SURVIVING DRAFT DAY

By Station Nation Staff

With the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League entry draft just hours away, it’s time to get you set for what is sure to be a dramatic day.

Station Nation will be providing all day coverage with the happenings at the draft – especially with what the Sea Dogs do. We have also taken the time to beef up our side bar for easy access to critical links.

Here are a few things to note going into the draft.

TWITTER IS KEY
For a number of reasons, Twitter will be crucial today.

Yes, all the major news, draft selections, and trades will be posted on the QMJHL website – but there is nothing like living the moment of witnessing a shocking trade or pick.

Twitter promises to provide that tomorrow with a number of reporters sending news out straight from the draft floor.

To sign up for Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/. Be sure to follow us on twitter @station_nation.

Q SITE = FAIL
The QMJHL website us all but guaranteed to break down tomorrow due to an irregular amount of page hits.

It has become an annual event, so be prepared for some waits.

LIVE CHATS AND RADIO SHOWS
With the knowledge of knowing they have an entire summer to recover, most publications pull out all of the stops on QMJHL Draft Day.

With that comes a number a radio shows and live chats from the fine media folks from around the league.

Willy Palov, the beat reporter for the Halifax Mooesheads, will be hosting a live chat at ChronicleHerald.ca today during the first round of the draft.

The Maine Hockey Journal will also be hosting a live blog tomorrow.

On the radio side, the good people at the Central Maine Sports Blog will be on Big Jab FM in Portland, ME tomorrow. Here is what is on the schedule:

Saturday: Alot of Maineiacs, as it is QMJHL draft day. Justin Pelletier from the Sun Journal in-studio, Maineiacs GM Roger Shannon will break that down.

GOT INFO?
We’d be lying if we said we’ve actually seen many of the players set to be drafted today. If you have any scouting info or scoops on players that Saint John selects, e-mail us at stationnation@yahoo.ca.

HOW TO SURVIVE A STATION SELL-OUT

Since this is only the fifth sell-out in Sea Dogs franchise history, Station Nation has put together some steps to follow in order to survive a packed house at Harbour Station.

Dress Lightly: Yeah, it’s cold and windy outside but you will live (take pedway if possible). One reason for not bringing a huge coat is because it gets warm inside when she is packed. The other because the person beside you doesn’t want to have your coat on their lap all game.

Parking: If you are arriving at the game past 7:00 pm Atlantic Standard Time, don’t even dream that you find a parking spot at Harbour Station. The Wharf? Maybe. Find an alternate spot like Brunswick Square. If you park at the Popsicle Factory, trucks often need to get in there mid-game.

Go Early: Don’t waltz into Harbour Station at 7:25, have no idea where your seat is, and try and find it in pitch black. Come as early as possible so that you can brave the battle that is getting through the door and you can find the correct seat.

Stay off the Concourse: Unless absolutely necessary, stay off the concourse. If you need food, get it before the game begins. If you need to use the washroom, you are on your own with that one.

Don’t Seat Hop: Unless you have an eye on a seat that has been empty up until the 10 minute mark of the second period, don’t do it. It’s sold-out, which in English means that seat is taken.

Don’t Stand on the Concourse: A lot of people stand during the game by the railing on the concourse. If you normally do that – don’t. 200 folks have paid money to stand-up and watch this one, and the last thing you should do is get in their way. If you want to stand, see if you can exchange with your new found business friend.

Scalping: There are lots of people on Twitter looking for tickets to this game. For legal reasons, that is all we are going to say. There is probably some kind of law against it so you are better off coming inside and enjoying the game.

Be Kind to 'Cats Fans: Moncton fans are often confused with Harbour Station. There is no fancy score clock, cool vending machines, or random air horns going off every five minutes. Be respectful of these Wildcat fans and don’t start screaming in their faces just because they are decked out in yellow and red. Save the screaming for your road trip to the Cage next weekend.

Be Loud: Reality is tough sometimes, which is why it must be said that Harbour Station is one of the quietest buildings in the QMJHL. The last thing you want to hear is “Go Cats Go. Wooooooo.” Don’t sit on your hands, show these Moncton tourists that this is Saint John, not St. John’s.