Kelsey Hammond
Well, it’s been a few months since I joined the Colorado Hockey Now team and what a time it was to join.
My first game was November 13th, 2021 when the Avs faced off against the San Jose Sharks. The Avs won that night by a score of 6-2. It was a good test that night and ensuring I could go to Avs game and not cheer. (In case you didn’t know, it is frowned upon to cheer in the press box).
I’ve come a long way now in my three months of reporting. The people who hand out the credentials know it’s me and have my pass ready to go as I walk by the table. That’s how I know I’ve made it….kidding. It is a nice gesture and welcoming though. The Ball Arena staff is always so great and welcoming when walking through the halls.
The team is winning and people are generally happy. I now have a “spot” in the press box, right next to a scout who is intimidating and has really big shoulders. Terry Frei loves to say the “overtime” word and jinxing it whether the Avs tie it up or the opposing team ties it. I think he’s 4/4 this season with the jinxes. We all give Adrian Dater a hard time for his jinxing skills, but it may be time to start a “Frei OT” jinx as well.
The scouts are all very polite and generally keep to themselves. I accidentally sat in one of their spots because I missed mine by one. I was absolutely mortified and thought security was going to be escorting me out. In my defense, it can get pretty dark in Ball Arena. Anyway, no harm, no foul. Needless to say, I now look for the bulldog screensaver. Behind me is the legendary Darren McKee from 104.3 The Fan. I love catching up with Darren after games and he is one of the friendliest guys in the press box.
I think the most important thing so far I have learned though…is where the coffee is and how long it takes to get refilled. Phew. During the day I’m Kelsey Hammond, working 40 plus hours a week at my day job and foster parent to rescue dogs. At night though I get to write articles and watch the best team in the NHL play. Your girl NEEDS her coffee.
Press conferences have been really easygoing. Again, when you are winning as much as this team is, it’s hard to not be in a cheerful mood. The players, the coaches, everyone has been great to work with. It’s a unique time for press conferences because there is no locker room access due to COVID protocols. We aren’t really sure which players will be joining us after games and practice until they are right in front of us. It makes things a little challenging for an introvert like me but, hey, you learn to adapt. My favorite type of writing growing up were player profiles, really getting to know the person under the jersey, not just who they are on the ice and what kind of stats they can put up. It’s a different world we are living in now and who knows if that kind of access will ever open up again.
I want to hear from the CHN subscribers. What do YOU want to read? Game-Time Lineups? Player profiles? How do we feel about Podcasts? Pre-Game videos? Post-Game Reaction Videos? Don’t get me wrong, I love my player grades but throw something at me! I don’t want to just be another reporter with the same stories and information. I want to be the “people’s reporter” for the Colorado Hockey Now readers. There is a lot of hockey left, we might as well have some fun with it.