Hey big B, 

I still think about you all the time.  You may me gone from this world, but I know you're still with us. There's constant reminders of our time together each and every day...every Laker game, every  Dodger game, every time I go to a Mexican or Chinese restaurant on Rededa Bl and of course every time I hear Hall and Oates (shhhh, me and Big B secretly liked them).  Although you're not here on earth you will always be with me in my thoughts and in my heart. 

About twelve years ago, Bryan invited a couple of us to attend a  Kings hockey game with him at Staples Center in downtown L.A. I had never been to a live hockey game before, but had been to many Lakers game so i was excited to hang out with my friend for an evening and watch some NHL hockey.

The game was at 7pm as I remember, Bryan said he would pick me up at 5:00pm. He arrived about 5:45pm, lol (Bryan time). There were four of us going, but Bryan only had two tickets. The game was sold out so I was worried how we would all get in. Bryan said dont worry, I will take care of it.

I thought we would park in one of the parking garages near the arena, but ever aware to save money Bryan found street parking and paid a homeless gentlemen to watch his car. The homeless gentlemen was standing next to that car when we came back to the car three hours later.

Bryan talked some "ticket guys" into buying his two tickets for four tickets that they held, and Bryan somehow still made $25.00 off the exchange, lol. I still to this day can not figure how he pulled that one off. We sat in the same general area as the two original tickets he had. If you have ever attended a sporting event with Bryan you might know what I mean.

The Kings put on a sorry display of hockey that evening and trailed big entering the third period, though dismayed Bryan put on a happy face for the rest of us and we had a great time. Bryan was a hockey expert and explained all of the strategies and penalties to me, since I was a novice hockey fan. 

Bryan had friendly exchanges with every fan in our section even the Philadelphia Flyers fans which says a lot about his endearing personality.

During the third period I yelled out something dumb, "Come on Kings put the ball in the net"!! Every fan within earshot stared at us. Bryan laughed and said sit down! 
 Bryan gave me that look that only Bryan can give you when you have said something dumb. "Come on Finley its a puck, not a ball, Jeez!"  
Bryan and I would laugh about that often over the years, and if we were officiating a tense game together, one of us would say, "come on Finley put the ball in the net!" We would both immediately start laughing as the players around us would wonder what the heck was so funny.    

It makes me smile that the he would be able to witness his beloved Kings finally bring  home the Stanley Cup Trophy during his lifetime. I know beside Michelle nothing else made him happier than his beloved Kings.  


Now come on Arizona Cardinals  its your turn!