Lunch with the Stanley Cup Champions

We were very fortunate again this year to be invited by one of Kevin's chemical suppliers to the annual "We Love the Hurricanes Luncheon". Last year we went and had a blast and were surprised when Debbie invited us to attend again. We sat with Ray Whitney, who was a real nice guy and we heard lots about his summer in his home town of Edmonton, his adjustment to Raleigh, his hockey history and then a lengthy college football conversation with some other guys at the table at which point I zoned out. :)

He is playing at the first exhibition game tonight and left early so we didn't get a picture with him, but we did nab Eric Staal and grap a photo with him. He really is tall. We also said hello to Frank Kaberle, who we sat with last year and absolutely loved. He will be sidelined most likely all of this season after surgery and was wearing this arm brace that looked incredibly uncomfortable. So while we're sad we wont' see him on the ice, it was nice to see him in person. Obviously he's not going to remember we sat with him, but several of us at the table last year said hello at the same time and mentioned it and he was so gracious and warm. A great guy.

My only complaint is that the Stanley Cup was not there. I was really hoping this would be my chance to see it up close and not have to wait in line with thousands of other people at the Caniac Carnival in a few weekends....bummer.