Just returned home from the convention.  As I stated in an earlier post, this convention is a great way where fans from all over the US and Canada get together in a great social environment, spreading the love of hockey and the addition/enhancement of friendships.

Friday night, was the start of the activities.  Since the theme of this convention was “Buffalo - feel the warmth!”, the theme is a POLAR BEACH PARTY!  People were dressed in ‘cold’ themes.

There are many people that don’t like to get in costume (myself included… I embarass easily).  However, some people take this to the extreme!  It is usually the QUIET ones, well, you know what I mean.

After some “Buffalo Themed Buffet food”, conventioneers were dancing the night away, as well as ‘hanging’ in hospitality rooms, getting to know each other, as well as bidding on some silent auction and chinese auction items (ask me to see my Josh Harding puck). 

I also had the opportunity to get interviewed on Channel 2 in Buffalo on Friday afternoon.  You will see that when the season starts, the Sabres are changing their uniforms.  From the looks of the logo, it seems to be the St. Louis Rams logo on Quaaludes!  Since the Islanders have had that type of situation before, (remember that lovely logo!!!) the TV station asked for someone from the Islanders Club to talk about it.  And since I just happened to be walking by the Sabres convention room, well, there I was…

They (Channel 2) did two pieces, one on the logo, and one about the defunct clubs that attend convention.  Since their teams have left the NHL, fans from the Minnesota North Stars, Hartford Whalers, California Golden Seals, Cleveland Barons and Atlanta Flames, attend the convention.  Even though some places got new teams (i.e. Minnesota, Atlanta and California), the old clubs still exist and perform vital functions to their respective communities.  It is great that they still represent themselves in a classy manner.

Saturday was for actual ‘convention business’…  A representative from each team spoke about their club, what things they do, and what they intend to do for next year.  Since my wife Claire is now the President of the NY Islanders Booster Club, she gave our speech.  She told all about the great charity work that they do, as well as even made a joke about the recent moves that the team made.  She even brought ‘Charles Wang’s sorcerer to the speech (see picture).

After the meeting, some went on a trip on the “Miss Buffalo” - heading on a trip on Lake Erie.  Some had a delegates meeting, to discuss convention business.  If a city wants to host this convention, it needs to be approved two years prior.  Philadelphia bid to host 2007 and was approved last season.  Chicago bid for 2008 and was subsequently approved by the delegates.

Saturday night theme was a ‘pajama party’.  In past conventions, we have had theme nights where we had to get dressed in semi-formal attire.  Although these functions were nice and well presented, many people just do not feel that getting a suit or dress on, is just the way to go.  So wearing pajamas or a night gown is not such a bad thing (even the pictures will give it justice).

After some pomp and circumstance (the passing of the gavel from Buffalo to Philly), and the award for the most members attending convetion (tie between the Rangers and Red Wings).  It was dancing the night away and more socializing.

Also - the last thing that happens at convention is the annual SURVIVOR NIGHT.  Basically, it means hanging out in a room, staying up ALL NIGHT.  Not a problem for most, some can not handle it (like myself), but I believe over 50 did.  Playing games, doing stunts, and basically just being themselves.  It makes for the end of a great weekend.

Such friendships are created from this convention.  Believe it or not - many fans from teams that hold serious rivalries have good friendships.  Rangers - Islanders, Philly - Pittsburgh, LA - Anaheim.  In the case of this convention, Hartford - Carolina. 

Sunday means saying goodbyes, wishing each other well, and hopefully seeing each other during the season.  If not then, Philadelphia next summer.  In my personal experience, I have attended 18 consecutive conventions.  From Chicago to Vancouver, to today, I have had 18 wonderful weeks, meeting all sorts of people.  I feel sad that I am missing out next year.  My nephew is getting married on that weekend and I have to go to Cedar Rapids Iowa.  Anyway, it was a great week, that usually begins to get me excited and ready for the upcoming hockey season.

The Islanders sent 17 to convention.  We all had a great time in Buffalo.  We will be looking forward to attending the next one in Philly next year.

 Next week - we will finally get down to HOCKEY business. 

Gary