In a promotion sponsored by S&S Tree and Horticultural Specialists, two kids are selected to sit on the bench during each Wild pre-game warm-up. On Tuesday this week, my kids were picked!

The night was a total blast (apart from the Wild losing in a shoot-out). We arrived a little before six and picked up four will-call tickets for the game (last row of club level, center ice). A friendly Wild representative met us at the security desk next to gate one and brought us down to arena level. After signing release forms, the kids each picked out helmets to wear.

We all took a quick tour around the entire lower level–past the media interview room, both locker rooms, down the hallway the Wild take to get on the ice (which had new, large, signed photos of game highlights on the wall), through the Fishing Lodge (and the Kevin Falness studio), past the media dining room, officials lounge and the Zamboni garage. I stayed in the Zamboni tunnel while the kids were on the bench, while my wife stayed in the stands next to them (only the kids got to be on the bench).

It was hard to get good photos of them from where I was behind the goal, but I did get a shot of the scoreboard when they were on the videoscreen. I also got a few good action shots of the players. Josh Harding was the only player to talk to the girls, but Keith Carney gave them a big smile. The kids both got pucks from the practice afterwards–what a great experience.

Thanks to S&S and the Wild for the great prize!