Contests And Auctions

October 30 is known as "Devil's Night" or "Mischief Night" in some parts of the world. I prefer just to call it "October 30", but that's my prerogative. In any case, HBIC is going to bring you a few opportunities to win some stuff. Some of it will be free. Others are auctions. All of them will have something to do with hockey. Actually, I may bid on one of the auction items simply because I think the items are fairly cool. Of course, I won't tell you which one. After all, I want to win it. However, let's take at some of these contests and auctions that could get you some cool hockey-related stuff.

• The Pepsi Cheer Contest is on-going, and they have narrowed the choices down to three finalists. By voting, you can win yourself a replica Team Canada jersey autographed by the team or a Pepsi Cheer Package. Free stuff is awesome, right? The three finalists are all pretty good, and it will be interesting to see one of these adopted as the official Canadian cheer for the World Junior Team in Saskatchewan. Congratulations to the three finalists, and good luck to those that vote!
• The AHL's Albany River Rats are holding an auction for last season's dressing room nameplates! If you're an Albany River Rats fan, this might be a good way to pick up a piece of merchandise that is legitimately one-of-a-kind. I think it would be kind of funny to own the Cory Quirk nameplate. Because it would be Quirk-y. I'll be here all week; don't forget to tip your waitress!
• The AHL's Manchester Monarchs have a variety of things up on their auction page. There are lots of jerseys from former Monarchs like Teddy Purcell, Jonathan Quick, Davis Drewiske, and Brian Boyle amongst the items. And all seem to be reasonably priced. If you're a Los Angeles Kings or Monarchs fan, here's a good way to pick up something unique.
• The AHL's Providence Bruins have a game-worn jersey page online, and you can pick up a variety of jerseys that they have worn. Personally, I think the specialty jerseys might be a tad overpriced, but the jerseys with no nameplates are extremely affordable at $75. This might be the best deal online for real AHL jerseys. While I was a little disappointed that they didn't have sizing information available, you can inquire about the jersey you may be interested in by contacting the Bruins via email by clicking here.
  
• The AHL's Worcester Sharks also have an online game-worn jersey page, but this one seems a little expensive. Unless, of course, you are trying to get your hands on Claude Lemieux's AHL uniform and you have close to $1000 to part with. Then it might be worth your while. I'm skipping over this one, kids.
• As you may be aware, I am currently running a contest regarding the Maple Leafs' struggles this season. If the Maple Leafs can somehow exceed their point total from last season of 81, I'll raffle off a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. If they do not, the Maple Leafs jersey will be used for another contest, and we'll all have a good chuckle at the boasting that Brian Burke did before this season. There are 72 games remaining. They have a total of four points in their first 10 appearances this season. Extrapolating that over 82 games, the Leafs are on pace for a whopping 33 points this season. My guess? They end up with about 64 points this season.
  
• The Montreal Canadiens are selling their inventory of game-worn centennial jerseys online. They have a wide-range of sizes and versions of the jerseys worn, so take a good look. I like that they have reduced the pricing on the jerseys that were prepared but not worn in a game. However, I still think $350 is a bit ridiculous.
• Speaking of the Canadiens, I will be holding a contest as we near their big Centennial Game against the Boston Bruins on Friday, December 4. The prize? A chance for someone to win Canadiens Legends, written by Mike Leonetti. This book retails for about $50, so this is one contest you'll want to enter if you want a gorgeous coffee table book.
• And you're feeling up for it, the ECHL's Bakersfield Condors are holding their "King of Pop" tribute night in honour of the late Michael Jackson tonight, and the auction for the jerseys happens after the game. I doubt that you'll see any of these jerseys sell for less than $500, but if you have the cash and want to help a good cause, the proceeds are going to help the Children's Miracle Network.
• Some people haven't seen him in action yet, but Chris Chelios is certainly making a difference for the AHL's Chicago Wolves. He's played in three games, has recorded four assists, and is a team-best +6 in the plus/minus department. Still think he's too old?
• Manny Legace was seen sporting a white helmet in the two games he's played, but he does have a large pink ribbon on the back that says "Mom" across it. The reason? Margaret Legace, seen here dropping the puck, is a nine-year breast cancer survivor. Kudos to Emmanuel Legace for honouring his mother, and having it be the most noticeable item on his helmet.
• The Portland Pirates are going pink again in honour of breast cancer awareness. Jerseys will be auctioned off after the game tonight with the proceeds going to support the Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute's Breast Care Center. I'd like to see more pink on the Pirates' jerseys, but you can't fault them for donating auction proceeds, a portion of ticket sales, and a portion of the 50/50 ticket sales to the cause. Well done, Pirates!
  

So there's some fun stuff for October 30. Tomorrow will feature something for the little kids as Halloween really is for kids. Don't forget to check out the Seven Days of Scary from the last week as we made our way towards All Hallow's Eve, and if you're out at a Halloween party tonight, please remember not to drink and drive.

Until next time, keep your ghoulish and ghastly sticks on the ice!