STRATFORD, NJ, USA
For once, I’ve got a few action-packed days.
Hockey
Yesterday, I went to the Flyers’ SkateZone ice rink in Voorhees to watch the Philadelphia Flyers’ prospects scrimmage against the Washington Capitals prospects.
SkateZone was the first place I worked; I started there almost exactly seven years ago, as a scorekeeper and clock operator. I worked through my last year of high schoo, and I filled during breaks from college. I hadn’t been back to the rink for a few years, but nothing had really changed. In fact, my old boss was even there to watch the game! (He works elsewhere now.)
I also ran into one of my friend from high school, which was also cool.
The kids played hard and were definitely out there to impress. The gameplay was pretty good–better than I expected. Most of these guys will be back in junior or Europe this year, although a few will make it to the AHL or even NHL.
I’d estimate about 250 or so people turned up to watch, including probably a dozen or so scattered Caps/Bears fans. (I saw one guy wearing a Bears t-shirt and cheering the Flyers’ team. 
) It was pretty crowded.
No one really stood out to me, but that might be because I was standing and peeking over heads for most the game. That might be what kept me from gaining any real insight, since I wasn’t able to focus too well, but I really enjoyed it anyway.
The Caps seemed to dominate the first and last 10 minutes of the game, but the Flyers seemed to take the middle of it.
Backstrom looked good, and no one looked horrible.
Caps’ new unis looked sharp. Better than I expected. I think the Flyers rookies were wearing practice jerseys. Their socks were kind of weird, but not terrible.
I hope they do this every year. Definitely a fun afternoon.
Flyers’ prospects won, 5-3.
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Wedding
In about an hour, I’m off to Philly for my friend Dan’s bachelor party!
(L to R: Me, the Dan who is getting married, our other friend Dan, and Dustin, way back in High School.)
Then tomorrow I have the rehearsal dinner (I’m not really in the wedding party, but I’m reading something nonetheless); the wedding itself is Saturday afternoon in New Castle, Delaware. I’m really looking forward to it.
My mom is spending tonight and Saturday night here with my grandmom, so I have some time off. Should be fun!
I probably won’t be on the computer much the next few days, but feel free to call the cell.
Filed under: Ice hockey, Life, South Jersey, WHAT?!
