Welcome to the New Year/Winter Classic

Although it's a few days late... Happy New Year :) I hope that 2011 is everyones best year yet!  I was fortunate enough to spend the first day of the new year at Heinz Field for the Winter Classic.  I went with Bill and Andrew (as seen below in the picture) and we had a fantastic time.  It didn't get too chilly until the hard rain during the third period.  This first picture is one of my favorites, all the little 8's vs 87's. .. then you've got the big dogs on the back rink.  I want to shout out to Jack Megaw, even though he has a Caps beanie on in our photo.  It was great to see friends I haven't seen in a while.  Even though we didn't win, it was a great experience and the atmosphere was unbelievable.  

Pittsburgh Penguins and the North Market

This past weekend, my girlfriends and I took a trip to Columbus, OH. for the Penguins V. Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena.  First off, our hotel was FILLED with Pittsburgh people.  Second, on our walk to the arena from our hotel, chants were heard all over the streets "LETS GO PENS!"  There was a sea of black and gold, along with the blue winter classic jerseys.  It was incredible to see the fan base that traveled.  Hoards of people were in line to get inside screaming "LETS GO PENS."  When we were inside, 4 girls in Pens gear (us) sat in the middle of what looked like to us the only Blue Jackets fans.  "Oh great" was mumbled when we sat down by a couple of men behind us.  Needless to say, we annoyed them because we had much to cheer for :)  The Pens were up 4-0 at the beginning of the second period, "LETS GO PEN-GUINS" clap clap clap clap clap, overlapped any faint "LETS GO JACK-ETS" attempts.  Then Pens fan started the wave.  It was an incredible experience.  The Pens won 7-2.

The next day, we went to this place called the North Market.  It's similar to how the Strip District looks on the weekends, but it's everyday there (and all inside.)  It's the only public market in Columbus for unique, independent merchants and farmers to sell their goods.  There was fresh seafood, meats, and cheeses.  Fresh baked goods, spices, candies, flowers, coffees and teas.  Everything you could think of!  We got fresh made sushi for lunch, and other things to snack on.  On the top floor, they had tables set up for individuals selling things like, clothing, jewelry, and candles.  We found this woman who made winter hats out of old sweaters!  These one of a kind hats were so cute we couldn't pass them up.  Our trip to Columbus was a great little weekend get away. 

It's been awhile...

I have not updated recently because I have been away.  I just returned from Bridgeport Connecticut.  Home of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers - AHL team to the New York Islanders.  My uncle is the assistant coach, and I was fortunate enough to photograph games this past weekend.  On Saturday they faced off against the Manchester Monarchs - AHL team to the Los Angeles Kings.  Here is part 1 of things that happened on my trip to Connecticut.

First time in Consol Energy Center

Thursday night was my first time in Consol Energy Center.  Boy is that place beautiful.  I shot the Robert Morris University v. California University of Pennsylvania mens D3 club hockey game.  Before the game, Pittsburgh Penguins Derek Engelland and Tyler Kennedy were signing autographs. There was a huge line, but they kept signing even past the allotted time. 

There were lots of fans in attendance for both RMU and CALU.  This was also a big game for CALU as they are trying to prove to their school that they should have a rink built for them. It was an exciting game, RMU had a 4-2 but was then defeated by CALU 7-5. I was excited to have an all access media pass and be able to catch some of the action of the night.

(Me and my Dad (RMU assistant coach) at center ice thanks to Jeff McCullough)

"Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it."