So I had my little CannonFest recap yesterday, and while I tried to stay restrained, I can’t tell you the level of awe I’ve carried with me since Sunday for the stunning video work of one Tom Larrow (aka @Skraut_).I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Tom for a little while now, and this guy is just good people. He’s married to a fantastic woman (who has a great laugh! Oh, and who let’s me know whenever a DD highlight is coming ;) ) and sitting and visiting with him is truly a pleasure.

Many of you have seen other accolades for Tom – and I hope we continue to see more – I will refer you once again to the words of Dark Blue Jacket who has stats on exactly how much work went into Tom’s videos. But, so far, you’ve seen a lot of words and what I want to make sure you realize is that those approximately 11 minutes of video represent MONTHS of work. Even before July Tom was watching every single Blue Jackets game…again (there’s something to consider undertaking…December 2010 anyone?). As Tom’s wife shared, it takes more frames than one can even realize to represent a single second and Tom went a frame at a time to match a single syllable cheer in a song to a players reaction on the ice. By the time we saw two videos on Sunday, Tom had poured over them so many times, his wife knew every single highlight, in sequence, well before it showed on the screen.

But back to Tom – again, this guy is someone you want to get to know. He is caring, smart, engaging, loyal. Above all those amazing video talents, lies the heart and soul of a great person – and so, it gave me chills when I just saw Tom share that his video “Call to Arms“  and “Jump Start My Heart” are on NHL.com.

Share these links, people. Tweet ‘em, post ‘em, visit again and again. Let’s show nhl.com that this year, CBJ is going to get noticed…in all the right ways.

Tom – its an honor to know you…oh, and you’re a rock star.

 

We have clarified that I may have some obsessive tendencies. So, if you were at CannonFest on Sunday, you may not be surprised to know that I have purchased Vox Populi by 30 Seconds to Mars as my dear friend Tom (@Skraut_) has successfully embedded it into my brain as the latest, most endearing earworm (and yes, its playing now).If you follow the Blue Jackets blog community, you have most certainly read the many wonderful recaps by our most prominent residents…

Ken shares how Sunday made us all Part of Something Special

• Martini Hockey has a rockin post about why Hockey is starting to make a mark in Cbus
• The Cannon
• Even one of my secret media crushes Steph shared her experience via The Other Paper

And so many more…

So, as I’ve said many times, I leave the Hockey heavy-lifting to my many esteemed colleagues listed above and more. I’ll just share with you my take on a truly amazing weekend.

Its a real treat when a shared love, in this case hockey, brings people into your life who make spending time together a pleasure. So here’s what CannonFest means to me…and, far as I can figure, these are the things that only CannonFest (and BlueJackets love) can provide…(and I’m intentionally) not linking ;)

.Watching Rick dance in a kilt
….Actually finding out who is behind The Dark Blue Jacket (I bow down in your greatness)
..Mary’s curls…and tattoo…
…Dannie. Drinkin’ Boones Farm like a cowboy…on a swing, out of the bottle
.Amanda – adorable as ever…asking when we can bring in the Boones ;)
….Jeff harassing me about my DD Love
..Finding out who is behind NickRash
…Consoling Julie on the loss of Jake
.Seeing how freakin’ cute that database of sports that is Lori Schmidt is
….Betting Clay Hall a round of drinks that we’re getting to Playoffs Round 3
..Watching Gretchen tear up as Tom thanks her and introduces his videos
…Catching a glimpse of Matt – soaking in the product of all his hard work – with the very best smile I’ve ever seen
.Recognizing people from their Twitter pictures
….Random chants of “Leo” and “Let’s Go Jackets!”
..People knowing to look at me for some ridiculous reaction whenever Derek shows up on the video highlights (yes, that was a wraparound goal thank you very much! ;) )
…Comparing photos of “pocket dogs” with the “Martini” family
.Matt making hosting a couple hundred people at his business on a Sunday look easy

It all culminated, as so many of my peers have said, in watching Tom’s videos. I’m posting them here – again – because I’ve still met some people who haven’t yet seen them. So watch them. Share them. Tweet them to your friends tweet them to the players!

First off (Nice goal, DD!) Jump Start My Heart

And my personal favorite…A Call to Arms (chills)

Like I said, this blog isn’t sharing anything revolutionary that any of my peers haven’t already said. Its simply my way of telling you that we’ve got something going here, fans. We’re building a Blue Jackets community that’s not only some dedicated peeps, but some darn cool folks. People who are fun, smart, hilarious and who I am very much looking forward to seeing again soon. I say without hesitation that this weekend filled me with a whole lotta smiles, laughs and love for each of you.

LETS GO JACKETS!!!

…and no, you’re NOT going to see the posting of me on Channel 6 on this here blog ;)

Have ya heard? Have ya heard? Huh? Huh? Huh? CANNONFESTis this weekend!The powers that be are callin in Blue Jackets Nation to have a great meetup this SUNDAY at BW3′s on Fifth Avenue (in Grandview) to celebrate all things CBJ, meet other fans, and perhaps win a prize or two.

Now, I am hesitant to share this news regarding the prize of all prizes because, well, obviously, I am going to win this outstanding “major award” (get the movie reference? I like you even more) but, in the spirit of sharing the cool news, check out this great Grand Prize brought to you courtesy of Superior Beverage.

Uh-huh. Coolness.

So everyone come on out – I’m really looking forward to seeing so many great people I already know via in person or Twitter fun. Not that this is news, but I’ll be the tall girl in the Derek Dorsett jersey. (don’t act like this shocks you). So come up, say “hi!” and then give me your raffle ticket since obviously, well, ya know, the Miller Lite sign is mine. ;)

 

CannonFest. I’ve heard the legendary stories for a year now and I’m beyond excited to be at this year’s event. I’ll be the wanna-be hanging out with all the legit CBJ Bloggers and fans who serve as my go-to resource for all things hockey and CBJ…BE THERE!!!!

Credit to Dark Blue Jacket

Read more about Cannonfest HERE!