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...