ESPN AFL

NEW ORLEANS -- Not even Hurricane Dolly could keep Miss America and me away from ArenaBowl XXII. Riding wind, rain and a wave of excitement that burns inside us like a bad case of turf toe, we cruise into the Crescent City for three days of events leading up to Sunday's big showdown -- the 22nd gridiron war within walls.

For the second consecutive year, the Superdome plays host to the Arena Football League's annual championship, but before the fireworks and romps down Bourbon Street, the bash on the Bayou begins with a purpose.

Thursday we visit the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, where the AFL's best and brightest brought big smiles to kiddos who could use a little jazz in the hallways of their home away from homes. Check out the photos below for a look at Thursday's main event, one megapixel at a time.

---

There She Is ...

Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008, is not just a pretty face. The University of Cincinnati grad also serves as the national Goodwill Ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network. On Thursday, Kirsten and her crown ushered the football fellas around the hospital halls and helped make some smiles of her own. Oh, the kids enjoyed meeting her, too.

---

Win The Prize And Accessorize

Little known fact: Miss America not only nabs a sash and crown when she is awarded the highest honor on two heels, but she is also given a crown ring. Evidently, if some ice is good, more is better, as evidenced by the smile on her face as she sports the finger candy of three-time (2002, 2004, and 2007) ArenaBowl champion coach, Darren Arbet.

---

Elbow, Elbow, Wrist, Wrist

Kirsten eventually returned the rings to their rightful owner after realizing the weighty consequences of all that heavy hardware on her hand. Here, she gives a few pointers on perfecting the patented Miss America wave.

---

Bead Me, Baby

Matt D'Orazio was signed as a backup to QB Tony Graziani but he assumed the reigns when T.G. suffered some injuries, and D'Orazio proceeded to lead the Soul to their first championship game ever. This little guy doesn't know any of that, but he was pretty happy about the ArenaBowl beads Matty brought him.

---

The (Same) Name Game

No, defending ArenaBowl champ SaberCats kicker A.J. Haglund did not ask for a crown to complement his championship-ring bling. (At least that's not what he told us.) A.J. and Kirsten -- who coincidentally share the same last name though bear no relation -- had some fun when they met each other for the first time at the hospital on Thursday.

---

Don't Forget To Put Your Ring Back On

We know that Philadelphia Soul QB Matt D'Orazio has great hands since they led the AFL in passer rating (131.3), completion percentage (72.4) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (18.0) -- earning him Quarterback of the Year honors. While D'Orazio never hesitated to dip his hot hands for a good cause, he did opt out of the photo op which saw Miss America and the AFL dance team all-stars help take off his wedding ring when he forgot to do so before taking the plunge into the paint.

---

Philly's Heart And Soul

Philadelphia's two-QB tandem made the rounds together, spreading get-well wishes, talking football and even doling out history lessons to youngsters about the olden days of National Conference dominance and erstwhile legends like Jon Bon Jovi.

---

Visiting An Old Friend

San Jose's James Roe let little Lexie Hayles, a patient at The Children's Hospital, give his hands a good shellacking for a good cause. Many of the SaberCats players remembered Lexie from their 2007 pre-ArenaBowl visit, as Lexie unfortunately was also in residence last year.

---

Big On Big

One pudgy little patient went big-man-to-big-man with Soul lineman Phil Bogle. Bogle may be the only player in AFL history to make the All-Rookie and All-Arena Team the same year, but a two-year-old gave the 320-pounder a run for his money on Thursday.

---

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez

Even in the halls of a hospital, where bright, young kiddos have no business being, a little bit of love, some laughs and a few Bourbon Street beads helped spread good cheer and get-well-soon spirit where they need it most.