Whitecaps Transfer Window - Who's in and Who's out?

The Whitecaps Organization and Coach Rennie have been very busy in the last few weeks or so.  The transfer window is about to close in three days and deals were made that have kind of shocked most loyal Whitecaps fans.  The reasoning for all the the moves was to make the Whitecaps a stronger team so they will go far into the playoffs.  Last year the 'Caps were in last place in the league.  This year, they have a legitamate shot at the playoffs currently holding the third spot in the Western Division.

So, lets go over who's in and who's out.  First of all, who's out.  Davide Chiumiento, Sebatian Le Toux and fan favorite, Eric Hassli.  Who's in: Barry Robson, Dane Richards and Kenny Miller.  Lets take a closer look at the transfer window dealings and wheelings and get to know our new players a little better.

First one to go was Davide Chiumiento.  He was a our highly talented and skilled play maker.  Unfortunately, he was used as a substitute for most of the matches this year.  But when he was on the pitch, it was great to see him play.  Davide really missed his family and was very happy to be sent back. He was sent to back to play for Zurich FC to be closer to his family.  We all wish Davide luck in his future endeavors.

Enter Barry Robson.  The first of three players to arrive to the Whitecaps in the transfer window.  I guess every team needs a red head.  Canucks have the Sedins, BC Lions have Lulay and we have Robson.

Wears #14

• Current Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• Height: 5' 11"
• Weight: 165 lbs.
• Birth Date: 11-07-1978
• Birthplace: Inverurie, Scotland 

He was introduced to the fans at the the June 21 match out at the Bell Box Autograph Session.  The Southsiders welcomed Barry Robson with open arms. Barry Robson press conference to follow.

This was his first goal as a Whitecaps.  He scored his second goal last match vs. San Jose Earthquakes on a penalty kick.

Needless to say, I like him.  I think he's brought something to the team that was missing for a long time.  I'm excited we get to see a former UEFA player on our team who chose to sign with the Vancouver Whitecaps.  I know the matches are going to be just amazing to watch from now on.

Next up, Sebastien Le Toux gets sent to the New York Red Bulls for the Jamaican born Striker, Dane Richards.  Richards has already showed the fans of Vancouver what an asset he already is! 

Wears # 20

• Current Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• Height: 5' 7"
• Weight: 150 lbs.
• Birth Date: 12-14-1983
• Birthplace: Montego Bay, Jamaica

Here he is scoring his first goal as a Whitecap.  Richards provided the Whitecaps with a much needed insurance goal at the last match.

Very exciting!  Can't wait to see him play in the upcoming matches!

The next player to leave was our beloved Eric Hassli.  He was traded to Toronto FC for a international spot in 2013 and a first round draft pick in 2014. He was a fan favorite and not just with the Southsiders.  When I heard the news on Friday night, I was shocked.  The Southsiders chanted Eric Hassli's name at the 29th mark minute of the match to honor their favorite player before he left for Toronto.  Eric Hassli was supposed to be at the match to witness this as he doesn't leave for Toronto until Wednesday but his wife was sick and he watched the match from home.  I loved him for his spirit and for his love for his fans.  He really was the kindest, sweetest player on the Whitecaps.  Hopefully he will be able to play more with Toronto FC...I just hope it doesn't come back to bite us in the butt.

Our third new player to join the team was Kenny Miller who was brought in from Cardiff City FC in the English League Championship.  All you need to know is the man can score goals.  187 goals in 547 matches!  His first match for the Whitecaps was last game on Sunday.  He was a scoring threat and a crowd pleaser.  Everyone is happy to have Miller on our team.  He can only improve what we already have.

Wears #7

• Current Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• Height: 5' 10"
• Weight: 150 lbs.
• Birth Date: 12-23-1979
• Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland

Here are the Southsiders welcoming Kenny Miller to the match on his first appearance in a Whitecaps Jersey..  "Super, Super Ken!"

If last match was any indication, the rest of the matches at BC Place are going to be insane!!  I can't wait to get to the next match next month.  I'm so lucky to be part of the Whitecaps family and to be able to witness this.  So, now you all know the new boys on our team and I learned a bit more about them as well.  

All the information on here about the players were taken from the Vancouver Whitecaps website. 

Whitecaps Volunteer Mid-Season Social Go-Karting

The Vancouver Whitecaps wanted to show their volunteers how much they appreciated them ans so they came up with a nice evening for everyone at the Richmond Go-Karts for some fun.  The evening included two rounds of racing for 10 mins on the track each, dinner, prizes and awards!  Of course, my being a Team Leader had to pick two people from my Club Ambassador team to be selected for an award and prize.  My two people were Peter Shen and Margo Slater.  Both fantastic and phenomenal people to work with.

I got there at six o'clock like some other people but there was enough of us to go in large groups before everyone else got there.  So, I made the height restriction, thank god, and managed to find the "extra small" helmet.  I thought it might fit but my head was still too small as I later found out on the track.  It was my first time on the track.  Actually, there were quite a few go-kart virgins there.  But we all did it together.  I ended up in the grandma speed special.  I had my foot down on the pedal but it only went one speed.  Slow.  So I stayed in the right lane and let others pass me by.  Everytime I went around that last hairpin turn, my helmet would fall to the side cause it was so bumpy there.  I'd have to strap it back on.  Although it was fun, I didn't go back out there again.   

So, once we all got off the track, we decided to have dinner.  I had a salmon burger with fries.  Icecream was for later.  

This is Paul.  He's enjoying his yummy burger!  He worked with me during the CONCACAF Womens Soccer Tournament earlier this year.  If you go Whitecaps games, you'll see him inside the bowl with usually very huge earphones on.  He does something...I just can't remember what..lol.  If you see him, say hi!

These guys are the Ball Managers.  They work with the kids that handle the soccer balls back to players.  You might see them on the pitch.  They were in line getting ready to race when I accosted them for a pic!  Nice guys!

These people had to wait in line for their turn.  They wait and watch as their fellow volunteers are on the track.

Alana Stewart.  The Field Safety Officer and kick ass person all around.  Of course me going my grandma speed she couldn't help but to laugh at me and nudge me on the track.  Crazy lady!

Paul making sure he's of the right height.  Looks like he passed. :)

Ashley, my fellow Team Leader for Club Hosts, giving me the thumbs up!  She's good to go!

Once we settled down a bit, we got down to business and it was time to give out awards and prizes to our cherished volunteers.  Each one of us Team Leaders went up and presented an award and our fearless Manager, Lindsay, handed out the prize.  It was the long sleeve white jersey.

Here is Ato, picking up his Jersey before he left.  Looks great!  Ato works on the pitch.  Say hi to Ato if you see him!

I believe this was our fearless leader signing the bill for all of our food purchases.  She went for a spin on the track.  Our other fealess leader, Lisa, wasn't feeling well.  But she was there.  Too bad you can't see her face...she's sitting on left of Ashley.

In a nutshell, it was a great time had by all and we had a great big group pic taken around this young lady here.  For those volunteers reading this, you'll be able to spot her in between some heads in the back row of the group shot. :)

Until next post!  LA Galaxy are in town and David Beckham is already in the city!  I guess he still has tonight to roll off his bed and hurt his toe so he can't play...lol.  Just kidding!  It will be busy tomorrow but I'm sure I'll be able to get some shots in.  Til tomorrow!

Hump Day Hottie!

Alright, I don't care that he's not an athlete.  He's still hot. I know it's not Wednesday but I haven't posted one in a awhile.  So here it is.

OK....the last time I watched Chris O'Donnell in a movie it was back in the 90's.  I remember watching him in Scent of a Women with Robert DeNiro and then he was cast as Batman's sidekick, Robin in the Batman series.  I always thought he was cute.  Just recently I've been watching NCIS: Los Angeles in which he stars in with LL Cool J and realized that the guy is seriously hot.  He's 42 yrs old now and has 5 kids and has a body cut of a Greek god!!  Don't believe me???  Here's the proof!!

Here's another pic.

 

Enough Said! :)

Canada's 145th Birthday Parade Downtown Vancouver 2012

So, I, along with three other Whitecaps volunteers were involved in the Canada Day Parade held in downtown Vancouver at 7pm in the evening.  This was the Official Whitecaps car.  It was filled with 500 posters and I was given a bag of over 1000 WC tattoos.  This was my first time ever taking part in a parade and it was a pretty awesome experience.  I can now cross it off my bucket-list!

When I got there, I saw that the drummers had already been there as their drums were set up along with a table and and some chairs.  But I was the only person there.  Then along came David.  One of the members of my Club Ambassadors team.  So we sat and waited together for the Whitecaps to arrive.  Or anyone for that matter.  We got hungry so we decided to look around a bit for the "goodies" we were promised would be there.  Of course it was right across from our check-in tent.  On the way there, we ran into the other volunteer and my Co-Team Leader, Ashley.  So the three of us returned to the WC muster station to wait for our Team to arrive. 

So, once the drummers all gathered and the team arrived with the car, all we had to do was wait for Spike, the Whitecaps mascot.  When he finally did show up, it got very interesting at our Muster Station.  The Bellydancing team pulled up behind us and our drummers started drumming.  Spike hopped up on top of the car and was busy taking pics with people as they had all started to line up!  

When he was done with that, he then hopped off the car and went over to belly dancers and they started to show him some of their moves.  To which, Spike, tried to mimic them and it suddenly became a dance off!  As we were waiting for the parade to start moving, two of the belly dancers saw Spike dancing to the dummers on the sidewalk and decided they would come over.  I told them to join him and show him a few moves.  Which they did.  He was schooled not once, but twice! Check it out!

Burnaby North High School was stationed ahead of us and were on the road practicing an excellent rendition of Thriller, by Michael Jackson.  It was pretty awesome.  They even had a guy on a very large white tuba!

This was a float across the street from us.  It was the Philippine float but we're not sure why it was called the World Peace float.  We asked the Parade Marshall co-coordinator and she had no idea either or why there was a pink princess on it.

Anyways, once the parade started, we were on our way, heading down Alberni and then rounded the corner on Nicola and then onto W.Georgia.  Because the sun had managed to shine warm and bright today, there were more people out than we had anticipated.  We ran out of posters about half way up W. Georgia and the tattoos were pretty popular.  But we ran out of those by the time we got to Burrard.  Its unfortunate but that's just how things go sometimes.  Spike was very popular in the parade.  All the kids loved him and he was his most fun and crazy self.  Its hard not to like him.  Once we rounded the corner on Hornby, we were done.  The parade was a success and we all had a great time.  David and I ended up running a little bit as our car and drummers had marched on without us.  We never realized how much time it takes to give out tattoos.  Oh well....it was great fun.  

So, folks, these were the major events that happened in June and July so far.  I will try to keep you updated more frequently as I do have a Lions game coming up on Friday.  Hope you enjoyed the videos and pics from today.  I could only take them from our Muster Station for obvious reasons.  But at least I took them!  Hope everyone had a great Canada Day!

BC Lions Home Opener 2012 Season

Everyone's beloved BC Lions were back at BC Place for their home opener on June 29th for the 2012 season.  It was packed with a lot of action.  I used to volunteer with the BC Lions for the last 4 yrs but decided not to this year.  Instead, I got myself a job as a Host at BC Place.  So far, I've worked two BC Lions games.  The first was the exhibition game vs Saskatchewan Roughriders on June 13th and the other was at the home opener on June 29th.  On both days I worked Gate B Admissions. 

There was a lot going on though.  First we had at least 26,000 in attendance so it was busy at the gates.  Second, fans received a 2012 Grey Cup Championship towel.  This didn't go over so well with the Winnipeg Bluebomber fans as the home opener was a re-match.  But they were great about it.  Thirdly, the Lions were unveiling the Championship banners from past years and hanging up the new one.  And last but not least, it was a night that everyone hoped Geroy Simon would pass Milt Stegall's record of yards. 

So if you weren't there or missed it for whatever reason, here is the banner unveiling for you, thanks to BrianBunka on youtube.  I was thankful for this as I was so busy scanning people into the building that I missed it all.  I had no idea that the ring was also available to look at in the concourse.  Now I know.

The other major highlight of the night was the Geroy Simon record breaker.  Close to the end of the game, Geroy Simon broke Milt Stegall's records for CFL's All-Time Receiving Leader title.  The game was held up for about 10 minutes to celebrate his acheivement before they resumed.  Here is the actual 56-yard pass he took from Travis Lulay and all the fun that happened after.  Love the Superman song.

The BC Lions went on to thump the Bluebombers 33-16 that night.  Their goal is  to go 18-0 this season.  One down, 17 more to go!


Now, those were the highlights that I had expected to take place that night but I had an unexpected one when about 10 mins after the half, none other than one of my favorite '94 Canucks, Gino Odjick walked in thru my gate and I got to scan him, his daughters and his mom into the building.  I then directed them to their suite.  He was recognized by a couple of lucky Lions fans leaving the building and got to shake hands with him.  Gino is great with his fans.  He really does love them.  It was all very unexpected and totally awesome.  Exactly what I needed at that time.  Gotta love Gino!!

If you want to know more about what Gino's been up to in Vancouver, here is a great article with a video interview about how he's been since he left the Canucks.  Gino Odjick in Vancouver

Vancouver Whitecaps 3rd Kit!

Okay, I know I haven't exactly been on the ball lately with the blogging but I've been very busy lately.  So lets catch up for the month of June!

The most anticipated 3rd Jersey for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC were unveiled on June 14th, 2012.  I like the new jersey but it has gotten some mixed reviews on my Facebook page...lol.  Someone had mentioned that it looked like something not very nice.  Others said that there was a reason the "Cleavland Browns" look didn't work.  I think it looks sleek, retro and the color is nice when you see it in person.  The accessories are also really sharp.  This is how the Whitecaps describe this 3rd kit.

"The 'Caps third kit is predominantly arbutus brown, with sky blue accents, which reflects the unique land full of deep roots and the high-reaching arms of the Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Mountain Hemlock, Pacific Dogwood, Lodgepole Pine, and Sitka Spruce."

The team debuted the jersey against the Colorado Rapids on June 16th.  The match resulted in a win for the 'Caps.  So, apparently the jersey is now considered lucky.

Here are some of the awesome accessories that go with this jersey.

Club Ambassador, Carl Valentine was at the fashion show that took place at BC Place on June 14th that had the mens and women's team modeling the new line.

Here are some of the reactions he got from the streets of Vancouver.

Players reactions and behind the scenes look at the fashion show:

So, based on these reactions, I think most people like them.  I am one of the 3rd jersey fans.  I love the color and the style of it.  The accessories are pretty nice too.  If you want one, you can still get one online or from the merchandise kiosks inside BC Place on gamedays.  From what I understand from talking to the merchandise people at BC Place, they are going fast.  If you're not sure about it, go and see it for yourself. I'm sure you will love it.