We quickly left the arena and drove to the hotel. We were all pretty excited to mingle with the "stars" of the show. Of course this wasn't my first time attending a reception such as this. However it was a first time for my Dad, which he was rather excited about. He had actually picked up some "Sudbury" pins etc. to hand out to all the skaters, and let me tell you it was just a joy to watch my Dad go up to all the skaters to present them with a little "momento" from Sudbury. ALL the skaters were very gracious and all said "thank-you" Way to go Dad :)
It was a good 20-25 min. before the skaters had arrived, so it was then everyone just relaxed, nibbled on a bit of food, and siped away with a little something to drink. I thought a little bit of wine would do the trick.
There were many younger kids in attendence, all with autograph books and programs in hand. I went a different route and had went through all my photos and had made copies to get enlarged so I could get them signed for my own personal use. They are a little bit more personal, getting your pictures autographed, rather than just getting your program signed, which many had.
Shae-Lynn & Victor were the first to arrive and everyone applauded as they walked in. Some of them screamed as well. That is when everyone made a mad dash and crowds started to form. I've learned that just have patients, your turn will come. That's what I say.
Victor looked extreamly tired. But I can't blaim him. He was wearing a baseball cap, red STN vest and just really sporty type pants. Shae-Lynn was a bit dressed up, and looked stunning as always. Again they were all bombarded with fans of course, and there were soooooo many people. I had decided that I was just going to get my photos signed from B&K, and be on my way to meet with the skaters I haven't really been incontact with as much.
My next meeting was with John Zimmerman. OH MY STARS the man is beautiful close up! *sigh* He was so incredibly sweet, saying "Hi, how are you.." to everyone he was signing. I made small chat with him, telling him what a great job he did. He was disapointed in the "falls" tonight, but I told him it didn't matter, they were still beautiful. Which was true. Falls or not, they were still breathtaking! I HAD to get my picture taken with the cutie. *hehe* Shortly after that, I met up with Kyoko and BOY is she short. I honestly thought she was taller. But I should know, TV is revealing, and when they are on the ice, they ALWAYS look tall, since they have their skates on. She was really sweet, and I too had a picture taken with her.
The skaters were slowing coming in small sperts and well soon everyone was in the room, just you had to scout them in the crowds to find them. They had their own corners. Yagudin had the biggest crowd. He signed non stop. By the time I got to him he took a big deep breath like a sign of relief because finally the crowd was clearing from his corner. He was extreamly sweet, and enjoyed to joke around with the crowd. He was very gracious enough to pose for photos as well. I had asked him how his foot was doing and like I had said in my review from the show he did say "not good, but good enough to skate.." So his foot isn't 100% in tip top shape. I for one couldn't tell by watching him skate that is for sure. I then told him it was a pleasure to see him skate again, and he said he was disapointed that he missed five shows in the STN tour. I asked if he was doing CSOI and he quickly said YES he was. So I am sure MANY Canadian fans will be happy to hear that !!
Josee Chouinard was busy signing as well, in good spirits. I honestly didn't spend too much time in her corner, because I wanted to make sure I got to all the skaters.
Bourne & Kraatz checked out early. They were the first to show up and the first to leave.
I felt sorry for the Chinease team, they kinda stuck out like a sore thumb in the crowd. They speak a little english and it was a pleasure meeting them. Both wearing matching Team Track Suits.
Angela Nikodinov was busy signing, Actually Yagudin came up to her, and joked asking her for her autograph. He definitly is a charmer.
Maria B. she had the COOLEST pants I've ever seen. It imprinted some sort of Lion or Tigger, some what like half leperd skin. VERY KEWL. She was very quiet, but always had a smile :)
I put together that Congrats Wish Book For Jayson. First of all I'd like to thank those who did sign the wishbook. It really did come out nicely! I scanned the cover of the book. I wasn't surprised to see a crowd around Jayson. All the girls were giddy over him. Again I can't blaim them :)
Once it seemed to look a bit less of a crowd, I went on over to get my photos autographed and of course present him with the booklet. I had two photos to get signed, one was a postcard that was in the CFSA postcard book collection from last year. Jayson mentioned how he has a TON of copies at home, I guess he sends them to fans etc... The second photo he hadn't seen before *of course* since its a photo I've taken personally.
I then congratulated Jayson on his silver medal at Nationals. He of course said thank-you! When my Dad handed Jayson the pins/coin of the BIG NICKEL Jayson was THRILLED to recieve the little "Big Nickel" coin and commented on how he went to visit the "Big Nickel" here in Sudbury the last time he was here to skate. I thought that was cute. It was then I told Jayson that I had something for him, he looked rather surprise in wondering what it could be. I explained to him that I have a figure skating website, and after he had won the silver metal at Nationals, I set up a guestbook , and fans could sign the guestbook and leave their special congrats messages. It was then I pulled out the book, and handed it to Jayson and he was just really touched. Laughed at the photo on the cover, I guess his statement of pure EXCITMENT on his face, made him chuckle. He then quickly skimmed through the book and said that he is definitly going to read each and every message that was in the book. It was then he went up to me to give me a hug *swoon* That just about made my night :D
So needless to say Jayson was really quite happy about the book and was VERY appreciative.
Jayson was the last skater to leave the reception. All the skaters were going bowling - its a Sudbury thing. The bowling ally down the street, is usually closed down, and the skaters just get to chill, and relax and have a good time. They have a day off today, one more show on Sat. night in the Salt. St. Marie. It all started in 1994 - Skate The Nation, when the cast/crew went bowling. Ever since then, its been tradition I guess. So once Jayson left, the room was pretty much empty at this point. And it was time to go home *sigh* What a way to end a great night of skating! It is so great to meet these skaters one by one. Its a memorable night for any skating fan :)
Now I look on to the next show - for me this will be Stars On Ice. Will be attending the show in Hamilton, Ontario. Until then ....