When I started writing this blog I figured it wouldn't be a problem keeping it updated. Obviously, if you just look at the dates under "previous posts" you will notice I am on the post once a month plan. I apologize... But I have been a little busy and this has slipped my mind.

We just finished a big month on the road and I was happy with the way the team reacted. When the schedules for the 08-09 season came out we identified that stretch of games as a potential make or break point in the season because of the tough road games and a condensed schedule.

The team is inside the final 30 games of the season and we are right in the middle of a very tight race. It is hard not to look at the standings nightly and hope for some help from a team that can't hurt us in the standings... That said... It is even more important to worry about our team and the kind of hockey we are bringing to the playoff race. So as a player you try to pay enough attention to other teams so that when you play them you know what to expect, but not so much that you are living and dying by other hockey games. It is just too hard to put emotion into someone else's games and still think you can show up and play your game at a high level.

I hosted my third Catwalk for Charity last Sunday at The Town Ballroom in Buffalo, NY. It was a great night and we raised a lot of money for Carly's Club at Roswell Park Cancer Institute... Lots of surprises and lots of Derek
Roy on the microphone. If you haven't heard of this event it is quite simply a fashion show, lots of live music, great food and drink... So, basically, a party. All of my Sabres teammates get into the act as models and some go above and beyond by volunteering for unique auction items or sitting in with the band.

This year we used a 1920's theme since we were holding the party at a known hangout of Al Capone. If you ever get a chance to do a tour of the place they have a sub-basement that used to have a gambling room, a private bathroom and a tunnel that used to run all the way to city hall. Pretty cool to see, although it looks like they could film a "Saw" sequel down there. I got into the spirit of things for a few hours with a double-breasted suit and a custom made fedora. It was a lot of fun to see all the people dressed
for the era we were celebrating.

I came very close to becoming a dog owner that night... Something I really wish I had the time for. The past two years we have included a Labrador retriever puppy in our auction and it has been a big hit. This year we had a black lab and he was awesome! I have analyzed every scenario that would allow me to have 2 dogs (something I think is essential so they have a companion). Not once could I find a scenario that would allow that to happen. I don't have a dog friendly property in Buffalo and we are on the road too much... That and I don't have a girlfriend to hold down the home front at the moment.