No motivation

I know.....it's been way past a year since I posted anything. A whole hockey season went by without a peep from me. Strange.

Don't know....I guess the boring familiarity of the same hockey atmosphere, the ups and downs of huge wins and downright disgusting losses took a toll on my emotions. That, and the loss of both my parents.

It's been a very hard year for the family. A dark void that's so hard to overcome. Like a vulcher ripping the heart out of my chest. So hard to crack a smile. Difficult to move on and push the guilt aside. We could've done more? Perhaps. We will never know. Need to carry on. Will try.

Flashback

These are a few photos from the Bucks first ever match against the Colorado Eagles on Saturday, December 6, 2003. Bucks won 4 - 3. Notice the huge crowds in the stands. Those were the good ole days.

The temporary fix

.............was just that. My computer gave up on me.

It took a while, but my son put together a spiffy new computer for himself, and I got to keep the one he gave up. It's far from a hand-me-down, let me tell you. This is a gaming computer.

What a difference!!! I can open so many browsers and windows at the same time. No hesitation whatsoever. I am so happy now. Speed and memory are great.

Too bad it all came together when hockey season was over and done with.

Do I dare go there? Oh what a sour taste left in my mouth. I'm trying to let go of the conspiracy theory that somehow the Bucks sold out. How much would a championship go for anyway? A couple million?

Watching this team win two championships, I know exactly what they are capable of when Coach Rosco is in command. Somehow, previously giving up two championships to the Eagles, and then this season giving up in the conference final round to the Sundogs has been a very bitter pill to swallow.

Sure, it's understandable that the Bucks cannot be expected to dominate and win every championship, but the perception that the championships are decided in advance is there. I'm not the lone oddball here. Many fans I've spoken to feel the same way. We feel cheated -- let down.

This is not good for the team or for the league as a whole. It's getting tougher for teams to survive without adding alledged conspiracies. The economy is not helping either.

The way I see increasing ticket sales is: COMPLETE OVERHAUL

Being complacent, relaxed, waiting for the season ticket buyers to show up is not going to cut it.

Many people I've talked to recently would like good options when it comes to buying tickets. Some do not want to commit to a whole season due to spouse's work schedules, kid's school activities etc., but nevertheless, want to attend Bucks games as often as they can.

The Bucks website needs to get more specific on what their packages are. People want to see the price on available seating areas of the arena. They want to be able to buy smaller packages from general admission areas such as weekends only, weekdays only, games against special visiting teams, offers for two persons on weekends, in addition to the 4 pack specials on weekends.

The possiblities are endless. However, the website needs to get specific. This thing about contacting your ticket ref for details on season tickets is very intimidating -- turns people off. And free gas? Pa-leeeeze! We know very well how giveaways are handled at the LEC, this hardly motivates people to renew their tickets. Two gas winners? Think, my friends! Think!

People want to see the prices first in black and white, factor it into their budget, and then decide what seating area they want to commit to.

It's all about OPTIONS, OPTIONS, OPTIONS. Throw in the free munchies, the Bucks t-shirt, the kid's noise maker, and you've got a winning combo, provided that the price is reasonable. If you offer it, they will come. Make it affordable, pack the house. Bring back the sponsored giveaways at the door. Great motivational tool.

Laredo is a whole different demographic fan base. We are very unique here. I'm afraid that what works in other hockey markets up north will not fare well here. Keep it simple, appealing, and above all affordable.

Importantly, keep the economic crunch in mind. $3.25 for a bottled Coke or water is outrageous. Corpus and Rio have them for $2.50 and that is still very high. Yep, concession prices need to be lower. I would love to eat dinner more often at the games, but opt for waiting until the end of the game to eat somewhere else for less. Families feel the food hardship.

I cringe at the thought of arena management change. How will the city do it? Exactly what areas are they responsible to manage and by whom?

It's been awhile..........I know

I tell ya, when it isn't my camera it's something else. This time it was my computer.

For the past two months, I haven't been able to log into this site, edit photos, or open many internet sites.

I thought my computer was done. Frustration set in because I knew there was nothing I could do.

This week, my son performed surgery on it. Don't ask me to explain what was wrong, all I know is that it is working now and I am a happy camper. I should be posting again as soon as I am able to edit some photos.

I can't believe that it's almost playoff time. Time flew. Still not sure how the playoff picture will look for all the CHL teams, but no doubt, it will be exciting.

Derailed by Rio

O.K. -- after a scoreless first period on Friday, in Hidalgo, the boys started the second period with two goals giving the impression that they had unleashed the fury. It was short lived, for the Killer Bees would respond with 3 consecutive goals making the score 3 to 2, and making it the final tally for the game. The 6 game win streak came to an end.

Kevin Beech started in net for the Bucks, but was replaced by Dustin Traylen after the 3 goals were scored on him. Come on, it was not entirely his fault. Our defense somewhat let him down. Hey, it happens. One thing that other teams always capitalize on, is by scoring on the Bucks immediately at face off -- catching them vulnerable and off guard. It never fails.

Dustin Traylen replaced Beech in net, but did not stay long due to getting injured after a save. They confirm that it is not serious, but nonetheless, leaves us with one available goalie -- Beech. Incidentally, when Traylen left the ice limping, Beech was brought back in to finish the game. It was goalie flip flop night for the Bucks.

Steve Simoes did not play in this game, but was on the radio with Benway adding to the color commentary. He's good.......real good. I sent him a text message telling him so. He gave us a whole new perspective from a player's point of view. Described the opponent players' styles and weaknesses. Very refreshing to hear him. He definitely has a future in media.

And on the topic of Simoes.......this afternoon will be a huge test of guts for our boys @ 4 PM in a re-match of last season's President's Cup Finals between the Colorado Eagles and the Bucks. I hope Simoes is playing. When he's on the ice, the enemy tries to stay clear of him. I call him "The Swatter" because anyone he bangs against the boards gets creamed, literally..... I'm gonna have to do a video on Simoes' hits to pay homage to him. That would be nice.

I will bring you photos of today's game later in the week. Once the work week starts, there's not much energy left to work on editing photos. I know, I know......it's the old age....not to mention the senior moments. ::sigh::

And so, a new year.........

The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees found themselves ending 2007 with a 6 to 2 loss to the Laredo Bucks on New Year's Eve.

Kevin Beech was extraordinary in net. And the amazing Rane Carnegie scored 2 goals and one assist. David Victor scored his first goal of his professional career, and elated he was. Smile from ear to ear. Fun to watch.

Equally good was the lone fight of the evening between James Hiebert and Rio's Adam Blanchette. A short fight, but not before Hiebert planted 3 right fists on Blanchette.

And this past Thursday, the Northeast Division Mississippi Riverkings were in town. The Bucks won this match up by a score of 5 to 2. Bucks goalie Dustin Traylen was amazing.

Rane Carnegie scored another goal for his mom, who was visiting from Canada, and was sitting behind the net he scored on. This goal was from an unselfish "could've had it myself" pass from Matt Summers. What a beauty.

I got to hand it to our two Davids --- Victor and Walker. They might not win all their fights, but they sure are not hesitant to defend their team members. You can see the game stats for yourself here. I have some good video of recent fights which I will stitch together for you and post it here. Soon...... Really......I will.

Enjoy the photos from the last two home games. I sure love those New Year's jerseys. I'ld die for a game worn jersey from either one of my favorite Steves, Weidlich and Simoes. Speaking of Weidlich, I asked him about his injured hand during the New Year's jersey auction and he said that perhaps in three weeks he will be good to go. He introduced my husband and I to his lovely girlfriend. They're perfect for each other.

I don't know what it takes to suffer an injury to the hand and the recovery period needed, but I can assure you that when I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand, a relatively minor procedure that required no cast, it was excrutiating to get that hand back into doing normal tasks. But I'm a weenie unlike brawny Steve. So, I wish you a speedy recovery, Steve. We miss you!