Oh the Memories....

If you didn't go to Vegas this year for the Adult Hockey Tourney, then you may not have to read any further. Some may still read for the entertainment, while others may read to get motivated for a future trip. Either way. the experience had by all the guys that went this year was great. Having said that, here are a few things that may trigger some of those memories...
Somebody's gonna get killed
Keep Laughin'
Going to the Cluuuuuub
$0.50 PBR
21 hour drive home
Stupid Utah Jazz
Dominique Wilkins Vs. The Unknown in the greatest fight ever
Dominique Wilkins at the casino
Hundreds cheering for the Blackhawks
The fanciest pancake presentation on the planet
$3.99 Steak & Egg Graveyard Specials
$13.99 Steak & Lobster at TGIF
Baskin Robbins & Fuddruckers
Hot Tub & Sun
The Attendant at the liquor store
7 AM Parley betting
Nate's Shoulder injury
Bishop, Dylo & Clutts as Players of the Game
Joe's Penalty
Blomquist's goal (on Shane)
$1.00 Coors
Adult Trading Cards
Wheel of Fortune
Bloody Marys
Dylo & Lowell winning on "40"...of the wrong color
Shuttle Buses

Please add if I missed!

Hockey Teammates Are Like Family

As the day neared to the Alien Vegas Team departure to their Las Vegas Tournament, it was finally hitting me that I was not going.

After I helped spearhead a group of incredible friends to go to Vegas last year, they decided it needed to happen again this year. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of closing our shop, unknown income & employment future, wife just starting a new position and a kid playing travel hockey, all led to the decision that me personally going to Vegas was not in my best interest financially.

The guys were disappointed, but supportive. They included me on all the emails, discussions & even had me run some of their practices. I was not feeling bad about not going because I still felt like part of the team. That is until a week ago.

Now the departure date was around the corner. The discussions escalated from booking airfare and hotel to items such as, "Where are we going to watch the first round of playoffs? MGM or Caesar's?" This made me realize that I was truly going to miss something that was such a great event with a group that was equal to the event. But, I had accepted the reality that it wasn't meant to be this year, and I decided to focus on "What about next year?".

So yesterday (Monday) morning, I get some texts and emails talking about the trip and how the guys wanted me there. I expressed that if there was anything I could do in my power to get there I would, but it wasn't in the cards this time around. Then the hockey family "magic" happened. Bishop & Fascian (2 Vegas teammates) contacted me and said I needed to pack my bags and meet Lowell & Clutts (2 more teammates) on Wednesday Morning to head to the airport. The next email was a confirmation for my flight. The team had raised money to get me there and the offer to stay in Lowell & Dylo's room came next.

I didn't want to go at first as I truly didn't feel right accepting this gesture. In the end, I realized that's what family does and graciously accepted their kind gift. I was told by Bishop that when he sent out a text asking who wanted to help get Joe to Vegas, he got 47 texts from the team figuring it out. With Fascian doing the final booking, all was set.

As I type this at 10:25 PM on Tuesday night with my stuff packed by the door waiting like a kid on Christmas Eve for tomorrow to come, I cannot express how thankful I am for the friends...no family, I have gained. Most of us have known each other now for only a few years, but it seems like a lifetime. We've supported each other in a variety of ways. From last year's trip to Vegas to raising some money for LeFleur when he dislocated his shoulder and missed some work. From planning the annual Dylo Family BBQ to the infamous Bishop's night out. We even coach teams & camps for kids together. Lowell & I coach a summer team together and Dylo & Bast help out and they don't even have any kids! Fascian, Lowell & I are running a clinic for kids with Marty Wilford this summer. Then you have guys like Clutts who design professional logos for the team and guys like Kelley who put that logo on his credit card! And although we even play on different teams during league at times, the family bond is still strong.

With some new additions to this Vegas crew, guys like Knipper, Dean, Keller, Blomquist & McCallum fit right in. Vegas veterans like Brand & LeFleur round out the best group of guys I have ever known. This is in addition to the supportive wives & girlfriends that not only support our team, but are also a part of it.

So without sounding too sappy (which I'm sure is too late now), I thank everyone of my teammates for making this trip possible. To me this trip is not an adult hockey tournament with a group of guys, but rather a family vacation.

(By the way, why am I flying coach? Was first class booked?)

No Hablo Hockey ....

Register early as only 48 players maximum and as of this posting, 10 already signed up.

• 8 Teams
• 4 Games Guaranteed
• Individual Registration Only
• (2) 15 Minute Periods
• Free Pizza
• Beverages Available
• Only $40
• Goalies Play FREE!

You can register online or mail a check. Visit the link for info on both.
http://www.alienhockey.com/cincodemayo.htm

Spread the Word!!!

Calling All Campers (Adults & Kids)

Champions Hockey Academy is coming back to put on another great camp this June 8th - June 12th.

With so many camp options out there and everyone competing for business, I wanted to provide some info on what I know about Champions.

Marty Wilford & John Krouse started this camp back in 2007 when it was known as the Stars Development Camp. They were both affiliated with the Iowa Stars at the time and after a successful turnout and rave reviews, they decided to do it again in 2008. This time, a new look, logo & name was created that better reflected what they were about. With these changes, Champions Hockey Academy was created.

Another successful camp in 2008 had people already wanting the camp to return the next year. With John's move to the San Antonio Rampage organization & Marty Wilford's contract to play in Germany, the camp's future was up in the air. After enough requests & some discussion, they decided to once again return for another year!

Someone reading this review may say that I am biased, and they would be right. I have been involved with this camp since the very first year. Not only have I participated in the Adult Camps each year, my son has also done the fundamental camp each year as well. On top of this, I have volunteered my time to be an on & off-ice helper the entire week for both years. I can say that having seen what goes on behind the scenes of making this a success makes me a believer in John & Marty.

The instructors are top notch and enjoy working with the kids and teach them alot. The off-ice instruction & strength training put on by "Stretch" is excellent as well. Even the cooking, planning & catering of Marty's wife, Shelly cannot be overlooked. All in all, many take it seriously to insure that the kids & adults have a great time & learn alot.

Marty makes his home in Des Moines during the off-season. I believe its important to support your local camps first, but only if they are worth attending...and this one truly is. They have taken the opportunity to offer some early bird discounts & multi-family discounts. I have been asked to help spread the word, answer questions & collect registrations. I encourage anyone with questions to contact me.

Here is a link to a registration form as well.

http://www.alienhockey.com/champions09form.pdf

I hope to see everyone there & spread the word about this great camp.