Hockey!

[Lindsey]

I just came home from my first LIVE world junior hockey championships game. As I've mentioned before, my brother and I got my dad tickets for Christmas because they are held here in our city this year! Since there were 5 games, my dad took my uncle to the first one, and Shaun and I would split the next 4.

Tonight was Latvia vs Switzerland. Neither team had won a game yet. I was really rooting for Latvia and it was such a close game until the last period! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I didn't think I'd get so into a game that wasn't even a home team!

The only Canadian game is the BIG Canadian game - Canada vs. USA, which is a New Years Eve tradition. Imagine my surprise when my dad says since Scott is out of town and I have no plans for New Years, I should go to that game with him. Imagine my even bigger surprise when my hockey-player big brother doesn't even argue about it!

Now, I love all of you ladies, but I have to say I hope my country beats your country :D lol! I need to go wash my Canada shirt to wear tomorrow now. Getting these tickets was the best thing we've done! Next year I believe they are being held in Boston and the year after they will be back in Canada, I think split between Edmonton and Calgary, so I will try to get tickets there too!

This is really like the best hockey in the world. It's not NHL players getting paid millions to play, it's kids with a LOT of skill playing for the love of the game and the pride of their countries.

I know most of you probably don't care too much about hockey but I'm pretty excited so I thought I'd share :D

[DianaB]

It sounds exciting!! I went to a hockey game....once!! An American/Canadian game would probably be really good! I'm sure that they are very competitive!!!


Go USA!!!!!!

[Lindsey]

It's VERY competitive! Both teams are currently undefeated. Canada has had a bigger point lead in every game though.

Canada vs Latvia - 16-0
Canada vs Switzerland - 6-0
Canada vs Slovakia - 8-2


USA vs Slovakia - 7-3
USA vs Switzerland - 3-0
USA vs Latvia - 12-1


I was amazed at how many fans came from their countries to cheer on their teams! Yesterday I saw about 10 Latvian jerseys just on my way out the door. I only saw one guy in USA gear, but the place wasn't even half full yesterday. Tonight is THE game to see, and I'm sure this is going to be the best game I've ever been to!

[Lindsey]

:D

Stompin' Tom was my favorite when I was little, and this is a fitting song for this post...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZWxErEbQkY

[paula1961]

I really enjoyed the video Lindsey!! I would love to go to a hockey game!! One of my sons used to go often and he said that they were alot of fun to watch.
I don't know if they call fouls in hockey but I saw quite a few watching this:D Looks like a blast!!

[Lindsey]

Yes, they call penalties! :D I can't believe that it wasn't until 1979 that helmets were mandatory in hockey! As a figure skater myself, I have hit my head on the ice and on the boards many times and it HURTS! And that was just from my own falls, nevermind someone pushing!

I'm going to find some batteries for my camera and post a picture of myself ready for the game tonight :D

[paula1961]

Yes, they call penalties! :D I can't believe that it wasn't until 1979 that helmets were mandatory in hockey! As a figure skater myself, I have hit my head on the ice and on the boards many times and it HURTS! And that was just from my own falls, nevermind someone pushing!

I'm going to find some batteries for my camera and post a picture of myself ready for the game tonight :D

That's right, I had forgotten about them calling penalties. They really get rough don't they?
Yes Lindsey...do post a pic of you in game wear:p Have a wonderful time tonight! You're a figure skater? COOL!!!!

[Lindsey]

They do get pretty rough! In my brother's last year of minor hockey, they made it to the provincial finals and he had to play the last few games with 2 cracked ribs. He wouldn't sit out so he just bandaged himself up really good under his equipment and got on the ice! There were quite a few cracked ribs, hurt shoulders, and broken collar bones back in those days.

lol and I USED to be a figure skater. I pretty much learned to skate simultaneously with learning to walk lol! My parents put me in figure skating when I was 4, and I took lessons until I was 16 and I got to the same level as my coach. It wasn't worth it to me to travel an hour for more lessons since I wouldn't be getting anywhere with it anyway, I was too old. I did teach figure skating for about 3 or 4 years as well while I was in high school.

Here I am ready for the game! GO CANADA GO!

[judy]

I think that in tribute to your exuberance as a Canadian hockey fan, I will become a fan of Canada's hockey team as well! You look so adorable in your shirt.

Enjoy the game!!!

HURRAY CANADA!!!

[paula1961]

Aww Lindsey...you look so cute!!! Have a great time!!! Love your hair!!!

[Lindsey]

Thanks Paula! And thanks Judy! I think maybe you were the extra fan to push us over the edge :)

WHAT A GAME! Canada really played TERRIBLY. I think all the wins may have gone to their heads. We got the first goal in the first couple of minutes and the whole place exploded! It was so exciting, the game was a sell-out and it was just a sea of red everywhere you looked! But it wasn't long until the USA tied the game. By the end of the first period the score was 2-2. We were passing terribly and gave away the puck in probably 60% of passes :( The USA was dominating the game.

In the second period, we stepped up the game a bit. Everytime there was a power play, my dad would say "Oh we're gonna get one here" so I made him stop saying that, because it wasn't working lol. We got another power play in the last few minutes of the period and he said "It'll be 3-2 at the end of this period" and it was... but for USA :(

In the third period, USA scored again and I was so down about it, most people thought it was game over. I was ready to come back and tell you guys that the better team won. The USA was playing great and we were not doing so well. But in the second half of the period, we came back and it was Canada's game again! With about 5 minutes left it was tied again at 4-4! My adrenaline was pumping so hard my legs felt like rubber! The excitement in the arena was overwhelming!

In the last few minutes Canada scored again! The place erupted in screams and high fives... until the play went upstairs for review and it turned to boos when they called no goal due to a player in the crease :( We didn't see much of a replay there, but my family watching at home said that was a b.s. call because he was PUSHED into the crease. So the game ended in a tie, and it was time for overtime.

In the 5 minute overtime period, Canada had control of the puck 90% of the time but just could not pull off a goal. So we went to a shoot-out. By this time I was so pumped up I was just vibrating!

Canada shot first - GOAL!!!! USA, another goal. Canada - GOAL!!!!!! USA, goal again. Then it was the last shot.... Another goal for Canada! The place was silent as the USA player shot.... right into the middle of our goalie's body! The crowd went absolutely WILD! I screamed so loud I'm surprised I still have a voice today!

I was so proud as our national anthem was playing, and my dad was singing with all his heart. On our way out of the building there were high fives and hugs all around from every random person walking by!

That game was absolutely worth every penny I paid for the tickets. Now on Sunday we get to watch Canada in the semi-finals vs the winner of Russia and Switzerland. It will probably be Russia, but I'm hoping Switzerland kicks their butts :) Either way it's going to be an awesome playoff game.

The USA can have technology, hollywood, summer olympics, world domination ;), but Canada still has hockey :D

[judy]

You should be a sports reporter Linds! I was reading your post, sitting on the edge of my seat!!!

Hurray for the Great White Way!!!

[Lindsey]

Thanks Judy! I went to the semi-final game this afternoon with Scott. The VIP tickets were great! We went to the VIP lounge and saw my little cousin and her husband as soon as we walked in :D We got free food and sat at a table with two reporters for the IIHF website! When they left, an older volunteer came to sit down at our table, and he was telling us how he played with Montreal back in the day and his name is on the Stanley Cup :D Pretty cool!

We played Switzerland today, after their surprising last seconds-win over Russia yesterday! It was their first EVER win against Russia in the World Juniors, and it got them a pass to the semi-final round. Anyways, Canada dominated the game. We won 6-1.

Tonight we went to my brother's to watch the other semi-final, USA vs Sweden, in high def on his big screen. Sweden was undefeated, and USA beat Finland yesterday to make it to the semi-final. Well, wouldn't you know it, USA won! So it looks like we meet again at the gold medal game on Tuesday! USA wants it bad, and they are a really REALLY good team and either way it's going to be such a good game to watch! Canada is shooting for their 6th straight gold medal. Unfortunately, I don't have tickets and will have to watch that one from home!

I've attached some pictures of me before we went... my dad left a jersey here for me to wear :D It's XXL and big on him, so a tiny bit big on me :rolleyes:

I also have some video I'll post when youtube gets them uploaded :)

[Lindsey]

This video is a little long, but I ended up getting Canada's 5th goal at the end (the final goal was scored not even a minute later), and a crazy hit near the start of the video (you can hear Scott say "Ohhhhhhhhh!")

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQUg-52TNuo

[Lindsey]

Victory! The crowd is wild and there's a lot of screaming! We're going to the finals!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q82hF1mfr8A

[Lindsey]

I also took some pictures of the teams lined up at the end of the game, and another picture of the player of the game awards...

[gja1000]

Thanks so much for reporting the hockey games for us. Of course, living in Texas, I'm not much of a fan - BUT - a few years ago, we had a semi pro team and I went to a few of their games and I was so surprised that I really liked it! Hockey in person is so very different from watching on TV.

We now have a development team for the NHL's Dallas Stars. This is their first year here. I haven't been to any of their games yet, but I will go, it is a fun time!!!

[Lindsey]

It is so different in person, the whole atmosphere is great :)

A guy at work just gave me free VIP tickets to the relegation round with Austria vs Latvia this afternoon, so Scott and I are both taking off work early :D I am rooting for Latvia because they're a fun team. Neither team has won a game yet lol. My brother watched Latvia play another relegation game yesterday, and the puck was in the air and he could have easily shot it in when it hit the ice, but instead he grabbed the puck in the air and THREW it in the net! Lol!

[gja1000]

It is so different in person, the whole atmosphere is great :)

A guy at work just gave me free VIP tickets to the relegation round with Austria vs Latvia this afternoon, so Scott and I are both taking off work early :D I am rooting for Latvia because they're a fun team. Neither team has won a game yet lol. My brother watched Latvia play another relegation game yesterday, and the puck was in the air and he could have easily shot it in when it hit the ice, but instead he grabbed the puck in the air and THREW it in the net! Lol!

LOL!! I didn't know you could THROW the puck!!! :D

[Lindsey]

Lol, you can't! The goal wasn't counted but that's just how much fun the team is. They knew they wouldn't win so they were just going for entertainment lol!

[gja1000]

OH! LOL!! HOW FUNNY! You are right, they were having the time of their lives, I bet!

[Lindsey]

And tonight, they won their first and last game :)

[gja1000]

And tonight, they won their first and last game :)


Cool! :p