After the Feine Family Christmas we traveled to Madison for the Badger's vs Michigan State Hockey game. For those of you who may not have heard Braeden won a contest for his age group in which he submitted a design for the goalie, Scott Gudmandson's goalie helmet. Here is that link: http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/102710aab.html
He received two free tickets and we found two more tickets on ebay. So, Brad and I and the boys both went! It only took us 2 hours 30 min to get to Madison. We were anticipating it to take us a little over 3. The football game had just let out and the Badgers had won a berth to the Rose Bowl so the streets were packed. We found a parking ramp near the rink and the boys were super excited to get inside. Once inside, we found spots that they were giving away posters and trading cards. The boys were stoked about their free goodies. Our letter from the Badgers stated to meet at the information booth. We found two Badgers people milling about and discover that they were the "information booth". They instructed us that after the game they would come and get us and bring us down to the locker room to meet Scott.
Brae and I found our seats about 5 rows up behind the goalie. Brad and Preston's were two rows up behind the Badger bench. The Badger's ended up winning 4-1 and Braeden and I made it on the jumbotron!
The Badger escorts found us at our seats. I had to text Brad and Preston to come over to our seats, too. Then, it was down to the locker rooms. The Badger people gave all the winners an 8x10 glossy of Scott. We were informed that Scott needed to attend the after game press conference and he wanted all of us to go to it, too! The press conference ended up just to be a handful of Madison press people. We thought we would may be have to start answering questions. It was still fun to experience. On the way back to the locker rooms Scott walked with our family. Of course he had to ask us, "Where are you guys from?" When we told him MN. He responded, "You're not Gopher fans, are you?" I was quick to respond that the boys were both born in Wisconsin, so WI is in their blood. Earlier Scott had went around and asked each winner their name and which helmet they designed. He also presented the Grand Prize winner his sweet replica helmet.
We toured the locker room. And were instructed, like every hockey locker room, not to step on the emblem in the middle (it's a hockey thing). Then, one of the players joked with Scott that he should give each one of the winners an old goalie stick of his. So, that is what he did. He took his time with all the kids and seemed genuinely excited and to be there with them. He posed for as many pictures and autographed as many things as everyone wanted. He even autographed a hat for pudge and posed for a picture with him. It was a thrilling experience and I think we may have a couple of Badger converts. But, with an experience like that who could blame them.
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