Luber's Spring Road Trip

So, when the team you cover doesn't make the Western Hockey League playoffs, what do you do?

For me, you take an 11-day trip that includes three NHL games, a MLB game and Softball Canada's Blue (Umpire) Convention in Hamilton, Ontario.
 
Here's some snapshots. Hope you enjoy!!

Game #1 - Los Angeles at Chicago

Opening faceoff for Kings/Blackhawks. Los Angeles won
5-4.

Brandon product Darren Granger on the Kings' bench. Darren
recently worked his 1,500th NHL game

The Blackhawks Ice Girls hard at work

 

Stan Mikita statue outside United Center



Bobby Hull statue outside United Center

Michael Jordan statue outside United Center

Opening faceoff for Game #2 - Calgary at Blackhawks. As
it turns out, this was Jarome Iginla's last game as a Flame.

Mr. T took part in the second intermission shootout

At the Blue Convention in Hamilton. Softball Canada's National
Director of Umpires Brian Van Os (left), myself and
Softball Manitoba DUIC Frank Fargey. I was honoured to be inducted
 into the Canadian Indicator Club at the Convention. 
The objective of this Club is to acknowledge contributions made by
individual umpires to the officiating program across Canada.



Took a tour of Ford Field. Here's the view of the stands
from the centre of the field.

View from 50-yard line at Ford Field

Detroit Lions' locker room

They take uniforms very seriously in the NFL.

Comerica Park in Detroit is right across the street from Ford Field

Ty Cobb statue inside Comerica Park. I took this picture through
the gate as the park wasn't open to the public.

Another entrance to Comerica Park

Monday, April 1st - Detroit Red Wings vs Colorado Avalanche

JLA before the game

Jordin Tootoo getting ready to block a shot

Jordin Tootoo and myself in the Red Wings'
dressing room after the game

Game #2 of season - Colorado at Milwaukee



Me with a statue of mascot Bernie Brewer inside Miller Park

Brewers' OF Ryan Braun taking batting practice

First pitch - Milwaukee's Marco Estrada to Colorado's Dexter Fowler

 

The famous Milwaukee between innings sausage race

Great experience overall, but I'd have to say my favourite part was the two games in Chicago, and not just because I'm Blackhawks' fan (okay, maybe slightly because of that).

The United Center had one of the best fan experiences you could have based on their game-night production and how they utilize the video scoreboard to involve the fans.

 


It's an unbelievable experience as a whole.

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