…and not in the face as I’ve seen over the years!
This evening’s 5-4 SO loss to the Abbotsford Heat (near Vancouver and they’re the affiliate for the Calgary Flames) was tense, especially with my Stars overcoming a two-goal deficit in the third period; Wathier nailed the GTG as Bachman left the goal empty and one minute of play remained.
Then came the overtime which is always exciting but tonight it was special. While Lukowich was trying to maintain puck control to set up the shot for the forwards against the Heat, he knocked it over the glass and into the stands. It was one of those good slow-motion moments in life. The puck arced perfectly into my two hands. Nobody in rows A or B diverted it or swatted. If I missed, the biscuit would’ve hit me in the chest anyway. I ribbed Somara saying I protected her from a good bruising; she was sitting diagonally behind me. Thankfully, there wasn’t much English or speed on the puck since it was knocked out of play by the teams vying for control so it didn’t smart.
I was beside myself with joy as did a quick happy dance for the crowd. I have no recollection on my moves. Somara claims it involved rump shaking. A couple fellow attendees congratulated me afterwards yet no mention of the booty steps. Regardless, I’m going to see if I can get the whole game via the AHL’s online archives when they’re posted. I don’t care about the dance. I want to see this cool moment from another angle. As I told a friend who asked if I got to keep the puck, this is the Canadian equivalent of catching a foul ball.
Other details? An official game puck is made in Canada. I have a practice version from pre-game warmups (these also hop over the glass/net when the players shoot too hard and/or miss), those are made in Slovakia. The real thing has the AHL’s commissioner’s signature with the league logo on side and the Stars’ logo on the other.
First thing. Get a souvenir case for it which the Container Store sells, I have two already: my inaugural and my Calder Cup pucks.
Next. Ask Brad Lukowich to autograph it for me.
If I do find the video of my catch, you know I will post it here ASAP.
One final matter. I told Jeremy he can sit in seat #1 more often now because I’ve designated it the lucky seat.