Hangin' at the Library with Mo

In 2013, the George W. Bush Library opened its doors to the public. I remember it very well because I was actually a volunteer that first year. The people, and there are several, were amazing and I even got to meet Laura and President Bush. I moved back to Los Angeles a short while later for school, but an incredible job opportunity brought me back.

I never forgot my time at the Bush Library. I could spend hours there just conversing with people behind the scenes. Some of the volunteers have given so much time and have visited so many other Presidential Libraries. Lorraine even gave me the idea of trying to visit all of them as a bucket list, which I've given serious thought to doing. I've always wanted to be more involved but didn't have the time.

Which is why I was so excited when a few weeks back, the Dallas Stars reached out and asked if I would be willing to let the library borrow some Modano items for the Game Changer Exhibit. I had the incredible opportunity to work with Dan Stuchal on the Modano statue last year, so of course I welcomed all future opportunities to work with my favorite front office in the league.

The exhibit itself is amazing. It's very well narrated and runs on a rotating basis until 2027. The current installment features Mike Eruzione's 1980 Gold Medal jersey, Marty Turco's game worn mask, Stukes' 1999 Stanley Cup ring, and Brenden Morrow's Gold Medal from Vancouver. Right next to that, the Bush Center has the Modano display, complete with Mike's Canada Cup game worn jersey in which he took home the silver medal.

While you're visiting, be sure to check out the rest of the library, which features a lot of artifacts from President Bush's earlier political career, his time as an owner, and his family life. My favorite is the actual jacket he wore at Yankee Stadium when he threw out the first pitch after 9/11. If you've never been to Ground Zero or the new Freedom Tower, there's also a touching tribute to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice on that day right behind steel beams from WTC. Take your picture in the replica oval office, and if you skipped breakfast, then Cafe 43 is a must.

I've been a few times in the last week. I recently stopped by with an old friend. As many know, Tim and I were neighbors growing up in the humble parts of Irving in the 90s. Tim shared the same passion for the Dallas Stars as I and what little we had; we made the most of it, including what later became known as the Modano Dome. Even though we look back at those days and laugh about it, it's still one of my favorite parts about my life and helps bring back so many Dallas Stars memories.

Special thanks to Dan Stuchal, Joe Calvillo, Laura Minton, and Teresa Lenling.