blocker

I gotta get my birthday suit ironed. It's all wrinkled.

Saturday after her morning game, I took my nine year old to the rink at Middlebury college. Middlebury donated a block of two hours ice time for a U12 girls jamboree. There were 80-90 kids from Vermont and parts of upstate New York. They were divided into 6 teams. Each team had kids from as many different towns as possible, so that new acquaintances could be formed. The kids were given a pizza lunch and then were guests to watch Middlebury Women play Bowdoin. After the game, the Middlebury girls had a skate with the kids. It was a pretty long day. It was evening before I got her back home and she was pooped. But, she really had a good time, and so did I. The sight of all those nice little kids with pony tails hanging out the back of helmets is something special.

That's really funny.

BTW..... I watched Keith Aucoin when he played for Norwich. Pretty decent division three player.

Jammer........ In your travels, have you ever scouted? I never did, but sometimes got the opportunity to watch games with them. Really interesting to get their take.

We watched him play in college, (along with Patrick Sharp). He's a good kid, but a little difficult to assess as a player. His brother is also at UVM. Pretty much the same type of player.

While udders might have more suave and refer to those appendages as Knockers.

I'm hoping they have a chance to intermingle. The game will be at 4:00 PM, so even with the drive home, there should be some time available. I'm going to offer to spring for some pizza. We've discovered that no matter where kids come from, they'll always eat pizza. Diets don't vary much nowadays.

A peewee team from the Ukraine is coming over for the Quebec City tournament. They also wanted a extra game with my grandson's team. Even though some of their stay would be a relatively easy drive, (Cardigan Mtn School in New Hampshire), fitting the schedules together seemed impossible. But, Norwich University has a couple kids from the Ukraine on its hockey team. So, Norwich stepped up. They made changes in their ice schedules and are hosting a game for the kids in February. It's a very nice thing for them to do. Even though they are division 3, they are still under a lot of pressure to produce wins. And that accomodation surely wasn't easy for them.

Agreed......... Lots more fun when the guys you root for have good games.

I think Bryz's ailment is contagious. I've felt a little sick watching him on some nights.

"Panic? I'm not panicking. " As long as Bridgewater Corners stands, there is always hope.

FC---an article http://www.dubuquefightingsaints.com/archive_story.php?sid=154

I heard a press release that Jagr hurt his calf. He should learn to be more gentle.

He said that he was taught English, Latvian and Russian in school. I hope the US wins the relegation game against Latvia, but I'd sure like to see him get a couple goals in that game.

I got the impression that it was Mark Howe's idea and push that got McCrimmon's number on the jerseys.

The rows way the hell up in the back were filled. You'ld need the hubble telescope to see the game, but I know why they were there. They were a part of it. Good for them.

Hey, Voyageur, Yeah..........I watched the game with some of my children and grandchildren. There were a few chivalrous moves by both squads. When the Rangers pulled the goalie and Flyers were reluctant to take advantage, my grandson asked why. I explained that Philadelphia had a two goal edge in an exhibition game, and were showing class. He said that maybe now, he understood why his cousins loved hockey.

The ice looked OK, but looked shiny as if there was water on the surface. I didn't hear any comments about it. Have you guys in the area read or heard anything about its' condition for the classic?

Ted................ It was a lot of fun. John LeClair, Shjon Podein and Mark Howe are my favorite Flyers, and each got a goal. I think either LeClair or Lindros could have had a couple if they hadn't tried to set up teammates. Brought back memories.

The other day, I'm looking through some media stuff about the Women Worlds hockey rosters. Most of these girls are really, really good looking. Kinda makes you want to cheer for all of them. There used to be a figure skater named Josee Chouinard. She was gorgeous. Once, we watched her in a competition that she didn't win. I watched the tears run down that face. If I'd been one of the judges, I'd have voted her extra points, just to keep her from crying.

Zemgus Girgensens. He billeted with my son. He's a great kid. I appreciate the pointer toward the score.

I'm trying to find a recap of the Latvian game, but can't. Anyone got a url or site?

I wondered about the outcome when Finland scored to make it 2-1. The Finns looked as if they were coming on, but the quick goal to make it 3-1 helped to change the complexion of the game. One of the the improvements in the game now from the past, is the players singing their national anthems after a win. I'm from the US, but I got a little watery around my eyes, watching those young Canadian players sing Oh Canada.

Jack.... This isn't a similar situation, but: One of our leagues was of 6 to 8 year olds. It consisted of surrounding towns with teams of 11 players, plus a couple pooled teams to keep the 11 player limit. We had no written codes for substitutions, but we had agreed on a few things. One was that the strongest 5 kids would play against the other teams strongest 5. A horn would sound every three minutes and all 5 kids would be subbed. No scores were supposed to be kept. It was suggested that a different kid play goal each game. We had about 20 teams. Everybody played by the rules, except for one "coach". He would leave his own son on the ice during changes, while some little 7 year old kid sat on the bench. People complained to me about his treatment of children. I really had no authority over him, but I tried to fix it by going to his local organization. That approach didn't work. So, I decided to have another talk with him, even though that hadn't helped previously. So, I'm waiting for the end of his game to have my chat. I watch the game. There's one kid who hasn't played at all. Some man climbs into the bench area, grabs the "coach" by the shirt front, and punches him. Across the rink, the rest of the parents cheer. I turn and leave, because this parent had delivered his message more effectively than I could have.