LIKE CHATEAU LATOUR '61 PAUILLAC
from Razor @ http://blog.dallasstars.com/
Dec 05 08
What a night at AAC on Sunday!
Once again the cream rose to deliver the goods in a 4-3 Stars victory.
Maybe a lot of you are jaded by now. Maybe you don’t get as titillated when you witness supreme aplomb. Well the 16,000 plus at American Airlines Center sure appreciated the greatness.
Signs were peppered throughout the arena in anticipation of what was to come. Some were like shrines to what fans have come to love as only fans can. There were even those so dedicated in their affection that they could no longer mask their unconditional fanaticism.
Let history show that on the final day of November in the year 2008, between the hours of 5 and 8, fans of the Dallas Stars were synergistic with the reason they have to kneel at the altar of Stars hockey. And many of those same fans will be able to say they were there when what they had taken for granted for so many years opened up its hand and slapped them across the face – in a good way.
Because of wear and tear this night almost didn’t happen.
Warmup was used to shake a few bugs out.
But once the puck dropped there was little question that the goods would in fact be delivered.
In fact, after it was all said and done, the game had been bookended and fully enveloped by what they had all come to see – and yes, what they have all come to expect.
Razor and Ralph Night was indeed “one for the ages.”
And on this night the two of them kissed the adoring fandom back with a peerless performance that would be the envy of any booth in any sport.
(Oh ya, and Modano set up a goal and scored the winner to become the 31st player to accumulate 1,300 points)
Thank you Fanatics.
Thank you from the bottom of our pompous, self-absorbed, egocentric hearts.
We really truly deserved it.
Once again the cream rose to deliver the goods in a 4-3 Stars victory.
Maybe a lot of you are jaded by now. Maybe you don’t get as titillated when you witness supreme aplomb. Well the 16,000 plus at American Airlines Center sure appreciated the greatness.
Signs were peppered throughout the arena in anticipation of what was to come. Some were like shrines to what fans have come to love as only fans can. There were even those so dedicated in their affection that they could no longer mask their unconditional fanaticism.
Let history show that on the final day of November in the year 2008, between the hours of 5 and 8, fans of the Dallas Stars were synergistic with the reason they have to kneel at the altar of Stars hockey. And many of those same fans will be able to say they were there when what they had taken for granted for so many years opened up its hand and slapped them across the face – in a good way.
Because of wear and tear this night almost didn’t happen.
Warmup was used to shake a few bugs out.
But once the puck dropped there was little question that the goods would in fact be delivered.
In fact, after it was all said and done, the game had been bookended and fully enveloped by what they had all come to see – and yes, what they have all come to expect.
Razor and Ralph Night was indeed “one for the ages.”
And on this night the two of them kissed the adoring fandom back with a peerless performance that would be the envy of any booth in any sport.
(Oh ya, and Modano set up a goal and scored the winner to become the 31st player to accumulate 1,300 points)
Thank you Fanatics.
Thank you from the bottom of our pompous, self-absorbed, egocentric hearts.
We really truly deserved it.
Official Stars Fanatics Rally Scarf - ORDER NOW
from The Wall @ DallasStarsPodcast.com
Oct 7 08
Download Order Form Here
The time has come for the Stars Fanatics Rally Scarf ... Thanks to Mohawk Andy and the countless hours he and a handful of other fanatics spent creating the AWESOME design that is our new 2008/09 Rally Scarf it's finally time to order it!
Presale is going on now, with current delivery scheduled before the New Years Eve game (just in time for that Dallas Winter!) - but order quick before pricing goes up!!
WHAT: Stars Fanatics Rally Scarf Presale
WHEN: Oct 1 - Oct 31
WHO: Any Stars Fan can buy them
HOW: Payment with cash or through PayPal - Download Order Form Here
SPONSOR A STAR
How cool would it be to see one of these on the players? Ralph & Razor? Coaches? Maybe even Brett Hull? Help us get one of these on each of them and Sponsor A Star today! On the order form is a place to put how many scarves you are buying for the Stars.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
With these coming just in time for Christmas be sure to remember all your favorite Stars fans when purchasing your scarf - buy one for everyone on your list! And nothing says "I hate you" more than buying a Red Wings fan than buying them a "DALLAS 'TILL I DIE" Rally scarf! These will be here just in time for Christmas so be sure you remember them when buying too!
Download Order Form Here
The time has come for the Stars Fanatics Rally Scarf ... Thanks to Mohawk Andy and the countless hours he and a handful of other fanatics spent creating the AWESOME design that is our new 2008/09 Rally Scarf it's finally time to order it!
Presale is going on now, with current delivery scheduled before the New Years Eve game (just in time for that Dallas Winter!) - but order quick before pricing goes up!!
WHAT: Stars Fanatics Rally Scarf Presale
WHEN: Oct 1 - Oct 31
WHO: Any Stars Fan can buy them
HOW: Payment with cash or through PayPal - Download Order Form Here
SPONSOR A STAR
How cool would it be to see one of these on the players? Ralph & Razor? Coaches? Maybe even Brett Hull? Help us get one of these on each of them and Sponsor A Star today! On the order form is a place to put how many scarves you are buying for the Stars.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
With these coming just in time for Christmas be sure to remember all your favorite Stars fans when purchasing your scarf - buy one for everyone on your list! And nothing says "I hate you" more than buying a Red Wings fan than buying them a "DALLAS 'TILL I DIE" Rally scarf! These will be here just in time for Christmas so be sure you remember them when buying too!
Download Order Form Here
Fanatics Enjoy Icebreaker 2008
from staff @ Starsfanatics.comSeptember 16 08
We're ready for the new season - are YOU?!
My Night with the Stars Fanatics
from Amy of The Sign Girls
May 22 08
Let me start this by saying that I have wanted to sit with the Fanatics for quite some time now. I remember being at a game last spring and seeing that the Stars were holding auditions for something called the Havoc Fanatics. I was unaware of what all the group entailed, but from Jeff K’s description, it sounded like me. I attend every Stars game I am able to, and I watch or listen to all of the others while I’m at home or school. We request all the tickets in our package to be in the last row because I like to stand… and there’s my foot tall hat to consider. Most people usually don’t like sitting behind that. Anyway, I really wanted to go to the tryouts and try to be a Fanatic, but home is 200 miles north of Dallas and school is 250 miles south of Dallas so it’s hard for me to make it to games, much less tryouts on a Wednesday night.
So I didn’t try out for the Fanatics. I attended the last game of the season that year and spent much of the game looking at the Fanatics with my binoculars and wishing I could be up there. This past season, I started to get over not being a Fanatic by screaming and standing and generally doing whatever I felt like in my section. Needless to say, sometimes the people sitting next to me weren’t all that happy.
However, my time of not being a Fanatic was about to change. I had tickets to Game 4 of the Detroit series and I KNEW the Stars were going to win (I’ve never seen Detroit win against the Stars when I’ve been there). After standing down with our signs at the pregame skate, Sarah and I headed up to the Fanatics section because I wanted to get some pictures of all of their signs and artwork they had up for the playoffs.
We must have walked up at the right time because as soon as we got there one of the Fanatics was herding a Detroit fan out of the section. The Fanatic walked up to us (I don’t even think I ever got her name) and asked if Sarah and I would be willing to trade our tickets with Detroit fan and his friend because they couldn’t sit up in the section. We immediately said yes and showed the two guys to our seats. I did feel a little bad about leaving my parents and sticking a Detroit fan in my place, but I really wanted to sit with the Fanatics.
Sarah and I found seats in the middle of the section and got settled with our signs and multitude of other stuff. It was already time for the game to start and we found ourselves engulfed in the American flag. As soon as I realized this, I started to get giddy. I would get to help the American flag “wave” at the end of the anthem!
The game passed by in a blur. I’ve never felt so at home at a Stars game before. I got to stand up the whole game and yell and cheer as loud as I wanted without people looking at me like I belonged in a mental institution. One of the Fanatics wearing a Richards jersey recognized us from our blog and even took a picture of us in the section before the 2nd period started.
That brings me to another thing I got to do that I can cross off my life’s to-do list. I got to wave the Finnish flag before the 2nd period! As corny as it may sound, I love our Finns and I have wanted to wave the Finnish flag ever since I noticed the Fanatics waving flags for all the countries the Stars are from. I wanted to wave the Finnish flag because those guys are the nicest and sweetest hockey players you will ever meet. Plus they really like our signs for them. Lehtinen saw our signs at a practice and actually SMILED for a picture. I can’t tell you how many pictures I have of him where he looks like he’s in some kind of pain. Jussi used to shoot pucks at mine and Sarah’s faces when we held up our “We <3 our Finns” sign. After Jussi left, Hagman took over that duty and regularly smiles at me and shoots pucks right at the sign. I need to say a GIANT thank you to the lady who let me borrow her Finnish flag
By the end of the game I was exhausted and Sarah was sweating like she had played in the game. I think the Fanatics section is the only warm section in the arena. With all the screaming and jumping around, I can see how it gets toasty up there. Leaving the arena after a victory was a great feeling. Sarah and I stood near the escalator holding our “Believe” sign high above our heads and started several Stars chants with the people leaving.
I don’t know if this was my favorite Stars game ever (Game 6 against the Guppies is pretty high up there too), but I definitely had the most fun. I finally felt like I got to be myself up there, and all the other Fanatics were so welcoming to us “babies” in the section. I would love to come cheer with you guys again next season.
Amy
Sarah and I waving the Finnish flag before the second period started
So I didn’t try out for the Fanatics. I attended the last game of the season that year and spent much of the game looking at the Fanatics with my binoculars and wishing I could be up there. This past season, I started to get over not being a Fanatic by screaming and standing and generally doing whatever I felt like in my section. Needless to say, sometimes the people sitting next to me weren’t all that happy.
However, my time of not being a Fanatic was about to change. I had tickets to Game 4 of the Detroit series and I KNEW the Stars were going to win (I’ve never seen Detroit win against the Stars when I’ve been there). After standing down with our signs at the pregame skate, Sarah and I headed up to the Fanatics section because I wanted to get some pictures of all of their signs and artwork they had up for the playoffs.
We must have walked up at the right time because as soon as we got there one of the Fanatics was herding a Detroit fan out of the section. The Fanatic walked up to us (I don’t even think I ever got her name) and asked if Sarah and I would be willing to trade our tickets with Detroit fan and his friend because they couldn’t sit up in the section. We immediately said yes and showed the two guys to our seats. I did feel a little bad about leaving my parents and sticking a Detroit fan in my place, but I really wanted to sit with the Fanatics.
Sarah and I found seats in the middle of the section and got settled with our signs and multitude of other stuff. It was already time for the game to start and we found ourselves engulfed in the American flag. As soon as I realized this, I started to get giddy. I would get to help the American flag “wave” at the end of the anthem!
The game passed by in a blur. I’ve never felt so at home at a Stars game before. I got to stand up the whole game and yell and cheer as loud as I wanted without people looking at me like I belonged in a mental institution. One of the Fanatics wearing a Richards jersey recognized us from our blog and even took a picture of us in the section before the 2nd period started.
That brings me to another thing I got to do that I can cross off my life’s to-do list. I got to wave the Finnish flag before the 2nd period! As corny as it may sound, I love our Finns and I have wanted to wave the Finnish flag ever since I noticed the Fanatics waving flags for all the countries the Stars are from. I wanted to wave the Finnish flag because those guys are the nicest and sweetest hockey players you will ever meet. Plus they really like our signs for them. Lehtinen saw our signs at a practice and actually SMILED for a picture. I can’t tell you how many pictures I have of him where he looks like he’s in some kind of pain. Jussi used to shoot pucks at mine and Sarah’s faces when we held up our “We <3 our Finns” sign. After Jussi left, Hagman took over that duty and regularly smiles at me and shoots pucks right at the sign. I need to say a GIANT thank you to the lady who let me borrow her Finnish flag
By the end of the game I was exhausted and Sarah was sweating like she had played in the game. I think the Fanatics section is the only warm section in the arena. With all the screaming and jumping around, I can see how it gets toasty up there. Leaving the arena after a victory was a great feeling. Sarah and I stood near the escalator holding our “Believe” sign high above our heads and started several Stars chants with the people leaving.
I don’t know if this was my favorite Stars game ever (Game 6 against the Guppies is pretty high up there too), but I definitely had the most fun. I finally felt like I got to be myself up there, and all the other Fanatics were so welcoming to us “babies” in the section. I would love to come cheer with you guys again next season.
Amy
Sarah and I waving the Finnish flag before the second period started
FANATICS MAKE COVER OF DALLAS MORNING NEWS!
from Jeff K
May 18 08
WAY TO GO RONNIE, DEVIN, and ANDY!
HAVOC FANATICS featured ON LOCAL TV NEWS
from staff @ starsfanatics.com
May 13 08
fanatics and Ice girls support USO
from Senorita Fabulosa
Mar 30 08
Main Entry: he·ro
Pronunciation: 'hir-(?)o..
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural heroes
Etymology: Latin heros, from Greek heros
Date: 14th century
1 a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b: an illustrious warrior c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d: one that shows great courage
************
Today, I gave up a few hours of my life to say goodbye to men and women who were about to get on a plane headed toward hostile territory and possibly give up their lives. The Havoc Fanatics joined up with some of the Dallas Stars Ice Girls at DFW airport to spend some time with, and say goodbye to, US soldiers getting ready to head back to Iraq.
One of our Fanatics, Kasi, has been a volunteer with the USO for two and a half years, and she coordinated with the Stars and the Fanatics to get us out there with them at the airport for one of their daily soldier send-offs. I didn't know what to expect. I see this sort of thing on TV sometimes, but honestly, until I was in it, I had no idea what it was going to be like.
I arrived before almost anyone else and ran into John, Kasi's shift leader with the USO. I decided to wait inside the building for everyone to arrive, and finally we were all there. Jay, Kasi, and I represented the Fanatics, and six Ice Girls and Jennafir were there from the organization. After a brief orientation of what to expect and things not to say, we went through security and into a sea of uniforms. Most branches of service were there that I saw, and I was definitely a little intimidated (as I had been warned I might be). Some were on laptops, some on the phone, and others were sleeping. Where do I start?
The first man I talked to was an Air Force colonel. He'd been in for twenty-six years and loved it. We talked about different ways the AF was trying to keep personnel (focusing a lot of their budget on quality of life, for one) and different engineering projects he had worked on in the past. Aside from a lot of acronyms I didn't know, I was having a good time! I wasn't Chatty Cathy or anything, but I was able to slip pretty easily into conversations that people were already having. I tried simply to focus on staying positive and being a smiling face for these guys.
Jay and I had a pretty funny conversation with some MPs sitting against a wall about college football and the Ice Girls. We did ultimately convince them to get up and go say hi to some of them, and the tallest one (who was an impressive 6'8" with the build to go with it) posed with some of the girls hanging off of his arms. It was great. I really enjoyed seeing these guys get a little more animated and relaxed before their flight. After that group broke up, an Army sergeant started just talking about... stuff.
I can promise you I will remember that conversation, and that man, for the rest of my life. Sergeant John White. We talked about his MOS in the Army, his missions ("short" ones being 16 hours but often going longer than 24), internet problems when trying to talk to his wife, and all sorts of other things. He showed me where he had shrapnel in his right index finger from an IED that his convoy had encountered. This guy had been attacked numerous times, and to him it was just another event. "It could have been a lot worse," was the consensus from both of us. I'll never be able to adequately describe the respect I have for this man and his fellow soldiers. To be in harm's way day in and day out and still have a smile on his face and willingness to go on... I wonder if I have that same resolve within myself.
They got ready to board, and our Stars contingent lined up by the gate to shake hands with as many people as we could. I looked into everyone's eyes as they passed and wondered what they were thinking about. I shook hands and thanked them all and told them to take care of themselves. Then the most amazing thing happened: some of them thanked me for coming out. Really? You are going off to war, and you're thanking me for coming? This is the least I could do. My reply everytime I heard that was simply, "Thank you for going."
The last soldiers boarded, and I couldn't hold it in anymore. I walked over to one of the chairs that had just been occupied by one of them and started to cry. I didn't dwell on the fact that some of those men and women might not ever be coming home, but it was still very emotional for me. The weight of what they were about to go back into started to hit me a little. Of course, I will never truly know what they go through, but getting to know just a couple of them for a few minutes changed me. These people have families here. Friends.
Whether or not you agree with them being over there or why they're over there is irrelevant. They have answered the call to fight, and how many of us sitting here reading this can say that? I was so honored and privileged to be able to look into a pair of eyes, shake a hand, and say "thank you". Thank you for being braver than I am. Thank you for giving yourself to this nation and not asking for anything in return. I owe you my freedom and my whole way of life. We all do.
I love the Stars, they are some of the nicest guys around, but the men and women of our armed forces are my heroes. Godspeed, and come home soon.
Pronunciation: 'hir-(?)o..
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural heroes
Etymology: Latin heros, from Greek heros
Date: 14th century
1 a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b: an illustrious warrior c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d: one that shows great courage
************
Today, I gave up a few hours of my life to say goodbye to men and women who were about to get on a plane headed toward hostile territory and possibly give up their lives. The Havoc Fanatics joined up with some of the Dallas Stars Ice Girls at DFW airport to spend some time with, and say goodbye to, US soldiers getting ready to head back to Iraq.
One of our Fanatics, Kasi, has been a volunteer with the USO for two and a half years, and she coordinated with the Stars and the Fanatics to get us out there with them at the airport for one of their daily soldier send-offs. I didn't know what to expect. I see this sort of thing on TV sometimes, but honestly, until I was in it, I had no idea what it was going to be like.
I arrived before almost anyone else and ran into John, Kasi's shift leader with the USO. I decided to wait inside the building for everyone to arrive, and finally we were all there. Jay, Kasi, and I represented the Fanatics, and six Ice Girls and Jennafir were there from the organization. After a brief orientation of what to expect and things not to say, we went through security and into a sea of uniforms. Most branches of service were there that I saw, and I was definitely a little intimidated (as I had been warned I might be). Some were on laptops, some on the phone, and others were sleeping. Where do I start?
The first man I talked to was an Air Force colonel. He'd been in for twenty-six years and loved it. We talked about different ways the AF was trying to keep personnel (focusing a lot of their budget on quality of life, for one) and different engineering projects he had worked on in the past. Aside from a lot of acronyms I didn't know, I was having a good time! I wasn't Chatty Cathy or anything, but I was able to slip pretty easily into conversations that people were already having. I tried simply to focus on staying positive and being a smiling face for these guys.
Jay and I had a pretty funny conversation with some MPs sitting against a wall about college football and the Ice Girls. We did ultimately convince them to get up and go say hi to some of them, and the tallest one (who was an impressive 6'8" with the build to go with it) posed with some of the girls hanging off of his arms. It was great. I really enjoyed seeing these guys get a little more animated and relaxed before their flight. After that group broke up, an Army sergeant started just talking about... stuff.
I can promise you I will remember that conversation, and that man, for the rest of my life. Sergeant John White. We talked about his MOS in the Army, his missions ("short" ones being 16 hours but often going longer than 24), internet problems when trying to talk to his wife, and all sorts of other things. He showed me where he had shrapnel in his right index finger from an IED that his convoy had encountered. This guy had been attacked numerous times, and to him it was just another event. "It could have been a lot worse," was the consensus from both of us. I'll never be able to adequately describe the respect I have for this man and his fellow soldiers. To be in harm's way day in and day out and still have a smile on his face and willingness to go on... I wonder if I have that same resolve within myself.
They got ready to board, and our Stars contingent lined up by the gate to shake hands with as many people as we could. I looked into everyone's eyes as they passed and wondered what they were thinking about. I shook hands and thanked them all and told them to take care of themselves. Then the most amazing thing happened: some of them thanked me for coming out. Really? You are going off to war, and you're thanking me for coming? This is the least I could do. My reply everytime I heard that was simply, "Thank you for going."
The last soldiers boarded, and I couldn't hold it in anymore. I walked over to one of the chairs that had just been occupied by one of them and started to cry. I didn't dwell on the fact that some of those men and women might not ever be coming home, but it was still very emotional for me. The weight of what they were about to go back into started to hit me a little. Of course, I will never truly know what they go through, but getting to know just a couple of them for a few minutes changed me. These people have families here. Friends.
Whether or not you agree with them being over there or why they're over there is irrelevant. They have answered the call to fight, and how many of us sitting here reading this can say that? I was so honored and privileged to be able to look into a pair of eyes, shake a hand, and say "thank you". Thank you for being braver than I am. Thank you for giving yourself to this nation and not asking for anything in return. I owe you my freedom and my whole way of life. We all do.
I love the Stars, they are some of the nicest guys around, but the men and women of our armed forces are my heroes. Godspeed, and come home soon.
Love from the lower bowl
from Kasi O
Jan 25 08
The Buffalo fans were out in force downstairs but we ALWAYS out yelled them!! Though I was not able to always clearly understand the cheers from upstairs, I know the drum beats & horn well enough that I knew which cheers you were doing. Although, there were moments that I could even hear yall over the B-Lo fans!! Yall would start a cheer and small contingency of Stars Fans downstairs would yell (rather loudly I might add). We may have not got the entire arena yelling with us last night BUT anytime the B-Fans started their ONLY CHEER "Lets go B-Lo" Stars fans would NOT put up with it and started out yelling them. You DO NOT OUT YELL the home crowd! I was actually able to briefly sit back during one out-yelling match and just enjoy watching a good number of the Stars Fans out-yelling & taunting all B-Lo groups combined. That did my heart good!! The Stars fans were heckling the goalie. Stars fans were yelling with yall to the beats. WE ARE FINALLY GETTING THROUGH!!!
LMAO- There was a Buffalo fan- husband and wife sitting in front of me that live here in Dallas but are originally from Buffalo. I caught the wife of the Buffalo fan sitting in front of me starting to cheer with us! That should say something about how much we are contagious. OH! I also may have recruited 3 more people. There was a group of guys a few rows in front of me that were taunting and heckling Buffalo. They were their on their Corporate tickets. One of the guys gave me his business cards and asked me to send him more information about becoming a Fanatic! I know a lot of times we don't feel like our cheers can reach downstairs they DO!! I know we get frustrated with the "Cheap Seaters" in our section that don't cheer- we have other yelling fans in the arena to make up for them! We are making progress!! PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP FANATICS!!! We have had a really long season already don't give up now! We are just entering the last stretch. Its time to get our second winds or burst of energy and keep bringing the HAVOC to the AAC!!
LMAO- There was a Buffalo fan- husband and wife sitting in front of me that live here in Dallas but are originally from Buffalo. I caught the wife of the Buffalo fan sitting in front of me starting to cheer with us! That should say something about how much we are contagious. OH! I also may have recruited 3 more people. There was a group of guys a few rows in front of me that were taunting and heckling Buffalo. They were their on their Corporate tickets. One of the guys gave me his business cards and asked me to send him more information about becoming a Fanatic! I know a lot of times we don't feel like our cheers can reach downstairs they DO!! I know we get frustrated with the "Cheap Seaters" in our section that don't cheer- we have other yelling fans in the arena to make up for them! We are making progress!! PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP FANATICS!!! We have had a really long season already don't give up now! We are just entering the last stretch. Its time to get our second winds or burst of energy and keep bringing the HAVOC to the AAC!!
Fanatics Feedback
from May-Day @ StarsFanatics.com
Jan 11 08
The following email was received recently by Havoc Fanatic "May-Day"
I just found the e-mail for you yesterday. Just so you know who I am, I am the lady in the wheelchair you talked to last Saturday at the game. I have become a big Fanatic fan. I have read the information about the Fanatics and I am impressed with this codes that must be followed. My feeling is, I can’t play hockey so I am not going to be too critical. We are lucky that this group of Dallas Stars are not only good athletes, but good human beings. I am glad that I have met some of the Fanatics, because they are good people too.
I just wanted to say hello and tell you to have a great day. I hope to see you soon.
Jeana
I just found the e-mail for you yesterday. Just so you know who I am, I am the lady in the wheelchair you talked to last Saturday at the game. I have become a big Fanatic fan. I have read the information about the Fanatics and I am impressed with this codes that must be followed. My feeling is, I can’t play hockey so I am not going to be too critical. We are lucky that this group of Dallas Stars are not only good athletes, but good human beings. I am glad that I have met some of the Fanatics, because they are good people too.
I just wanted to say hello and tell you to have a great day. I hope to see you soon.
Jeana
Black, Green, White and Pink?
from The Wall @ DallasStarsPodcast.com
Oct 11 07
The Stars' 5-1 win over the Kings Wednesday night was met with mixed emotions - Not over gameplay, points or even Smitty's "bruised arm"; it was because many fans, and players, were remembering loved ones who have fought for the lives against cancer. Wednesday night marked the Stars' celebration of 10 years with Hockey Fights Cancer. The Stars, along with the Susan G Komen foundation, asked fans to "Pink Out" to show their support of the cause, and they did spectacularly.
Throughout the American Airlines Center there were patches of pink: the audio booth of Ralph and Razor, the ice girls, random patches of 2 to 20 in the stands, and 50-something in section 332 where the Fanatics went all out! Surrouned by Pink streamers, pink glow sticks and 3 giant sheets with ribbons painted on each and wearing gray "Team Komen" shirts with pink ribbons on them, pink hair and the occasional bit of pink face paint, the Fanatics showed support for the Susan G Komen Foundation and Hockey Fights Cancer; they even attempted a chant of "Hockey - Fights - Cancer", though that one was harder to hear than normal.
This was not only a celebration of support, however, as the Stars presented Shelby Dabney of Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids with Cancer a check for $10,000. Also, Philippe Boucher autographed pink Stars hats which were sold for $30 each, of which all proceeds were donated towards Hockey Fights Cancer. When all was said in done, the Stars could not have planned a better evening of rememberance for those who have fought and a celelbration of support for cancer research.
Thank you Stars - Thank you Susan G Komen Foundation - Thank You Hockey Fights Cancer
The Stars' 5-1 win over the Kings Wednesday night was met with mixed emotions - Not over gameplay, points or even Smitty's "bruised arm"; it was because many fans, and players, were remembering loved ones who have fought for the lives against cancer. Wednesday night marked the Stars' celebration of 10 years with Hockey Fights Cancer. The Stars, along with the Susan G Komen foundation, asked fans to "Pink Out" to show their support of the cause, and they did spectacularly.Throughout the American Airlines Center there were patches of pink: the audio booth of Ralph and Razor, the ice girls, random patches of 2 to 20 in the stands, and 50-something in section 332 where the Fanatics went all out! Surrouned by Pink streamers, pink glow sticks and 3 giant sheets with ribbons painted on each and wearing gray "Team Komen" shirts with pink ribbons on them, pink hair and the occasional bit of pink face paint, the Fanatics showed support for the Susan G Komen Foundation and Hockey Fights Cancer; they even attempted a chant of "Hockey - Fights - Cancer", though that one was harder to hear than normal.
This was not only a celebration of support, however, as the Stars presented Shelby Dabney of Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids with Cancer a check for $10,000. Also, Philippe Boucher autographed pink Stars hats which were sold for $30 each, of which all proceeds were donated towards Hockey Fights Cancer. When all was said in done, the Stars could not have planned a better evening of rememberance for those who have fought and a celelbration of support for cancer research.
Thank you Stars - Thank you Susan G Komen Foundation - Thank You Hockey Fights Cancer
ICE TIMES ARTICLE ON HAVOC FANATICS
from IceTimesMagazine.com
Sep 10 07
from the September 2007 issue of Ice Times Magazine..........
My Night With Slayer
by Jere Lehtinen @ Stars.NHL.com
Aug 31 07
see all the pictures here
As you know, I am a hockey player and not a writer so bear with me as I tell you about my night with the band Slayer. About a month ago the National Hockey League gave me a call in Finland and asked me if I would like to attend a Slayer concert at Nokia Theater in Grand Prairie on August 30. They told me that I would meet the band and the league would do a big feature on it, sending a camera crew and production staff. Since Slayer is one of my favorite bands, I could not pass it up.
Of course, it was a great night because I had the chance to see Slayer once again. I have seen them six other times so this was my seventh chance to go to their concert. This time was totally different though. Ive been twice before in Dallas and the other four times were in Europe, where they are absolutely huge. I actually met the band in Finland back in 2002, but there were six other guys and it was just a quick hello and then we were out of there (former Dallas Star Janne Niinimaa was the one who set that meeting up). This meeting was much more meaningful to me.
We arrived at Nokia Theater at about 5 p.m. and met Slayers management team. They couldnt have been nicer to all of us. They gave us All-Access, VIP Passes and told us to go anywhere we wantedanywhere, except for in the dressing room for Marilyn Manson, who was set to play after Slayer.
Shortly after arriving, Slayers managers took us into their dressing room. I was pretty excited because I knew the band was coming in next. After about 10 minutes, the door opened up and guitarist and co-founder of Slayer Jeff Hanneman walked in. He was a great guy to talk to, as we talked about the bands future plans, who is going to be good in the NHL next season and why he loves hockey so much. I was surprised at how big of hockey fan he was. He talked about the similarities in what he does and hockey. He compared the speed of Slayer and the NHL, as well as the intensity and the rush you get. It was very interesting to listen to him. We ended up chatting for about 10 or 15 minutes.
When Hanneman left, he came back with the other three guys in the moment I was waiting for. It was funny because the anticipation of waiting for them in the dressing room made me a little nervous. However, once they got in and we began to talk, it ended up being a moment I will never forget.
I also had the opportunity to present all four of them with Dallas Stars jerseys that they seemed very pumped to get. As I spoke with the four of them Hanneman (guitar), Tom Araya (singer), Kerry King (guitar) and Dave Lombardo (drums) it hit me that I have been listening to these guys for over 20 years now. Thats right, 20 years! It was back in the mid 80s that a few of my friends and I started to listen to this band from California (theyre from Huntington Beach). After we shook hands and they left, I couldnt wait for the concert to start.
The band allowed us to watch the concert from the left side of the stage. We saw them come out and could even see which songs they were going to play because we were directly behind one of their board operators. After a few songs on the stage, I decided to venture out and go down right in front of the stage. Once I got down there, you could feel the difference in the intensity from where I stood as the band played loud, hard and with passion. They havent changed a bit. I saw them 10 years ago and they played with the same exact intensity that they played back then. The whole place was packed and Nokia Theater was rocking. Thats a really cool place to catch a concert. I was surprised at how loud it got in there.
Slayer closed with one of my favorite songs, Angel of Death, and I left a very happy man. Like I said before, this was an experience I will never forget. Im sure Ill be seeing them again, whether in Europe or here in Dallas, and I cant wait for that next time!
see all the pictures here
As you know, I am a hockey player and not a writer so bear with me as I tell you about my night with the band Slayer. About a month ago the National Hockey League gave me a call in Finland and asked me if I would like to attend a Slayer concert at Nokia Theater in Grand Prairie on August 30. They told me that I would meet the band and the league would do a big feature on it, sending a camera crew and production staff. Since Slayer is one of my favorite bands, I could not pass it up.
Of course, it was a great night because I had the chance to see Slayer once again. I have seen them six other times so this was my seventh chance to go to their concert. This time was totally different though. Ive been twice before in Dallas and the other four times were in Europe, where they are absolutely huge. I actually met the band in Finland back in 2002, but there were six other guys and it was just a quick hello and then we were out of there (former Dallas Star Janne Niinimaa was the one who set that meeting up). This meeting was much more meaningful to me.
We arrived at Nokia Theater at about 5 p.m. and met Slayers management team. They couldnt have been nicer to all of us. They gave us All-Access, VIP Passes and told us to go anywhere we wantedanywhere, except for in the dressing room for Marilyn Manson, who was set to play after Slayer.
Shortly after arriving, Slayers managers took us into their dressing room. I was pretty excited because I knew the band was coming in next. After about 10 minutes, the door opened up and guitarist and co-founder of Slayer Jeff Hanneman walked in. He was a great guy to talk to, as we talked about the bands future plans, who is going to be good in the NHL next season and why he loves hockey so much. I was surprised at how big of hockey fan he was. He talked about the similarities in what he does and hockey. He compared the speed of Slayer and the NHL, as well as the intensity and the rush you get. It was very interesting to listen to him. We ended up chatting for about 10 or 15 minutes.
When Hanneman left, he came back with the other three guys in the moment I was waiting for. It was funny because the anticipation of waiting for them in the dressing room made me a little nervous. However, once they got in and we began to talk, it ended up being a moment I will never forget.
I also had the opportunity to present all four of them with Dallas Stars jerseys that they seemed very pumped to get. As I spoke with the four of them Hanneman (guitar), Tom Araya (singer), Kerry King (guitar) and Dave Lombardo (drums) it hit me that I have been listening to these guys for over 20 years now. Thats right, 20 years! It was back in the mid 80s that a few of my friends and I started to listen to this band from California (theyre from Huntington Beach). After we shook hands and they left, I couldnt wait for the concert to start.
The band allowed us to watch the concert from the left side of the stage. We saw them come out and could even see which songs they were going to play because we were directly behind one of their board operators. After a few songs on the stage, I decided to venture out and go down right in front of the stage. Once I got down there, you could feel the difference in the intensity from where I stood as the band played loud, hard and with passion. They havent changed a bit. I saw them 10 years ago and they played with the same exact intensity that they played back then. The whole place was packed and Nokia Theater was rocking. Thats a really cool place to catch a concert. I was surprised at how loud it got in there.
Slayer closed with one of my favorite songs, Angel of Death, and I left a very happy man. Like I said before, this was an experience I will never forget. Im sure Ill be seeing them again, whether in Europe or here in Dallas, and I cant wait for that next time!
Stars use boards to rough up NFL, NBA, MLB
from David Moore @ Dallasnews.com
Aug 31 07
see ALL the billboards here
If you've seen the billboard near American Airlines Center, you might think the Stars should be sent to the penalty box for slashing another sport when it's down.
Or you could soak in the message "The only thing our refs shave is the ice" and do what Mavericks owner Mark Cuban did.
Laugh.
"I think it's hysterical," Cuban said. "Good for them. It's a fun ad."
NBA commissioner David Stern isn't laughing. But then, how many Stars home games was he going to attend anyway?
The Stars and Door Number 3, an ad agency in Austin that helped devise the campaign along with Stars executive vice president Geoff Moore, didn't set out to offend anyone. The purpose was to display an edge, have some fun, convey how NHL athletes are the toughest around and get people talking hockey in the dog days of summer.
Oh yeah, and one other thing.
"We hope this translates into ticket sales," Stars president Jim Lites said.
It's too early to measure the impact on the gate, but Rob Scichili, the Stars' senior director of communications, said the initial response has been positive. Lites bubbled that the campaign has gone "viral" and said the club's web site "has been getting hits from all over the place" since the billboards were installed.
Five are up now. One more goes up today and two more Saturday. Eleven will be placed around the city by early November.
Most of the billboards use clever phrases to focus on the aggressive nature of the sport. A billboard by Central Expressway and I-635 states, "One game a week? Is the N in NFL for Nancy?" The club takes a jab at major league baseball, a passion of Stars and Rangers owner Tom Hicks, at I-635 and Old Denton with a sign that reads, "Maybe baseball should stop using the word sacrifice."
Lites said Hicks laughed louder than anyone at that billboard.
And Stern? The NBA commissioner was made aware of the Stars' campaign Thursday afternoon but relayed through a league spokesman that he had no comment.
Did the Stars have any reservations about referring to the NBA's officiating/gambling scandal?
"The answer would be yes," Lites said. "It's edgy. But we're really good friends with the Mavs. They're our partners in the building. I think we thought it would be taken the right way.
"It's not a slap at them. It's more of a snip. I think the same goes for the Cowboys. The NFL is the big daddy."
The most irreverent and outrageous stuff in the campaign hit the cutting room floor. Most of those had to do with dog fighting.
"We avoided taking a swipe at Michael Vick," Lites said.
Should the Stars be applauded for their restraint?
"Well, yeah, but it's a long life," Lites said. "We can take these billboards down and start over."
If you've seen the billboard near American Airlines Center, you might think the Stars should be sent to the penalty box for slashing another sport when it's down.
Or you could soak in the message "The only thing our refs shave is the ice" and do what Mavericks owner Mark Cuban did.
Laugh.
"I think it's hysterical," Cuban said. "Good for them. It's a fun ad."
NBA commissioner David Stern isn't laughing. But then, how many Stars home games was he going to attend anyway?
The Stars and Door Number 3, an ad agency in Austin that helped devise the campaign along with Stars executive vice president Geoff Moore, didn't set out to offend anyone. The purpose was to display an edge, have some fun, convey how NHL athletes are the toughest around and get people talking hockey in the dog days of summer.
Oh yeah, and one other thing.
"We hope this translates into ticket sales," Stars president Jim Lites said.
It's too early to measure the impact on the gate, but Rob Scichili, the Stars' senior director of communications, said the initial response has been positive. Lites bubbled that the campaign has gone "viral" and said the club's web site "has been getting hits from all over the place" since the billboards were installed.
Five are up now. One more goes up today and two more Saturday. Eleven will be placed around the city by early November.
Most of the billboards use clever phrases to focus on the aggressive nature of the sport. A billboard by Central Expressway and I-635 states, "One game a week? Is the N in NFL for Nancy?" The club takes a jab at major league baseball, a passion of Stars and Rangers owner Tom Hicks, at I-635 and Old Denton with a sign that reads, "Maybe baseball should stop using the word sacrifice."
Lites said Hicks laughed louder than anyone at that billboard.
And Stern? The NBA commissioner was made aware of the Stars' campaign Thursday afternoon but relayed through a league spokesman that he had no comment.
Did the Stars have any reservations about referring to the NBA's officiating/gambling scandal?
"The answer would be yes," Lites said. "It's edgy. But we're really good friends with the Mavs. They're our partners in the building. I think we thought it would be taken the right way.
"It's not a slap at them. It's more of a snip. I think the same goes for the Cowboys. The NFL is the big daddy."
The most irreverent and outrageous stuff in the campaign hit the cutting room floor. Most of those had to do with dog fighting.
"We avoided taking a swipe at Michael Vick," Lites said.
Should the Stars be applauded for their restraint?
"Well, yeah, but it's a long life," Lites said. "We can take these billboards down and start over."
Morrow a natural as Stars captain
from Jean-Jacques Taylor @ Dallasnews.com
August 20 07
A few weeks ago, Brenden Morrow walked into the Stars' training complex and asked to speak to the players participating in the club's developmental camp. First, though, he requested the coaching staff leave.
He proceeded to spend a few minutes telling the group what it meant to play for the Dallas Stars organization, the passion it takes to succeed at hockey's highest level and the expectations teammates should have for one another.
"For the young guys, there were some things I wanted them to know," Morrow said the other day at a coffee house near his home. "I didn't preach to them, but I told them what it was going to take to get here and stay here. "I told them things I had learned piece by piece since I've been in the league. Things I wished someone had told me when I was a young player."
This is what you want from your captain. You want your captain to willingly lead the organization. And you want it to come naturally. For Morrow, it does. For Mike Modano, it wasn't quite as natural. This is why Doug Armstrong and Dave Tippett made a good decision when they chose the 28-year-old Morrow to be the team's captain heading into last season, even though it was handled clumsily. There had to be some tense moments when the Stars named Morrow captain, because, as you might expect, Modano didn't like the decision.
There was never any problem between Morrow and Modano, who took a couple of golf trips together this off-season. Modano was mad at the organization. Now, though, we can say it was time for a change. The Stars had proven veterans in the locker room last season, including a handful of former captains. But what they needed was a player who would willingly do all of the little things, night after night, that it takes to win hockey games. They needed a guy who wouldn't mind making his teammates uncomfortable by holding them accountable, publicly and privately, for their performance on the ice.
The Stars begin training camp next month, and Morrow can't wait. He's determined to end the Stars' streak of three consecutive first-round playoff losses. To do so, he must impose his personality on the team. This isn't a knock on Modano, who remains the Stars' best player even at 36. He's still among the most electrifying players in the league when his legs feel good and his attitude is right. Morrow, however, gives the Stars grit. He's 5-11, 205 pounds with average speed. Morrow rarely makes spectacular plays, but he brings substance and determination. He understands that he must sacrifice his body to get close enough to the net to score because he doesn't have the skills to make an end-to-end rush. He hangs around the net, hoping to deflect a shot or bang in a rebound, and he pays a price physically for it.
Maybe the Stars would've fared better in the playoffs if he hadn't missed more than half of the season with a wrist injury. Perhaps more of his personality would've rubbed off on his teammates. There's no doubt, entering this season, that this is his team.
Tippett, who received a one-year extension after the season, and Armstrong should be pleased. Another first-round playoff exit and one of them will be unemployed, possibly both. The Stars have been champions before, so the standard is high. Morrow can help them get back to winning in the postseason.
Morrow proved he could handle his role in the team's first-round playoff series against Vancouver. Trailing 3-1 in the series, Morrow publicly challenged his teammates, saying too many of them refused to?sacrifice their bodies and go to the tough areas of the ice to get the puck or score a goal. Then he scored a power play goal in overtime on a deflected shot to beat Vancouver, 1-0, and extend the series. The Stars lost the series in seven games, but Morrow proved he wasn't afraid to embrace the moment and handle the pressure that accompanies the playoffs.
That's what you want from your captain.
"For the young guys, there were some things I wanted them to know," Morrow said the other day at a coffee house near his home. "I didn't preach to them, but I told them what it was going to take to get here and stay here. "I told them things I had learned piece by piece since I've been in the league. Things I wished someone had told me when I was a young player."
This is what you want from your captain. You want your captain to willingly lead the organization. And you want it to come naturally. For Morrow, it does. For Mike Modano, it wasn't quite as natural. This is why Doug Armstrong and Dave Tippett made a good decision when they chose the 28-year-old Morrow to be the team's captain heading into last season, even though it was handled clumsily. There had to be some tense moments when the Stars named Morrow captain, because, as you might expect, Modano didn't like the decision.
There was never any problem between Morrow and Modano, who took a couple of golf trips together this off-season. Modano was mad at the organization. Now, though, we can say it was time for a change. The Stars had proven veterans in the locker room last season, including a handful of former captains. But what they needed was a player who would willingly do all of the little things, night after night, that it takes to win hockey games. They needed a guy who wouldn't mind making his teammates uncomfortable by holding them accountable, publicly and privately, for their performance on the ice.
The Stars begin training camp next month, and Morrow can't wait. He's determined to end the Stars' streak of three consecutive first-round playoff losses. To do so, he must impose his personality on the team. This isn't a knock on Modano, who remains the Stars' best player even at 36. He's still among the most electrifying players in the league when his legs feel good and his attitude is right. Morrow, however, gives the Stars grit. He's 5-11, 205 pounds with average speed. Morrow rarely makes spectacular plays, but he brings substance and determination. He understands that he must sacrifice his body to get close enough to the net to score because he doesn't have the skills to make an end-to-end rush. He hangs around the net, hoping to deflect a shot or bang in a rebound, and he pays a price physically for it.
Maybe the Stars would've fared better in the playoffs if he hadn't missed more than half of the season with a wrist injury. Perhaps more of his personality would've rubbed off on his teammates. There's no doubt, entering this season, that this is his team.
Tippett, who received a one-year extension after the season, and Armstrong should be pleased. Another first-round playoff exit and one of them will be unemployed, possibly both. The Stars have been champions before, so the standard is high. Morrow can help them get back to winning in the postseason.
Morrow proved he could handle his role in the team's first-round playoff series against Vancouver. Trailing 3-1 in the series, Morrow publicly challenged his teammates, saying too many of them refused to?sacrifice their bodies and go to the tough areas of the ice to get the puck or score a goal. Then he scored a power play goal in overtime on a deflected shot to beat Vancouver, 1-0, and extend the series. The Stars lost the series in seven games, but Morrow proved he wasn't afraid to embrace the moment and handle the pressure that accompanies the playoffs.
That's what you want from your captain.
HAVOC FANATICS GETTING NATIONAL ATTENTION!
Apr 13 07
The Havoc Fanatics received a mention in USA
Today's Stanley Cup Playoff Preview
The video of the Havoc Fantics visit to NBC5 DFW has been posted on the National NBC Sports Website!
The video of the Havoc Fantics visit to NBC5 DFW has been posted on the National NBC Sports Website!
- Keep an eye out for articles / media / press about the Havoc Fanatics and please pass them along!
RAZOR on board w/ HAVOC FANATICS!
Mar 21 07
Darryl 'Razor' Reaugh predicts "The Havoc Fanatics will grow from the current modest crew of throaty souls in the upper bowl into a legion of vociferous fans hell bent on having an impact on the home-side".
DISRUPTING THE ORDINARY
from Darryl 'Razor' Reaugh's Blog at DallasStars.com
The Havoc Fanatics debuted on Sunday and they weren't hard to notice. (Which I believe is the point) They chanted and drummed their way through three periods and OT, providing much needed atmosphere and life inside the cavernous confines of American Airlines Center. They're not stunt fans. Not hired extras. They are true fans, perhaps all hopped up on the Dew, or the Pepper. Some in attendance may not care for the unyielding auditory assault, for them I say tap the breaks, and give it a few games. And I also offer this following explanation of why it's a great idea. Back in the old NHL, the one that stopped more and for much longer, there were lots of opportunities to inject music, noise and life in between the action. Fast forward to the "hurry up" era and there are stretches of 5 or 6 minutes of continuous play, not all of which involves anything you'd clap your hands or stomp your feet to. And because the league doesn't allow music, etc. to be played during this "action" (like the NBA circus does) its up to fans to wake the building up. Enter the Havoc Fanatics, drums-a-pounding. The other thing that can't be ignored is the atmosphere challenged acoustics at AAC. Beautiful building, no doubt, but it's a far cry from the intimate and intimidating edifice the Stars used to play in. So here's a prediction. The Havoc Fanatics will grow from the current modest crew of throaty souls in the upper bowl into a legion of vociferous fans hell bent on having an impact on the home-side.
I'm painting my body green with gold stars as w? speak! (And running low on gold, if you know what I mean...and I think you do)
DISRUPTING THE ORDINARY
from Darryl 'Razor' Reaugh's Blog at DallasStars.com
The Havoc Fanatics debuted on Sunday and they weren't hard to notice. (Which I believe is the point) They chanted and drummed their way through three periods and OT, providing much needed atmosphere and life inside the cavernous confines of American Airlines Center. They're not stunt fans. Not hired extras. They are true fans, perhaps all hopped up on the Dew, or the Pepper. Some in attendance may not care for the unyielding auditory assault, for them I say tap the breaks, and give it a few games. And I also offer this following explanation of why it's a great idea. Back in the old NHL, the one that stopped more and for much longer, there were lots of opportunities to inject music, noise and life in between the action. Fast forward to the "hurry up" era and there are stretches of 5 or 6 minutes of continuous play, not all of which involves anything you'd clap your hands or stomp your feet to. And because the league doesn't allow music, etc. to be played during this "action" (like the NBA circus does) its up to fans to wake the building up. Enter the Havoc Fanatics, drums-a-pounding. The other thing that can't be ignored is the atmosphere challenged acoustics at AAC. Beautiful building, no doubt, but it's a far cry from the intimate and intimidating edifice the Stars used to play in. So here's a prediction. The Havoc Fanatics will grow from the current modest crew of throaty souls in the upper bowl into a legion of vociferous fans hell bent on having an impact on the home-side.
I'm painting my body green with gold stars as w? speak! (And running low on gold, if you know what I mean...and I think you do)