Part 3 concludes our Guest Blog series with David Puchovsky, founder of Eurolanche.com, a European Colorado Avalanche fanclub. This last segment involves a Q & A with David as well as his account of Invasion 3 (this year’s annual trip to see some home games).
Courtesy of Eurolanche.com
BB: Tell me what it was like planning this year’s Invasion and if you are the sole organizer for the group or if you have help.
DP: The organization of the Eurolanche Invasion III – the third trip of Eurolanche members to Denver – was really hard, like the two previous
times. I managed most of the schedule and our plan alone, but had a little help from some members. Every time I’ve planned Invasion, I’ve had the same process.
First, I had to monitor air ticket prices and choose the cheapest one with the right times. Second, when the Invasion date is fixed and we are one million percent sure that we will go to the USA, I start searching for accommodations.
During Invasion I we lived at a friend’s house. Members of Invasion II found great, cheap accommodations and, thanks to them, I had an easier way with choosing the right place for Invasion III.
Third, I, with one or two other members, planned the complete schedule – we focused not only on NHL games and practices, but also on interesting places to view.
Fourth, the most important part of the organization process is the communication between me and the Colorado Avalanche and Peter Budaj. I
try to get as many free game tickets as is possible. Avalanche games are the main objective of our trip so I could not fail in this point.
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BB: What is it like traveling overseas to get to see your favorite team in person?
DP: Personally, I love traveling, so for me there is no problem with long journeys and walks at airports. I am little bit worried about take offs, but then is everything ok. The never ending hours in the air contribute to the great atmosphere of the trip. I like it.
BB: Is it hard for you to keep up with the Avalanche due to the time difference and living so far away?
DP: Sometimes… Especially after the 60th game of the regular season. I start to be more tired, but I subscribe to ESPN 360, so I am able to not only watch all NHL games live but also watch them on demand whenever I want. In addition, I am still a student at university and go there only three days per week, so there is no problem with the non-sleeping nights and mornings.
BB: What has the Colorado Avalanche response to your multiple trips been like and has it changed over the years?
DP: We met with the Colorado Avalanche organization during Invasion I. They were surprised and really liked our idea. But then came the worst season in the history for the Avalanche and all communications stopped. I got answers that there was a meeting about the possible co-operation between us and the team, but nothing more. I have never found out why.
For Invasion III we prepared the Eurolanche Guide 2007-2010, where all our activity was summarized. It looked very professional and we gave it to the Avs PR staff. I still got no response from them, so I am going to contact them again soon.
In spite of this failure, I have to underline fact that the Colorado Avalanche organization has supported all three Invasions with free game tickets and access for game day practices and post-game meetings with players. I also have to say thank you to Peter Budaj who contributed to it too…
For the future, we hope that Colorado Avalanche will officially co-operate with us, will inform fans about us on the main website, and will still continue partnering with us for free game tickets.
The Avs give lucky fans jerseys - R.Boulding
BB: What was it like being interviewed on television during a game?
DP: I was really, really nervous. It is a paradox, but at home I am studying journalism and doing interviews. I was never interviewed before the first Invasion. So talking in front of maybe millions of fans in your non-native language is extremely hard. I know that it was not so good, but I am hoping that I will be better next season, if I get another chance.
BB: If you could do Invasion differently next year, what would you do?
DP: I am trying to remember some mistakes from the last Invasion, but I cannot really recall. It was a really great trip and we had an amazing two and half weeks there. There was everything, including a short meeting with Joe Sakic. The only thing that I would like to upgrade is increasing the number of members traveling to Denver.
BB: What have been your top 3 favorite moments during all of your trips out here?
DP: 1. My first Avs game in person. 2. Meeting with Joe Sakic. 3. The live interview during the game.
But it is really hard to say only three moments. There were millions of memories of which I will
never forget.
BB: What does the future hold for the Eurolanche?
DP: That’s a hard question, because we want to be better and better… The first point on our to-do-list is the official co-operation with the Colorado Avalanche organization, but it does not depend on us. Second, I would like to see more and more members… maybe hundreds of new members from all European countries. Third, to still be the best European, non-official website of any of the NHL teams.
BB: How do you feel about the season this team had?
DP: The Colorodo Avalanche had a great season and showed unexpected success. The young guys played with heart, veterans had to play better because of the expiring of their contracts. Also the new coach was the key for the success. The Avs need somebody with the “voice” in the locker room. Along with Sacco and the rookies, all thanks goes to Anderson. Everyone was shocked. But because of the unexpected success, the players will face much higher expectations than in the last offseason.
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Invasion 3
Time has gone by fast again. Everything nice has finished. The Eurolanche Fanclub successfully finished the third part of the Eurolanche Invasion – the trip of Eurolanche members to Denver for six NHL games.
It was a big milestone for the Eurolanche and European fans of the Colorado Avalanche hockey club. At the end of January, 6 members went to beautiful country in the heart of USA – Colorado. To sum it up – three Austrians, two Slovaks and one Romanian made the trip. There were only three members in each of the two previous Eurolanche Invasions. Invasion III promised great new experiences and a rich program.
We spent more than two weeks attending six Avalanche home games, three practices (one of them was the game day practice, only for VIP’s), viewing three away games, making trips around Denver and, of course, watching the NFL Superbowl. All of the Eurolanche Invasion III members had the chance to get a signature from and take a photo with every player after the games. One special bonus was a meeting with the legendary Joe Sakic.
Eurolanche Invasion III was absolutely great. What else should I write? It is really hard to describe it in words. There met a perfect group of fans, most of them meeting in Denver for the first time in their lives. This was not a barrier to creating new friendships. The Atmosphere was great from the first day and co-operation ran without problems.
Photo by Matt Powell
We experienced many unforgettable moments, we witnessed five Avs home wins, and also were exhausted after the first few days of a busy program. Invasion III became the best Eurolanche program in our history.
All Eurolanche Invasion III members returned from the States with many, many, many souvenirs and also memorable photos and videos. We will update the site and show you all the multimedia files in the coming days, including two interviews – one by Altitude Sports made during the Avs game and one made by FOX 31.
The best evidence of Invasion III success is the sadness of the members. We want to go back there soon. Today. Tomorrow. As soon as possible. Eurolanche is not only about hockey and fans. It is also about strong friendships and great atmosphere. I hope that it will never stop.
Big thank you to Peter Budaj and the Colorado Avalanche organization who provided us with free game tickets for almost all 6 games and post game access to meet and greet all the Avalanche players.
Related posts:
- Guest Blog: Eurolanche
- Guest Blog: An Inside Look At Fans From The Other Side
- Avs vs. Jackets Game Notes
- Avs fall to NHL worst Hurricanes
- Curse of the 3rds Smack Avs in the Face… Again
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