Erin Brown

ATLANTA -- If you've watched some of the NHL events over the past couple years, you'll notice the league has added a "red carpet" element. Basically picture any scene you've seen outside of a Hollywood awards show. Subtract the celebrities, add hockey players.

The idea is actually a good one, because it gives the great opportunity to not only get their players media exposure of a personal side, but gives fans a chance to get access. It creates fanfare, and that's what the NHL needs. Just check out this photo of a swarm of little kids clamoring to get Alex Ovechkin's autograph:



Of course, while most understand this is really supposed to be a fun event, there are some fellow media colleagues that just haven't caught on yet.

When Rick DiPietro came over to talk with one of the local Atlanta television stations, the reporter asked him about his suit -- "So, who are you wearing?"

DiPietro's response, "Uh, I don't know? Hugo Boss?"

ATLANTA -- This one is for all you video game buffs.

There's been a crew from 2k Sports wandering the floor today, asking the guys all about their opinion on video games. It's actually not a ridiculous concept considering many athletes play their their virtual counterparts on the various video game consoles.

Senators center Jason Spezza, who is the cover boy for this year's version of NHL 2k8, spoke with the crew about the digital aspect of hockey:

Q: What were some of your favorite hockey games growing up?

Spezza: Blades of Steel, Ice Hockey (for NES).

Q: What was your theory on ice hockey? What did you used to do? How many fat guys, how many skinny guys?

Spezza: I'd have to balance. I like the medium guys. They did a little bit of everything. You need the fat guys to shoot and the little guys to get around the ice.

Q: How much involvement did you have with (NHL 2k8)?

Spezza: I didn't have too much input because I got to the game in the late phase. But I think this next game coming, I'll have some input.

Q: What was it like filming the commercial with Marty Turco?

Spezza: Turcs is a great guy and a fun guy to be around. We had a good time with it.