Meeting Bobby Hull & Stan Bowman/ Blackhawks Shutout Blues Photo Feature #OriginalPhotos #ParkPoints #ChicagoParks

Earlier this month we had an EPIC win from Chicago Park District and their new Park Points Program.  We won 4 tickets to see the Chicago Blackhawks Vs. The St. Louis Blues, and a meet and greet with Blackhawks Vice President/General Manager, Stan Bowman! 

Our game seats were phenomenal--14th row behind the goal ($180 seats) and even better--The Blackhawks WON 4-0 in a rare SHUTOUT!  It was also a momentous occasion marking the 1,000th game for Center, Michal Handzus, and the 700th NHL win for Coach Quenneville! 



HAWKS WIN!!!!

We even got an xtra bonus meet up with uber famous Blackhawks alum, Bobby Hull!!!!  I have rarely seen my huge hockey fan husband soooo excited. He was like a little kid at Christmas.  





Check out our slideshow here for our full set of behind the scenes & game shots.  We've included our favorites at the bottom of this feature as well. You may have already seen our live Tweets/FB updates/Instagram shots during the game. If not, click the links & check it out.



We were sooooooo stoked to win the tickets. My husband is a huge, lifelong Blackhawks fan and I've dug them since I moved to Chicago in 1990. Our 10 & 13 year olds have grown up loving The Blackhawks too. "Back in the day" before we were double Stanley Cup Champs and everyone and their mothers wanted Hawks tickets, we'd get $10 day of game seat all the time. 

Don't get me wrong... We're thrilled to have an excellent hockey team now and never thought they'd bring home the cup TWICE in our lifetimes after such a loooooong dry spell. But the downside is, now we're pretty muchly priced out of the games and tickets are impossible to get, so we were extra happy to win 4.  

Even when the Blackhawks lost all the time, we were diehard fans and loved to come to live games. Now we watch as many as possible on TV and are still huge fans, but we're mostly relegated to loudly cheering them on from the comforts of our couch. After the first goal the kids were so funny. They cheered wildly then commented that being at the LIVE game was like hearing Dad amplified 21,000+ times... every cheer, groan, and player directive they usually just hear yelled at the TV by 1, was echoed by an excited United Center FULL of fans. Powerful stuff! 

Our Park Points ticket win was an even sweeter victory, since we thought we'd lost.  I bid all 900 of my Park Points on the game and was watching it till nearly 1am, when I was still winning with 15 minutes to go.  With nothing left to bid, I went to bed with my fingers crossed & awoke to find we'd been outbid by 75 points and lost it.  We were bummed out, but accepting. Then we got an awesome e-mail: 

Congratulations! Due to an ineligible bid for the Park Points™ Meet the VP/GM of the Blackhawks Experience we have disqualified the highest bid. As the second highest bidder for this experience, you have been declared the winner. 

The first place bidders had cheated... and got caught and disqualified, making us the winners. Woo hoo!!

Everyone at The United Center was incredibly friendly and great to us! We all got goodie bags with bobble heads, programs, and hats. And Stan Bowman signed photos for us and gave us a grand tour of the box where he watches the games.  

As a location sound engineer, my husband works loads of the Bulls & Bears games interviews for all the major sports networks, which is cool, but he hasn't gotten called yet for what he'd really love to work... The Blackhawks.





Sage (10) told Stan Bowman that one of her favorite players is Swede, Johnny Oduya, but she got shy and wussed out on doing her announcer voice for Stan. She has this hilarious way of belting out "JOHNNY ODUUUUUUU YAH." that just kills us.  Stan said Oduyah is one of his 8 year old son's favorites too! Sage also wishes he didn't trade "Buff Dude" (Dustin Bufuglein), another of her favs. 

It was sweet to see behind the scenes and get to shoot some photos in the VP/GM lair. We felt pretty VIP. When we first meet Stan Bowman, Bobby Hull just happened to be passing by and my husband did a 180 spin and said "Excuse me sir, can I just shake your hand." He grinned, in his charismatic way, and not only shook Dug's hand, but offered to stop and pose for a few family photos with us and Stan, too!!  Ah the memories.

We also got to hold and try on one of the championship rings and check out the diamonds up close. I never realized the main staff got them too, and could personalize them. Our escort, Annie, Director of Youth Hockey, got her young daughter's name on hers. Super cool!

LIVE TWEET: Tradition! Ice cream during 2nd intermission. #ChicagoBlackhawks#atthawks #ImAtTheGame Thanks a zillion for the ticket win Chicago Park District. We're huge, lifelong fans of the park district & The Blackhawks!

We're more than happy to spread the word about the Park Points Program and encourage everyone to check it out and sign up here. So many times, special experiences like this are only available to the rich, connected or media. But The Park Points Program makes it possible for ANYONE to WIN. This program is incredible and it's easy to join up. Like we need more incentive to get out and enjoy the Chicago Park District!

We're already huge fans of the parks, with a daughter on the Chicago Comets competitive gymnastics team via Avondale Park Gymnastics Center. Our son went to pre-school at CPD Brands Park and our kids have grown up taking numerous classes like pottery, soccer, hockey, ice skating, nature camp, swimming and more. They've also grown up enjoying special events through the parks since birth. 

LIVE Tweet/Instagram/FB:

Epic WIN. Woo hoo! Rock star seats for Chicago Blackhawks Thanks a zillion Chicago Park District

WIN BLACKHAWKS TICKETS & EXPERIENCES: Thanks again Chicago Park District! We WON 4 tickets to the Chicago Blackhawks game tonight and a meet n greet with their GM. Woo hoo! Can't wait. Sooooo stoked! 

Meet n greet with Stan Bowman-- Chicago Blackhawks VP/GM. Thanks ChicagoBlackhawks 1MFans & Chicago Park District!!! The Park Points program rocks!

We're happy humans indeed! Thanks for the rockstar seats and the ticket win Chicago Park District. We're waaaaay beyond stoked to be here! #atthawks #ChicagoBlackhawks #ImAtTheShow

 #Blackhawks #atthawks #ImAtTheGame "Keep your head on a swivel & get the puck to the net." Can you tell we listen to a lotta Eddie O?!

#GOAL 2 to 0 @Blackhawks !!  #ImAtTheGame #ChicagoBlackhawks#ChicagoParkdistrict #atthawks

Anyone else call 'em shovel girls or is it just me?  #ChicagoBlackhawks#atthawks #ImAtTheGame

My husband and I have had a running bit for the last 18 years, where he vocally ogles the Ice Crew, just to mess with me, and I say "Get the girls some pants before they freeze." Then I counter with feminist rants about why the girls should make more than $50 a game and comp tickets to be drooled over by a gazillion drunk hockey fans. I also tell him we should get Magic Mike lookin' Ice Boys in G-strings to go with the "Shovel Girls", instead of the full jumpsuit wearin' shovel guys.  Who's with me, women?!  Am I right or what? DH tells me the players are all the hot guys on ice action we girls get, and he's got a point. They are pretty hot... but all that padding... Doesn't seem like a fair deal to me on the eye candy front! 



When my daughter Sage was 5, some of The Shovel Girl Barbies signed a photo for her and excitedly chirped about her being a future Ice Crew Girl. She told them she'd rather be a goalie. That's my girl!!  Check it out here.

Best Game of the Season!

Thanks a zillion for the tickets & meet n greet, Chicago Park District. We had a blast and are truly grateful, honored, and excited that we were there, up close, for such a stellar game. You rock!

We back you #Blackhawks #atthawks #ImAtTheGame. You made our day ChicagoPark District! Thanks for the ticket win for one of the best games of the season!!

4 to nothin' #Blackhawks shutout??!! #ImAtTheGame#ChicagoBlackhawks #atthawks

Our Favorite Shots From The Night:

Play Locally-Chicago Weekend Fun: Blackhawks Training Camp Festival, Mucca Pazza, Steampunk Tea, 57th Street Children's Book Fair, The County Fair, Love, Loss & What I Wore Opens

Mucca Pazza plays a free show this Sunday at 4pm at The Logan Monument


Once again, Chicago rushes to cram in as much festy fun as we can before the cold winds bring winter snows our way.   


Kindie (kids' indie) Best:
Of course we'll be at Families in the Loop's sold out Brunch & Boogie this Sunday at 10:15 and Andy Roo at Beat Kitchen at noon with cameras rolling.   ChiIL Mama gave away 4 tickets to both shows.    We're sponsoring Beat Kitchen's Concerts for Kids, so look for family 4 pack give aways every week!




Also, check out The County Fair at Garfield Conservatory, 9/17 11-4 and The 57th Street Children's Book Fair, 9/18.    



We also highly recommend punch rock marching band, Mucca Pazza, 9/18 Sunday, at the Logan Square monument.   Free with RSVP.

Blackhawks Training Camp Festival
We'll be back for the 3rd year in a row, to cover the sold out Blackhawks training camp festival.    Fun fun!    Check out our past, photo filled coverage 2010 & 2009.



Steampunk Tea

Ready for some fun, all ages steampunkery?   This Sunday marks the end of Chicago Steampunks' Watch Chains and Lace summer series.

Watch Chains & Lace is our Steampunk Tea & Music Summer Series featuring live acts, music, tea, vendors, art exhibits, DJs, socializing and tours of Pleasant Home itself the fourth Sunday of June – August, 2011.

September 18 

This event is all ages! 

Entry is $5

Afternoon Low Tea is an additional $5 (with purchase of entry ticket.)

Please DO BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE

http://steampunkchicago.com/tickets/

Located at Pleasant Home

217 Home Ave

2 blocks from the Harlem Green Line Stop

2 blocks from the Marion St. Metro Station

Pleasant Home, also known as the John Farson House, is a national historic land mark designed and built by noted Prairie Style Architect George Maher for investment banker John Farson in 1897, and later purchased by inventor, Herbert Mills (Mill’s Novelty Company). Pleasant Home is located in the heart of Oak Park, Illinois, one the nation’s most architecturally significant villages.

Afternoon Tea 4pm – 5pm

A formal Low Tea will be served with finger food. Appropriate dress is required,

children are welcome but we ask that only those 13 and over participate in the

tea itself.

The finger food will be light, local & seasonal fare. Vegan and gluten free selections offered.

You must purchase your tickets in advance to attend the Tea 

Vaudeville Performers, Musicians and DJs 5pm – 10pm

September 18th

Sanjula Vamana – Genuine sideshow!

SanjulaVamana.com/home.htm

We'll also have the lovely Paul Lewis playing piano for us at tea.

The Lady Lisa Marie Ogle doing Tarot readings

Perhaps some Klezmer dance lessons

and of course

LAWN GAMES!

Every Sunday features:

Live DJing by Steampunk Chicago DJs on the Fusion-O-Scope

A variety of vendors

A reserved bar with cocktails, beer and wine for those 21+

Tours of Pleasant Home itself

Love, Loss & What I Wore 
We'll be checking out opening night on Sunday and we'll have a full review up for you next week.   We're thoroughly looking forward to checking out Broadway in Chicago's latest offering.


Our photo filled recap from the press event at Watertower Place will be posted this weekend.

Mellow Yellow Monday--ChiILin' At The Blackhawks Game-Viktor Brings Sweet Victory

Box seats-sweet treats-sweet suite


Just like the yellow stitching in the famous Blackhawks logo, we were feeling pretty mellow yellow last night as we relaxed in a corporate suite on the club level of The United Center with a film crew that was in from New York.   We had plenty of food, drinks and cushy black seats far more comfy than the stadium usuals.   It was a marked contrast to the last 2 games we attended during last season's playoffs where we had standing room only, behind the top level of seats!


We couldn't bring the kids to the game this time, but we did bring them some pretty cool cookies off the dessert cart.   Our son's showing off the pretty pastries above.


The mellow turned to raucous cheering, though, when The Chicago Blackhawks  won a sweet 3-2 victory over The Mighty Ducks with less than half a minute left to go in overtime!   Viktor Stalberg's goal ended the Anaheim Ducks' six-game winning streak. 


Check out last night's game photos HERE on Facebook.   Click the link below for more Mellow Yellow fun.   


Also, don't forget to enter HERE to win a Wii NHL Slapshot game by EA Sports and a stick autographed by hockey great, Luc Robitaille.
(Enter ChiIL Mama's Win A Disc Wednesday through midnight on Tuesday, November 23rd, for your chance to win.)   

Win A Wii Disc Wednesday: NHL Slapshot Game and Luc Robitaille Signed Stick

All photos by ChiIL Mama--Blackhawks Training Camp Festival 2010

We love hockey as much as we love great music and books. So, this week we're taking a little detour and offering something special for Win A Disc Wednesday....A Wii NHL Slapshot game by EA Sports! 


This contest will run 2 weeks instead of 1 and we'll be giving away a Wii NHL Slapshot game ($59.99) and stick signed by hockey great, Luc Robitaille, (priceless) on ChiIL Mama and one on ChiIL Out with Chicago Parent!   Enter at the bottom of this post to win.




We've only had a chance to check out the basics, so we'll be posting lots more details about game play and game action photos in the weeks to come.





Early reports are favorable.   The kids said it's lots of fun.   Instead of just seeing the Chicago Blackhawks, they get to BE The Blackhawks!   The kids spent a few fun family hours challenging their Dad.   The game play is easy to pick up, so friends and family who aren't avid gamers can jump right in on 4 mini games.   Pick from shooter vs. goalie, 2 vs. 2, classic shoot out, or free for all.


NHL Slapshot can be played with just the Wii remote and Nunchuk, but my game testers tried both and thought playing with the sticks was much better.   

http://www.easports.com/blogs/inthecrease/post/slug/assembling-the-nhl-slapshot-stick-accessory-with-pictures. 

You can shoot, pass, and check, all while embodying your favorite players.    Even if you're barefoot in the family room, you control all the cold steel on ice action as your movements are recreated.   Exercise your mind and body, as you create plays or smash your opponents into the boards. 

There are 4 basic modes for game play.   You can start as a pee wee player and work your way up to the NHL.

   

You can play a whole season as your favorite team. 

  

Or, if you want instant gratification, you can skip right to 

The Stanley Cup Final, without losing any teeth.   Then there's always the 4 mini games we mentioned before.

You can custom design your own original player or be the athletes you wish you were, like Tazer, Sharpie, Duncan Teeth or Kaner.   

You can even choose jersey #99 and be Wayne Gretzky in any mode.   Hockey greats transcend team loyalty.   Who wouldn't wanna be Wayne Gretzky?!   He still holds a place of honor in fans hearts and on the front of the NHL Slapshots box.

Speaking of hockey greats, two weeks from today you could be playing your own NHL Slapshots game with a rockin' stick signed by Canadian super star,  Luc Robitaille himself!   How cool is that.

Enter here through midnight on Tuesday 11/23.  Winner announced Wednesday, 11/24.   One entry per family.   Winners chosen by random.org number generator.   Prizes will be sent by EA Sports and can be mailed anywhere.

  

To qualify:

1.   follow ChiILMama on Twitter or Networked blogs and/or "like" on Facebook

2.   enter below

Good luck!