My First Day
-- by Mario Perrazzino; GOHABS.com
I must admit, I was a bit nervous Saturday morning walking towards the Bell Centre. It was to be my first game from the press gallery. How did I get access? About 10 days ago, Andris Jansons, who is with Latvian Hockey magazine Hokeja Vestnesis, hokejavestnesis.com emailed me inquiring if I want to be a photojournalist. I initially balked at the idea, because my digital camera would be inadequate. Andris then suggested I focus more on the journalism part and take some warm-up pictures. And I agreed.
Andris proceeded with getting me accreditation for the game.
So Saturday morning, prior to Bruins-Habs match at noon, I called up Tony Marinaro from Montreal’s Team990, whom I keep in contact with, and asked him basic questions like, where’s the media entrance, etc.
I arrive at the Bell Centre at 11:30AM. I pick up my media pass. I then make my way to the Press lounge on the 7th floor. And I then see all familiar faces. Journalists, commentators, beat reports, TV personalities, all faces I’ve grew up watching on TV, or reading in newspapers, or listening on radio. It was surreal for a moment. I quietly pick up the game day press flyers, and take a flight of stairs to the 8th floor, to the press gallery.
If anyone has ever been to the Bell Centre, they’ll notice that the press gallery is suspended from the rafters; a catwalk directly over the ice.
I make my way to my assigned seat. Sitting next to me was Kevin Greenstein of Inside Hockey. A pro who made me feel at ease. I then notice an acquaintance who works for Stats Inc. collecting game day stats. And I bumped into Team990’s Shawn Starr and Tony Marinaro.
Oh yeah, Habs shut out the Bruins 2-0. More on that in my separate blog.
After the game, I followed other media members down to the 1st floor, and walked into the Canadiens dressing room. My first time in the dressing room. I had been at The Montreal Forum, but never at the Bell Centre’s. Three members of the Canadiens were available for interviews. Craig Rivet, Steve Begin, and the game’s first star, Christobal Huet. I eavesdropped on what they had to say. 15 minutes later, it was all over, and we journalists quickly filled the Press conference room where head Coach/GM Bob Gainey gives his post game sound bytes.
What an experience. I want to thank Andris for making this happen. Special thanks to Tony Marinaro who showed me the way.
Now that I got my feet wet, I won’t be as tentative next time.
Return to GOHABS.com Blog Index
| 
GOHABS.com 
