NHL Ice Girl: Ashley Lobo Interview

Alright ladies and gentlemen, the long awaited interview with an NHL ice girl is finally here! Yeah I know its taken forever to finally get this done, but hey everyone has busy schedules so settle down already.

So anyway, I was lucky enough to grab the attention of Ashley Lobo of the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Crew for a few minutes, and she was kind enough to answer the questions that I, and Mother Pucker Hockey readers had for her.

So without futher delay, here are we go:

What’s your name? Ashley Lobo

How old are you? 26 years old

How long have you been an Ice Girl for? This is my first year I am a “Rookie”

Is Ice Girl even the correct term? The correct term is Chicago Blackhawks Ice Crew Girl.  The Blackhawks part makes it even more special!

Which team are you employed by? I am employed by the greatest franchise in the NHL… The Chicago Blackhawks!!! However, Wynning Teams created and has managed the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Crew since 2003.

How’s the reception been with fans? Other sports have had cheerleaders, but the concept is still relatively new to hockey. I would say most fans learned to LOVE our presence on and off the ice. I have never witnessed any negative responses.  Our Ice Crew is made up of very talented skaters that have brains, beauty and personality. What’s not to love?  When I interviewed Bobby Hull he said, “If they had an Ice Crew back in my day- I wouldn’t have left the NHL.”

Have you worked in a similar manner (cheerleader) for any other sports? I never was a cheerleader in high school or college. But I was involved in synchronized skating, figure skating and a spokesperson at the Fiesta Bowl.  These were great prerequisites and experiences for making the Chicago Blackhawk ice crew team.

Some people say that hockey is family entertainment and that ice girls just don’t fit, yet they still find a place for fighting in their brand of family entertainment. Do you think there is a double standard regarding this issue? If so what do you think of it? I do think that is a double standard.  In fact, I feel we relate to all age groups, especially the kids.  When we walk around the United Center children, as well as adults, love having their picture taken with us, talking about their favorite players and then seeing us wave to them from the ice.  I definitely don’t feel that we are just there for the adults.  Certainly hockey has its fights, checking and occasional blood.  But this too is part of the game that sets the tone and protects the players.

Any comment on the Sean Avery “Sloppy Seconds” comments? Its unfortunate that some people will use their celebrity status to try to tarnish another persons reputation. Avery’s suspension by the NHL was the proper punishment.  A person with his demeanor does not belong in the NHL. I believe what transpires in a relationship should remain confidential between the parties involved.  I might recommend to the Dallas Stars that they give Avery the job of driving the Zamboni around between periods but that job would be too good for him!  Adios Sean!!!

Do any of the players ever talk to you during a game? No, but I once saw another player squirt their water bottle at us!! Perhaps the ice crew is the secret weapon to keep the visiting teams minds on other things besides hockey?

Ever skated by a goalie with a shovel in hand and heard something entertaining fly out of their mouth? No, I have never heard anything from the goalies! I only see them pouring their water bottles over their heads.

What are your responsibilities as an NHL Ice Girl? Obviously you work at the games, but are there other community responsibilities obligations that you do? Yes, when the boys are on the road we do “road watches”. This means that we watch the game with the fans and give out fun Hawks gifts at Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants.  Also, we do numerous charitable events throughout the year.

Have you ever dated an NHL player? No. We are not allowed to fraternize with the players.

Who do you think are the best looking players in the league? Any player who puts on that Chicago Blackhawk’s Indian Jersey are the best looking!  That means all the Blackhawk players of course!

How does one become involved in being an ice girl? There are advertisements in the local papers for football and basketball, but I haven’t seen anything in relation to ice girl auditions. They posted the audition information in local papers/online etc.  You had to go through a series of auditions/interviews on and off the ice.  Their were a lot of talented skaters and I feel so lucky to be apart of the BEST Ice Crew team in the NHL.

Were you able to crack the squad on your first try? What were you doing before you became an ice girl? Yes- luckily I made the team on my first try!  Ice Crew is a fun addition to many other jobs that I currently have.  I am a reporter for the NBC Chicago Street Team, a SAG actress, model and Director of Client Relations for a high end matchmaking firm.  I have a packed schedule but I am passionate about everything that I do.

Go Blackhawks !!!

Well there you have it! Thanks again Ashley for being friendly and doing this for me. Now, what do you guys think of her answers? Any shockers? Anything you think was predictable? Let’er rip in the comments! You never know, she might just respond to you!?