Way back since yesterday, at least. We got to “meet” all of the Hurricanes at the annual Skate With The Canes charity event. “Meet” is a term used rather loosely, since the only one I actually talked to was Kevyn Adams. That’s not a bad thing, since Kevyn is my favorite player on the team. No, he doesn’t have a whole lot of points, but every time he touches the ice he tries to make something happen. His work ethic is second to none, and I don’t think you’ll see many people put as much effort and energy into every shift as he does (Erik Cole, Craig Adams, and Marty Murray come close). It was great to see him get that break-away goal recently. So, of all the pictures we got yesterday, I think this one is my favorite: Me (who, had he known he was going to have his picture taken, would have damned well shaven his noggin that morning), Julia, and number 14 himself, Kevyn Adams. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a damned nice guy as well, talking with Cat and I for a little bit.
It should be noted that he was on skates and I wasn’t, so I’m not that damned short.
There’s a few more pictures inside, if you’re interested.
Here’s the first group in the locker room pictures. Interestingly enough, Bob Boughner — seen here on the far left — was one of the nicest ones in this group, sticking up for us a bit when the line drones tried to hurry up the works. “We’re just visiting with the baby here.” Then asking for a second shot to make sure that we got a good one… which was a good thing, since Cat blinked during the first one 
. So, here we have from left to right (not including Cat, Julia, or me) Bob Boughner, Erik Cole, Josef Vasicek (who does indeed earn his nickname “Big Joe”), Niclas Wallin, and Jaroslav Svoboda.
And the second group, consisting of — again, from left to right — new coach Peter Laviolette, Glen Wesley, Eric Staal, and Marty Murray (who Cat thinks is just “adorable”).
We also got new autographs from various players and just had a good time. Cat got to skate around the RBC center ice with some of the players, including Ron Francis, Kevyn Adams, Aaron Ward, Jamie Storr, Sean Hill, and Bret Hedican… I had the girl, so I wasn’t about the get out on the ice with her, skates or no skates. It was a pretty cool experience and hopefully next time I’ll be able to get out on the ice too… with an 18 month old in tow.
EDIT: My spelling checker’s recommendation for “Boughner”? You guessed it, “Boner”. Poor guy.
I love hockey! Wish I could still play buy can’t due to a knee injury. You guys look like a very happy family!
I was able to meet Kevyn when he played for the Columbus Blue Jackets. I work in a day hab facility for MR/DD adults. I’m also a game promotions volunteer for the Jackets. I asked for a visit to our facility and Kevyn was the one who came. He was WONDERFUL!! His wife was almost 8 months pregnant with Emerson when he visited. Apparently, he was asked at the last moment and came without question. He was so gracious and loving to our folks. Of course, they were on him like white on rice, but he hugged, shook hands, posed for pictures, and signed autographs for anyone who wanted. One of my ladies and one of my gentlemen were arguing over getting their pictures taken with him. The “lady” flipped off my gentleman. Kevyn just laughed and asked me if she knew what that even meant. She tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Kebyn…” He said, yes…she put up her middle finger and with a smile on her face said “That means f**k you!” She had to let him know, I guess! Anyway, he’s a great man and we miss him here.
You know I’ve been sitting on the fence figuring out how to reply to this one doncha? But I just can’t do it. It looks like a good time was had by all.