My Evening at the 2017 NHL All-Star FanFair

I hadn't planned on attending the NHL All-Star Game FanFair at the LA Convention Center, but I couldn't help myself.  A major mid-season event was happening in my town, and I would be remiss if I didn't show up to take it all in.  Besides, I was told that there would be a small card show, a little museum display and autographs... Free autographs.  So I went, and I'm glad I did.

One of the keen displays were these large hockey pucks seen all around the Staples Center.  They featured every All-Star in attendance this year.  Naturally, I tracked down the two Kings players - Jeff Carter (left) and Drew Doughty.

Blog Kiosk: 1/27/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

After a brief rain delay Joc Pederson finally had the opportunity to meet with throngs of Dodger fans with their dogs at the Silverlake Dog Park yesterday.  It was a part of the week-long Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour that concludes today.

This afternoon from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM will be a Dodger rally at the Westfield Topanga Shopping Center.  Chase DeJong, Kyle Farmer, Yasmani Grandal, Chris Hatcher, Kenta Maeda, Josh Ravin, Jacob Rhame, Darin Ruf, Corey Seager, Rob Segedin, Ross Stripling, Chris Taylor and Trayce Thompson are scheduled to be there.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon and Juan Ocampo from yesterdays Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1968 the Dodgers picked future Dodgers infielder Davey Lopes in the second round of the 1968 amateur draft.  They also chose pitcher Geoff Zahn - who would go on to have a long Major League career.
• Happy Birthday, Dan Evans, Bert Inks, Bob Barrett, Fred Heimach & Nick Willhite!
  

Welcome to the Blue, Brett Eibner!

If there is one thing you should expect the Dodgers front office to do it's that they'll add seemingly inconsequential depth pieces to buttress the Major League roster.  Last season depth players like Chris Taylor, Rob Segedin and Andrew Toles made impactful contributions.  This coming season the Dodger hope Brett Eibner can do the same.

As you know, the Dodgers traded minor league infielder Jordan Tarsovich to the A's for outfielder Brett Eibner.  He was then immediately placed on the 40-man roster, and reliever Carlos Frias was designated for assignment to make room.  Eibner was originally drafted in the second round of the 2010 draft by the Royals (out of the University of Arkansas), traded to the A's six years later and now finds himself in LA. He stands 6' 4" tall, bats and throws right-handed, and was born in San Diego.  You can follow Brett on twitter here: @Brett_Eidner.  Per a Dodgers press release:

Blog Kiosk: 1/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

LA Councilmember Gil Cedillo made a special presentation to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts yesterday afternoon at City Hall in recognition of his "Manager of the Year" award for the past season.  This was part of the teams ongoing Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour that continues with a few more events today.  Go here to watch a bunch of videos from yesterdays events, via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider.

Fernando Valenzuela is scheduled for a surprise visit somewhere in the Southland.  So, stay tuned for that.  Additionally, Kiké Hernandez and Rob Segedin will make a surprise pizza delivery to a special group of city employees in recognition of their commitment to creating a positive impact in the community.  Lastly, Joc Pederson will host a Pet Family Photo Day at the Silver Lake Dog Park, starting at 2:00 PM.

Photo at the very top via @Dodgers on twitter.  Go here to take a look at a bunch of photos from yesterday from Jon SooHoo, Juan Ocampo and Jill Weisleder.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Kaiser Wilhelm, Johnny Frederick & Antonio Perez!
  

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Dodgers FanFest & the NHL All-Star FanFair

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

This is a big weekend in sports for the Los Angeles area.  Not only are the Dodgers holding their annual Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour this week, but they are also hosting their FanFest on Saturday.  Also, the NHL All-Star Game FanFair is also taking place at the convention center from Thursday to Saturday.

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On Thursday, January 26th Joc Pederson is hosting a Pet Family Photo Day at the Silver Lake Dog Park as a part of the Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour starting at 2:00 PM.  Go here for some information.

Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday afternoon Trayce Thompson hosted a bunch of kids and their families who are patients at Cedars-Sinai for a movie night at Dodger Stadium.  First, though, he spent some time showing the tykes the Dodgers clubhouse.

Day three of the Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour is today and it's filled with plenty of appearances throughout LA.  First, Andre Ethier and Julio Urias will hold a clinic for more than 20 Special Olympics of Southern California athletes at the Dodgers Dreamfield at Baldwin Hills Recreation Center from 9:30 Am to 11:30 AM.  At 10:00 AM the Los Angeles City Council will formally recognize Dave Roberts as the 2016 NL "Manager of the Year" at City Hall.  At the same time, Adam Liberatore, Ron Cey, Al Ferrara and Dennis Powell will promote literacy at four different Los Angeles public libraries.  Finally, Ethier and Roberts will take part in a "Thank You Lunch" for the LAPD at the Northeast Community Police Station.

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics taken by Jon from yesterday's tour events.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Ray Schmandt, Ed Head & Ed Goodson!