Today I took my son to see some of the events surrounding the 2006-2007 NHL All Star Game in Dallas Texas. The NorthPark Mall hosted an event which included Todd McFarlane, NHL Celebs and Lord Stanley's Cup!  It was AWESOME to see so many fans, from all over North America, swarming the place. 

Being from Michigan, I was able to speak the language of those Canucks who looked like invaders from another world next to the jeans and cowboy boots of the locals. "Say Ya to da' U.P. Eh?"

To celebrate further, I think I will be digging up my all-time favorite hockey movie Strange Brew. I watched Slap Shot last night, but it had none of the sinister plots that one might expect from a true hockey classic!

We arrived around 11:30am and immediately began standing in line. I didn't quite know what we were standing in line for, but knew that once it was our turn in line, we would know what it was we were waiting in line for. (For the Brit readers, that's Queueing)

Defenceman Craig Ludwig was a solid player in his own end and a punishing hitter during his seventeen NHL seasons. His experience and savvy were an important factors on two Stanley Cup teams.

Born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Ludwig was chosen 61st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 1980 after a strong freshman season at the University of North Dakota. He played with the Fighting Sioux for two more years and represented the United States at the 1981 World Junior Championships. In 1982, he was named to the WCHA second all-star team.

The 6'3" defender was a solid addition to the Habs' blueline in 1982-83 and went on to play eight years for the club. His steady work was a factor when Montreal reached the semi-finals in 1984, won the Stanley Cup in 1986, and reached the finals again in 1989. His game was based on playing the body and using a variety of tricks to foil opposition forwards.

The rugged blueliner spent the 1990-91 season with the New York Islanders before he was traded to the Minnesota North Stars. Ludwig remained with the franchise when it relocated to Dallas and developed into a league power in the late 1990s. He was a member of another Stanley Cup celebration when he helped anchor the Stars' blueline in 1998-99 before retiring. - [legends of hockey]

Secord played his junior hockey with three different teams--the Westford Raiders of the MTHL and the OHL's Hamilton Fincups and St. Catharines Fincups. He was also part of Canada's silver medal team at the World Junior Championships in 1977. The Boston Bruins selected Secord as their first choice in the 1978 Amateur Draft and was 16th overall and began playing for them the next season.

After spending two and a half-mediocre seasons with the Bruins he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks where his career took off. His first full season with the Hawks saw Secord collect a career high in goals, assists and points while being named to the All-Star Game. Adding to his scoring touch, he racked up 303 penalty minutes on his way to becoming a feared player in the NHL. The next season, 1982-83, saw Secord top his goal and point production from the previous year with 56 goals and 86 points in 80 games while appearing in his second straight All-Star Game.

After spending seven seasons with the Blackhawks, Secord was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs where he enjoyed a fresh start. This lasted only a season and a half, however, and he was dealt to the Philadelphia Flyers as they made a run for the Cup. In the off-season, Secord rejoined the Blackhawks after signing as a free agent for one last year with in the NHL. Secord retired in 1990, only to come back and play with the IHL's Chicago Wolves in 1994. He played for two seasons before hanging up his skates for good. [Legends Of Hockey]

The Stanley Cup came in a little late, but what other sport, in all the world, would allow the average fan to touch and get photographed next to their most prized trophey (for free)? Long Live the NHL!

Spencer (and his Dad) get 2 of 3000 Todd McFarlane "Mike Modano" action figures!
He opened his... Dad is going to get his unopened package signed by Mr. Modano!