Saturday saw a transformation of the city of Atlanta, the CNN Center, and Philips Arena into a hockey Mecca for all in attendance. The parents were as excited as kids, so you can imagine just what it was like for the 9-12 year olds. It definitely was a day no participant will ever forget.

The day started off early, with the puck dropping at 6 in the morning at the Cooler and the Marietta Ice Center. The energy level was impressive, and I could tell that the referees, scorekeepers, and everyone old enough to drive had not completely rolled out of bed yet.

5 games later, all teams headed downtown for the Rockin’ Skate. The Eastern All-Star team took the ice first, with the West following them. Usher, Taylor Kitsch, and Alyssa Milano hosted the event, with the Jonas Brothers providing the post-practice entertainment.

From the sound of intense screams for the Jonas Brothers, just about everybody in attendance was a female in middle school. And from talking to a few of the youth hockey players, they didn’t mind in the least bit.

After a break for all of the teams, they met back up behind Philips Arena around 4 for the red carpet. Most of the kids mentioned that this was an event they were really looking forward to. All of the teams had a reserved spot next to the player walkway, and many of the teams received long looks by the cameras. If you were watching on Versus, you probably saw them.

A bus pulled up, the doors opened, and all of the sudden the young players’ heroes were mere inches away from them. The awestruck facial expressions spoke volumes.

 Vincent Lecavalier signs autographs for a few youth hockey players. © George Lane

This was also the point of the day when the parents joined their kids in star-struck awe. At times, it was hard to tell who was more excited.

All the players got enough autographs to cover their new Reebok jerseys, and then it was time to head inside for the skills competition.

All the teams found their seats, and the view was great. The skill challenges rolled by, with the kids watching their idols do what they do best.

The Washington Capitals players and families chanted “O-vie, O-vie” when Alexander Ovechkin won the Breakout Challenge event. Not to be left out, the Tampa fans made their presence heard when Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier performed well in their events.
 

Tomorrow promises to be another long day for everyone, with the hockey running from 6:30 until 2, followed by the tournament closing ceremonies, and then finally the All-Star game.