to make an appearance during the hockey season to watch hockey games or to eat before a Sens hockey game.  The decor, especially on the bar side of the establishment is very much geared towards the Sens - specifically, Chris Phillips.  My faves are a framed #4 Sens jersey, with the name Big Rig on the back, and a print of a painting Chris received for his 1000th game in February 2012.

I've also been known to head there after work to pick up some food to take home.  I've brought many friends and family to experience Big Rig and they've mostly left impressed and quite a few have become regulars themselves.  You can't please everyone, but it seems like the management at Big Rig tries and I absolutely love that.

They aren't just a restaurant, they also have an in-house brewery where their brewmaster Lon Laddell  makes, what I'm told are pretty amazing beers.  I can't say that I've tasted any of them since I'm allergic to alcohol, but I've heard so many great things from my beer drinking friends.

They brew their regular types of beer and also make some seasonal ones.  See their brewery site for more details and a list of beers -  Brewery Site

The brewery is visible from the restaurant and one day I'd like to take a tour.  I wish I could say more about this part of the restaurant, but my experience is extremely limited. 

Now for what I do know, the restaurant.  I am a pretty picky eater, but the food has won me over.  I tend to stick with what I know - but I am able to have more than just one or two items from the menu.  The portions are large (there is no chance you will leave still hungry).

I am absolutely addicted to their deep fried pickles.  Sounds odd, but TRUST me, you must have some.  I've converted many people. ;)  I also really love their spicy maple chicken wings.  Just the right amount of seasonings.  I've recently had the pleasure of tasting some fantastic ribs at their 1 year anniversary and I have to say - some of the best ribs I've ever had.  I only wish they were available on the daily menu as I'd have that every single time I go - with a side of fried pickles of course. ;)

Other than that, they have a very varied menu and you can find something for everyone.  Their pizza is extremely popular as is their smoked meat sandwich.  Try one or both, you won't regret it.

If you sign up to their birthday club and go on your birthday month with 5 friends, you will get to enjoy a free birthday cookie as well as other perks.  Do not miss out on this warm ooey gooey chocolate chip cookie.  It is SINFUL and the size of a dinner plate!!!  I've ordered it for dessert just so I can have leftovers to eat at home the next couple of days...it's THAT good.

On to the staff.  It really shows that effort has been put in to finding just the right people for the various jobs.  I have not yet had any issues with anyone.  You walk into the restaurant and are greeted but an always smiling employee who will remember you if you've been there before (I might have a problem ;)).  There is someone working the takeout counter / store, where you can buy some Big Rig merchandise - again, they will remember you and your regular order if you go often enough - or maybe it's just me (Again, I have a problem ;)).  Once you're seated, your server will take your drink order and a few minutes later, someone else will be dropping it off to your table.  I've always had servers that are courteous and extremely helpful.  I've only had limited experience with the bar staff, but from what I can see, there are no complaints in that area either.

You will also notice that upper management is very visible and they will do whatever they can to help out and address any concerns. If you're lucky, you might be able to meet some of the partners and maybe even Chris Phillips himself.  Yes, I have seen him there a few times.  You might even see some Ottawa Senators players as well as local celebrities and they're always so nice.

I've had the pleasure of meeting a good number of the partners/managers and they are all fantastic and willing to go the extra mile.

They are also very visible on social media and that's very important now.  They haven't shied away from Twitter or Facebook and take advantage of both platforms.  I've found out about lots of events and specials just from following them and you can sometimes get some perks from this.

Follow them on Twitter
@bigrigbrew
@bigrigbrewboss
@BrewmasterLon  
and like their page on Facebook - Big Rig Kitchen and Brewery

They have a fan for life in me - now if only they could open a location in the East end of the city ;)

Go experience it yourself and let me know how you like it.

See you next time
Julie / @Flip_4

 

The "Alfie situation"

It's now been a few days since Alfie has signed with the Detroit Red Wings for this upcoming season.  The shock has worn off for me and I'm ready to move on to next season and cheer for the Ottawa Senators.  I've read many blogs/comments/twitter posts about it in the last 4-5 days and see hate for both sides in this situation.

Here is my opinion, whether you like it or not.

Unless you were in the room with Bryan Murray and Alfie's agent, or unless you are a family member or close friend of Alfie's, you have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED!!!!

I understand that in situations like this, people feel the need to blame someone for what happened.  It's easy to point a finger at the Sens for "low-balling" Alfie, or to blame Alfie for taking his ball home and leaving after being insulted.  Honestly though...does anyone really know what happened to make Alfie decide to go play somewhere else?

Can you really blame the Sens?  Can you really blame Alfie?

Unless you can give me solid facts for what happened between the end of the Sens playoff run and Alfie signing with the Red Wings, I refuse to blame anyone.

I'm not going to cancel my season tickets because I think the Sens mishandled the situation, because I don't know that they did.  They went in to a negotiation expecting to get a deal done and they were blindsided.

I'm not going to burn or throw out my Alfie jersey because I think he made the wrong decision.  The decision was his to make and he had every right to make it.  Just because you work for a company for 20 years and they treat you like a king, doesn't mean you're obligated to retire with that company.  You make the choice you feel is right for you and will make you happy.  You're not in Alfie's mind, you don't know what he's thinking.

Sure, I'm not happy with the way it all happened and I was as shocked as anyone else in Ottawa when the announcement was made.  I actually refused to believe it until it was officially announced and even still hoped it wasn't true until I heard the interviews.  I was sad, shocked and disbelieving of the whole situation.

I'm really not sure how I will react to seeing him in a Red Wings jersey next season, or how I'll react in his first game in Ottawa against the Sens.  I do know that I want the Sens to beat the Wings every single time they play them next season AND I want the Sens to beat them in the playoffs.  I want Alfie to be proven wrong.

I hope this year's team takes this as a challenge from Alfie to the Sens.  He doesn't think we're good enough, let's show him that we have just as good of a chance as Detroit to win the Cup.

It's now up to the veterans on this team to fill up the hole left by Alfie in the leadership department.  Phillips, Spazza, Neil and everyone else need to step it up.

I'm excited at the upcoming season and I can't wait to see what the team will be able to do.

In the meantime, I'll fondly remember the good times with Alfie in this city and wish him well in his career...just never against the Sens.

NHL Hockey 2013!!!

I wanted to wait a couple of days before I wrote this post because I wasn’t sure how I’d truly feel, but now that the season has started…

WOOHOO!!!!

I’m so happy about it.   I watched the Sens game on Saturday vs Winnipeg and went to their home opener on Monday!  I wore my Chris Phillips jersey to work as I always do on home game nights.  There were some negative comments, but mostly they were positive!!

When I walked into ScotiaBank Place that night, even before the gates opened, it was like coming back home.

That might sound odd but I’ve had season tickets for 12+ years now and spend a lot of time at the rink, but, other than a concert a few months ago and a Season seat holder event last week, I hadn’t been in the building since April.  

I got my ticket scanned by the same person who’s been doing it for years.  The same people were standing at the gate selling the 50/50 tickets.  I loved it!

I walked around the lower concourse a few times and absorbed the atmosphere.  There was excitement all around.  I saw Cyril Leeder and he looked really happy to have the season start again.  I also saw and spoke to our PA announcer, Stuntman Stu.   It was all just very familiar.

I went up to the upper concourse where my seats are located and saw some other familiar faces.  The same people were working in the concession stand behind my section when I went to buy my food.  They were happy to be there. 

I walked through the tunnel to go to my section and felt the same excitement I always have on season opening night.  When I got to the end and saw the ice and the HD scoreboard, it struck me just how much I had missed it and was looking forward to this day

I walked up to my seats where some of the “old guard” were already sitting.  All season ticket holders I’ve gotten to know in the past few years, but hadn’t seen in months.  It was a family reunion of sorts.  Contrary to what people believed, they were all excited about the game and upcoming season.

The anticipation grew as the time to puck drop got closer.  I looked around and saw the crowd getting larger and larger.  There were so many fans, just happy to be back; so many children looking forward to seeing their idols again.

The HD scoreboard had multiple montages showing highlights of the past seasons which served to make us even more excited than we already were.  Then it started….

Stuntman Stu started announcing our 2012-2013 Ottawa Senators team one player at a time.  The biggest cheers and ovation of course reserved for our captain, Daniel Alfredsson.  I got chills I tell you.  I cheered extra loud for Phillips, as I always do.

There was a ceremonial puck drop featuring our Owner, Eugene Melnyk and a double lung transplant recipient, Hélène Campbell.  She is such an inspiration to many out there. 

We were then treated to Lyndon Slewidge singing the American and Canadian national anthems.  Sens fans know who he is.  Again, I got chills.  On a side note, I did not recognize him without his hat.

Then the moment we were all waiting for, the actual puck drop and start of the game.

It certainly didn’t take long for the crowd to get into the game.  They were cheering for the saves and the goals.  They jeered ex-Sens players on the Panthers team and they complained about Jason Spezza…one part I had almost forgotten about.  For the record, I’m not one of those complainers, I happen to love Jason.

The music was great and Stuntman Stu was on his game, not showing any rust after an 8 month break from PA announcing.

All in all, I left the arena after the game and couldn’t have been happier.  It does help that the Sens won, but the whole experience was fantastic.

I guess no matter how mad I was at the situation, I still love hockey and the Ottawa Senators and I don’t really think that will ever change.

Now on to a packed season!!!