Tis’ a Good Morning.

Very few things can make me this happy before noon, but a little taste of hockey season this morning changes such.

I finally met Shelby, not that we didn’t know each other, but it was our first conversation without a computer or cell phone in front of us. She’s a lovely girl and, just in case there was concern, not a crazy killer with a knife or something.

Anywho, we received a tip that former and current Sabres, along with some random guys, practice at the Pepsi Center in the early am, so we ventured out to see them.

Sure enough, Adam Mair was there, because he doesn’t leave the city ever. Patrick Kaleta showed up, which was apparently his first time showing up. Petey was also there probably because he doesn’t know where else to go for the time being. Captain Rivet was also there, but he didn’t stay long, I’m sure his intense maturity level couldn’t handle it.

Oh! And Connolly! How did I forget him? Maybe because I’m not use to seeing him skate…

As for the FORMER Sabres, and we will ignore Michael Peca so it doesn’t damper on my excitement, there was this guy…

who I only recognized in the Team Canada jersey when he walked by me because of those beautiful eyes (and the goalie gear, but ya know). I was soooo excited, but I didn’t say anything to him inside the actual rink…aside from laughing when he tried to yell early, and Petey was pestering him saying ‘ ten more minutes!’ (Mr. Biron had a meeting at 11).

And there was also some Jay McKee guy who was not going to get much attention until he was OUT of that Penguins jersey. Honest to God, when he signed my puck, I was literally on edge of going ‘ why the Penguins?!’ But, I wasn’t sure he could take it in a joking way, because I adore Jay and I’m sure he made what he thought was the smartest move. Still…

I do hope that Marty was secretly happy that I had an Islanders puck (that I bought yesterday).

Just as Patty 2 must have been when I kindly filled up the water bottle that he threw over the glass to me.

And the excitement did last until the last minute because Marty had actually parked next to me in the parking lot.

We didn’t get out there with enough time to get a picture of such, but that did not stop me from getting one of the empty parking space.

HA!

Shelby and I do plan to venture out to the center in the next few days to see what other kind of trouble we can get into. Like free hugs…

Just Say No.

So, last night while driving around Clarence at midnight, I learned a few things.

Matt Ellis signed a one year contract

FANTASTIC NEWS! Matt is probably one of the Sabres I like more for their personality than their playing- though I think he is a good player, but he’s just soooooo nice! Even though it’s only one year, and we will go through this panic next season, its crossed off the list. It’s also evidence that Darcy is still alive.

Ales signed a three year contract for the Rangers

I’m not sure how I feel about this. I actually found it out while researching rumors that he was going to sign with the Devils (this is much, much better). I would have drove around Buffalo singing a tribute to him had he come back, but I don’t blame him, he got no love from here. But, if he found a team that is willing to love him (and pay for him) then good for him. He’ll probably add a lot of fire to that team, and I am deathly afraid of Rangers shootouts from now on. Get crackin, Ryan!

Jay McKee signed with the Penguins

I screamed in the car, and my nose twitches just typing this. While he hasn’t OFFICIALLY done it, it’s in the final round of talks. Ugh, I HATE it. I hated that such a talented guy was on the Blues but now I REALLY HATE that he’s on THAT team. Of all teams, Jay!

I think this is because since the Blues dumped him, he feels all depressed and his self esteem is just shot, so he was going to go to the first team that would take him, even though he’s vulnerable and it’s going to be a very abusive relationship, but he will still somehow feel loved in the end.

I watch toooo much Lifetime.

(Honestly, I thought there was legit hope that he was going to come back here)

On a random rant (this is a blog, afterall), I hate how TBN says (a lot of things, but…) that Moore and Max have taken off, when neither of them of signed elsewhere. Surely, they are the two we don’t expect back, but no ones gone until they’re gone! Its July 10th, afterall.

In other free agent news, Niittymaki signed with Tampa Bay (like, this morning, I just checked the tracker). It is now official that the Marty/Niitty bond that I, and so many people in Philly, adore. Unless he goes there too…since he has to go somewhere.

To shine the light on something not nearly as painful, a friend and I were in Toronto on Wednesday.

they were filming a movie, that we walked through about four times, and had real/fake snow. like it was real, but shouldn’t have been there? i walked in it! i walked in snow in July! not even Buffalo can say that (yet).

We went there. After walking about 42 blocks in a random direction.

Felt up Stanley

(I have about 400 pictures from inside, but will not go there)

got my second tattoo, and it still hurt less than the off season.

But it was easier than renewing my Canadian passport. We’ll see how this goes with the Sabres during the season…whoever they may be.

Staff Infections > Purple Hearts

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iOv-ANRsubroJ16IS64eoqIhVfOAD994KRTG0

Shameful? Yes. He’s injury prone, but many of those injuries come from him sacrificing himself to give the goalie a break. Hell, he was better than Miller at times.

There is not even the slightest suspicion that the Sabres are going to get him back. But if they did….

Adios, Jaro…