Have A Skate With Bob- November 10, 2012 in ROCKFORD (merged)

[Mrs TBird]

A number of places around the BMO were addressed and they were either not able to accomodate the number of our group, not open at that time or not willing to guarantee us a space. There is a microbrewery within walking distance which would have been fantastic not only for their beer and food but there separate room was perfect for us. The owner is a schmuck and would not block it off for us even with a guarantee of what we would spend. A F'n idiot and I have let a number of people know about it. Our only other option was to load up our cars and drive somewhere and then you had parking to consider once we came back, people drinking, etc.....



The decision to stay at the BMO was made after days of other considerations at other places that I personally went to.

And knowing you said it was for a charity event they're still being bastards??? Totally fucked u



And I'm sure BMO wouldn't let you just 'rent' the lounge area & have something (even just pizza) brought in.

 

[Mrs TBird]

When your sponsor doesn't get a chance to eat, changes have to be made, plain and simple.



They will be made, even if I have to cater it myself.

The sponsor didn't get to eat???? I didn't eat cause I didn't reserve my spot. BTW, one of the stands there has the best fries!!

 

[MassHavoc]

btw, if you want me to take on some of the food stuff, I can ask around out there some too. I have a bunch of ideas about that, but I'll get into that with you somewhere besides here.

What the hell do you know about food!

 

[IceHogsFan]

And knowing you said it was for a charity event they're still being bastards??? Totally fucked u



And I'm sure BMO wouldn't let you just 'rent' the lounge area & have something (even just pizza) brought in.

Yeah, the microbrewery I gave them all the documents on the event, agreement with BMO and my card to prove my point. He said no to my face on the spot with his business manager standing there getting PO'd at him with a "what the hell are you thinking look" at him. A total ass..........



Keep in mind BMO did not charge us for the space there. If it happens to be the same next year I would push the subject of either a caterer or just doing a better job managing it. No one was supposed to eat until they had wristbands for the players, sponsors and those who reserved but when I came back up from locker room it was already a free for all. Oh well, in the greater scheme it was more minor and we are certainly glad that others understood.

 

[R K]

You live and learn from experience. Next year these are the things we learned from this year.



It's all more than good IMO!

 

[klemmer]

Remember, "no" is not to discourage us, but an opportunity to show how badly we want something.



If they don't want to be part of Skate, fucque 'em.

 

[agenthehe]

What the hell do you know about food!

consumption... I'm an expert!

 

[MassHavoc]

consumption... I'm an expert!

Right there with you! The puck isn't the only thing you shouldn't pass me anymore.

 

[jakobeast]

The food thing to me was a bit messed up, but really in the scheme of things, a non issue.



A few of our fans were told they had to leave after the game. Adam's wife Joz and a few others were basically booted out of there. There seemed to be a lack of communication, but after having done it once already, it will be easier next time.



The other thing I would change, and it isn't up to me so take it with a grain of salt, is the auction. There were some great Hawks stuff there. Amazing things really. It raised a lot of cash for HASB and PANCAN, and that's what really matters.



However, there wasn't much diversity. While I am sure the Toews and Kane HASB sweaters were a big draw, I think there should have been some more IceHogs stuff. Maybe a signed HASB sweater? If we could get a hold of IceHogs paraphernalia, I believe we may get more monies in.



Also, what about other things there for bid other then hockey stuff? Just spitballing here, but how about something like a spa day, perhaps a local eatery may donate a pizza party or something, or a weekend getaway to Chicago, something that the non hardcore hockey fan might like?



Just my 2 cents.

 

[jakobeast]

I am dumb.

 

[agenthehe]

I am dumb.

yes, you are but we still like you...



As far as the auction goes, things are going to change and grow some and I had some ideas, but not the time to institute them this year. 4k for an auction of that magnitude the first time in that enviornement is actually pretty awwesome and is about if not a lil more than the Hawks make on their nightly game auction (for bh charities) and they have 5 full time employees who do BH charities, they draw 10 x's the people we had at the game and they are incharge of their own promotion for what happens in a game.



I don't think any more ice hogs stuff would have raised a whole lot more as the team signed stick only drew $150 I believe, with the hogs being readily available out there to sign stuff for fans already, they really aren't going to pay a lot so I get where you are coming from as on quick thought it seems logical but really wouldn't be huge. Ex hog stuff on the other hand where they can't get to current NHL'ers easily might pay off more as well as local resturaunts, spa's golf courses, stores ETC...



Bob and I are talking next week.



I can't ask for a whole lot because I already beg and steal for my own foundations golf outing auction and other things as I help with 2 others. I love helping institue this part and next year with the right stuff there is no doubt we could do 7-10k ish... but again I need peoples help bringing in these other things because there are a lot of people I can't ask multiple times a year or I look gready bastard. No reason we can't start gatehring now though for those that want to help with and for next year!

 

[R K]

The food thing to me was a bit messed up, but really in the scheme of things, a non issue.



A few of our fans were told they had to leave after the game. Adam's wife Joz and a few others were basically booted out of there. There seemed to be a lack of communication, but after having done it once already, it will be easier next time.



The other thing I would change, and it isn't up to me so take it with a grain of salt, is the auction. There were some great Hawks stuff there. Amazing things really. It raised a lot of cash for HASB and PANCAN, and that's what really matters.



However, there wasn't much diversity. While I am sure the Toews and Kane HASB sweaters were a big draw, I think there should have been some more IceHogs stuff. Maybe a signed HASB sweater? If we could get a hold of IceHogs paraphernalia, I believe we may get more monies in.



Also, what about other things there for bid other then hockey stuff? Just spitballing here, but how about something like a spa day, perhaps a local eatery may donate a pizza party or something, or a weekend getaway to Chicago, something that the non hardcore hockey fan might like?



Just my 2 cents.

There was a Raffle for the Ice Hog signed jersey. There was also a team signed Ice Hog Stick wasnt there?



I think the Auction items compared to what they have at the Hawks games and other events such as the Brian Campbell Charity were dead on. If you'd like to call Grand Geneva and or other places to see if they'd donate items I'm sure we could auction them off. Although I know a lot of work went into what was gathered for the Auction.

 

[Maiden]

Next year, we should say to hell with the catering at the rink. Overpriced, and the food...wasn't very good. We should make reservations at a local place for food/drinks between our game and the Hogs game. Also, a little tailgating outside before going out to eat wouldn't hurt either! That's really my only suggestion.

As someone who has put a game like this together in the past at the Metro Centre (screw the sponsor) the first rule I was told was no one could leave the facility once they entered. Not sure if that was the case for your event. I do remember the catering charges being ridiculous so we passed on that aspect and just ate from the concession stands once they opened. To whomever the poster was that said the food was bad I couldn't disagree more. Anything I have had there has been very good; and way better than the crap they serve at the UC these days.



Like anything else it was the 1st annual which means the second annual will be improve and so on and so on. Sorry I couldn't attend.

 

[Maiden]

Where exactly do you think that stuff comes from? It doesn't grow on trees Jako. Next year I want you spending a month calling around athletes to get items for the Auction.



I think the Auction items compared to what they have at the Hawks games and other events such as the Brian Campbell Charity were dead on. If you'd like to call Grand Geneva and or other places to see if they'd donate items I'm sure we could auction them off. Although I know a lot of work went into what was gathered for the Auction.

I bid $100 for RK's fedora!!!!!

 

[R K]

I bid $100 for RK's fedora!!!!!

Was Rex's. Where the hell were you? Hockey Tournament?



And I think they meant the buffet foot, not the Metro Center food. It was not the same. Corn Dog I had during the game was quite awesome.

 

[Rex]

If it helps, i was the prettiest one there.

If it helps, i was the prettiest one there.

you're the guy that spent $600 on a practice jersey, right?

 

[Rex]

oh, and I will kill those little whores that fucked up my anthem.

 

[IceHogsFan]

As someone who has put a game like this together in the past at the Metro Centre (screw the sponsor) the first rule I was told was no one could leave the facility once they entered. Not sure if that was the case for your event. I do remember the catering charges being ridiculous so we passed on that aspect and just ate from the concession stands once they opened. To whomever the poster was that said the food was bad I couldn't disagree more. Anything I have had there has been very good; and way better than the crap they serve at the UC these days.



Like anything else it was the 1st annual which means the second annual will be improve and so on and so on. Sorry I couldn't attend.

BMO is under new management and quite frankly, through people having connections with the newer staff, they have been more open minded to these type of events and working with the event coordinators. I believe we would not have had the same level of success or support even two years ago. They did let people leave the event and come back as well. Just one of the many changes........

 

[klemmer]

BMO is under new management and quite frankly, through people having connections with the newer staff, they have been more open minded to these type of events and working with the event coordinators. I believe we would not have had the same level of success or support even two years ago. They did let people leave the event and come back as well. Just one of the many changes........

Yep. BMO staff was GREAT!

 

[Lampshade_gurl]

Cool. I figured it out. Alrighty here's the sign I made. I wasnt there in time to get everyones jersey #. Hence blank area over to the left corner but looks alright.