Let me preface today’s blog with this…

You all know I generally steer away from the “girlie” stuff about the players. I have to do it to you today though, sorry GUYS.  I always keep that girlie part separate, because I’m a hockey fan for the love of the GAME.  But like I said…today, this one is for the ladies.

We arrived kinda late.  Joining me were the roomies/besties Ramon and Mini, Ramon’s sisters (hereafter referred to as, “the sisters”) and OviKen (guess who he thinks he is?!  LOL!).  As we approached, I saw the guys were making their way out to their respective signing tents.  As I looked over, I noticed a tall blonde guy, “who’s that?!”  Oh right…Corey Perry, you know, that guy who had two beautiful goals last night!  HA!  As we were walking towards the building, out walks Ryan Getzlaf.  One of the sisters LOVES Getzlaf and she has a hard time speaking around him.  So Mini did it for her…”Hey Getzlaf, it’s her birthday, giver her a hug!” Getzlaf laughed, smiled, and obliged.  That sister was on cloud nine for the rest of the night.  And by the way, it really WAS her birthday!  We avoided the long Getzlaf line for the rest of the night.

Mini, who’s the creator of the nickname “Big Sexy” went to wait in line for him.  The Sisters and I made our way to visit Luca Sbisa and Petteri Nokelainen. Too cute and too sweet!  Very nice guys, the both of them.

I then made my way over to see one of my personal favorites, Ryan Carter.  He was there alone because Evgeny Artyukhinwas running late or something (he showed up just as I was done with Carter…you know what I mean!).  I told Ryan Carter that I didn’t bring my Carter jersey…”awwwwww!!!!”  I congratulated him on a great goal the night before and he posed so wonderfully for this picture.  Those eyes!  ;)  I also spotted someone with a “Got Ryan Carter?” t-shirt.  I want one!  I didn’t ask about his chin…poor thing, he’s definitely got a few stitches!

I then joined my friends back in line waiting to see Joffrey “Big Sexy” Lupul himself.  This had to be the highlight of the night!  Mini, who’s normally very outspoken, was getting nervous as we approached…this was her Big Sexy!  As we walked up, she made a mention to him about his nickname and took a picture with him.  I didn’t hear her say anything, so when I got up there, I asked if he knew what his new nickname was.  He was flustered and said, “yea…I’m not signing anything like that!”  The sisters and I continued to ask for him to sign something with that name and he continued to laugh.  He was a good sport about it (but didn’t sign anything with his new nickname)!  I don’t think Steve Eminger appreciated being looked over, but he smiled along side Big Sexy as I snapped this picture.

Finally we headed over to see Sheldon Brookbank and Ryan Whitney.  Mini wanted to give Whitney a hard time about the Angel/Red Sox match-up and I just wanted a glimpse at Brookbank.  Mini bursted out with the honest line, ” you’re CUTE!” to Brookbank, who so kindly said, “Thank you!”  She then turned to Whitney and said, “GO ANGELS!”  He just laughed and I asked if he was wearing the speedo’s for the bet he lost.  I asked to take a picture of the two and Whitney put his fist to Brookbank’s jaw, I didn’t capture the picture in time, and when I told him to do it again, he just said…”nawwwww…”.  That Brookbank sure does photograph well, doesn’t he?

At the end of the night we were able to get last minute signatures from both Andrew The Little Guy Ebbett and George Parros.  (Which somehow worked out well since Ebbett has been placed on waivers this morning.)

We took a tour of the smelly Locker Room (You would HAVE to be a guy to handle that smell…AWFUL!)

When all the signing sessions had come to and end, Bobby Ryandidn’t stop (what an amazing guy).  Once inside the concourse area, fans were stopping him for more signatures and pictures.  I snuck up and grabbed this one.  Notice the George Parros autograph on his hand?  He’s got a matching Mike Brownsignature on his right hand.  He told the sisters that he lost a bet.  It’s probably better than having to wear speedo’s, right Whitney?!

The whole night was too much fun, and I’m glad I got the nerve to see my boys.  I’m never one to ask for autographs, or like I said, go all girlie about how amazingly good looking they are, but I couldn’t help myself today.  I just want to take them home with me, I’ve decided.

Other than the insane heat and humidity, the night was tons of fun.  I am so honored to be apart of a fan base with such an amazing group of guys representing a wonderful organization.  There is no comparison when you’re a Ducks fan…these guys go above and beyond.

And damn, they’re cute too (you won’t be hearing that from me for a long time…)!

GO DUCKS!!!