Brent Seabrook (my first time getting an autograph)

I promised something kind of light and silly, and here it is. I didn't get autographs at the Blackhawks Night Rockford IceHogs game I attended recently; the lines were so long I wasn't even going to try, even if it did include a couple players who are particular favorites of mine. but then I found out the Lincoln Park branch of Starfruit Cafe (a new chain of frozen kefir places--I haven't tried it yet, but they started following me on Twitter and they're one of the few businesses I followed back) would be hosting Brent Seabrook from 4-6 pm Sat. March 6, the day after the Canucks game, where I happened to get the giveaway, a Seabrook drawstring backpack.


I got out a bit late. unlike Ms. Blackhawks, who mentioned the signing here (great photo at the end), I didn't show up early, not getting there till 4:30. there was a line, but not bad, not even halfway down the block. I walked back and forth a few times to judge how long it'd take and if I should wait, because I felt nervous suddenly, and worried about if I'd be done by 5 so I had enough time to get to the Chicago Wolves game vs the Admirals.


I was in line a few minutes later with a numbered wristband, and it was barely 20 minutes before I got into the cafe. cute place. surely, nothing says hockey like an adorable cafe full of pink/floral decor! I took photos of the people in front of me (and balloons).


then it was my turn! I said "Congratulations" (meaning the Olympics--and WHY didn't I bring a copy of the Tribune with the gold medal Blackhawks on the cover? I made a point to buy extra copies) and "Last night was my favorite game I'd been to this season. Great job" (meaning good job in his fight. a rare fight for Seabrook, and one that got him a 90+% win rating on hockeyfights.com! his on-ice performance has been off for a while). and he signed my little backpack (you'll see). I didn't feel like asking a stranger to take a photo of me with him. I'm trying to keep the 12-year-old-girlishness of this post to a minimum, but OMG he was cuter in person than I expected. (maybe his hair just doesn't look right in photos).


I took a few more photos of other people signing. the frozen treats looked good (and I want to give them business for hosting such a pleasant event) but I couldn't get anything and was still kind of nervous. I was out just after 5, but wasn't able to get to the Wolves game. glad I made it out for this, at least. I passed back along Halsted St. on the bus a little later, not quite 5:30, and there was no line. theoretically, I could have just hung out in there...but I went home and took this photo:


ha, totally didn't mean to wear a shirt that matched the decor of the cafe so well (wish I'd gotten a photo next to that wall!); I just noticed it was one I hadn't worn in a long time. I kept the hat on while I was there (and was too lazy to remove the wristband till hours later). I regret that winter/hockey hat season will be ending soon; I don't look nearly as good in baseball caps (and the only actual baseball cap I own is for the Iowa Cubs). and that's the doubtless fascinating story of my first time meeting a Blackhawk (or any pro athlete)!

now, I'll be away briefly for another first: my first time taking someone else to their first hockey game...

3 comments:

Aubrey said...

Very cool! I'm still too chicken to do the autograph thing. I can't even work up the nerve to go to the OSU signings. (Lame, party of one? Right over here.)

Starfruit Cafe is really cute. (Like Seabrook. Wow, the NHL mug shots really aren't doing him any favors.) What's frozen kefir?

Aubrey said...

Very cool! I'm still too chicken to do the autograph thing. I can't even work up the nerve to go to the OSU signings. (Lame, party of one? Right over here.)

Starfruit Cafe is really cute. Like Seabrook. Wow, the NHL mug shots really aren't doing him any favors! What's frozen kefir?

(Sorry if this comes through twice. I'm having technical difficulties today.)

Sal said...

Getting autographs is addictive. Don't believe me? Then check this out:

http://hockeyautographs.blogspot.com/