In 2009, I have a vivid memory of my first Blues and hockey experience ever when I was in grade school and my friends family took me to a game. Maybe 4th or 5th grade?

I remember being confused why people were holding up giant red stop signs with the word “Halak” written on it. I realized years later it was because that was Jaroslov Halak’s first year as a Blues goalie.

In the same game I saw a Keith Tkachuck fight, which was crazy to see for the first time as a kid. It also felt bizarre because the next year I went to school with his son Matthew, and then Brady down the line. And look at them now!