Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
02.25.2010 - Day 15 - GOLD!!!
Got up and had breakfast at the hotel.
The Bronze medal game, Sweden vs. Finland (Finland's first medal since 1998 in the Olympics) was at 12.00 so watched the last part on TV. Tried to take a short nap, but hard to do and ended up going having lunch in the lobby of the hotel.
Met in the lobby with the crew and the back-ups and went to the rink. We took some photos and warmed up on the ice. And sat around waiting for the game to start; it seemed like forever. When we heard the crowd erupt from the locker room I told my partners not to worry as I just left the TV on:)
We got out on the ice and the place was packed. I will never forget this game. The house was rocking and we were a part of it! We worked the game and had a celebration in the locker room after. There was a Gold coke can waiting for each of us. Oh, and we left a message for the boys!
After the game we went back to the hotel and had a pizza and beverage social with all the men's and women's officials. Thanks to Bill McCreary for getting this done. We were presented with a gold medal (not the real one) from the IIHF, with Vancouver 2010 engraved on the back. The STANLEY CUP showed up and we got to take photos with it; yes, I referred to it as a person. It was a super great night; the game I will never forget. I just worked the Stanley Cup Final of Women's hockey and survived!
The Bronze medal game, Sweden vs. Finland (Finland's first medal since 1998 in the Olympics) was at 12.00 so watched the last part on TV. Tried to take a short nap, but hard to do and ended up going having lunch in the lobby of the hotel.
Met in the lobby with the crew and the back-ups and went to the rink. We took some photos and warmed up on the ice. And sat around waiting for the game to start; it seemed like forever. When we heard the crowd erupt from the locker room I told my partners not to worry as I just left the TV on:)
We got out on the ice and the place was packed. I will never forget this game. The house was rocking and we were a part of it! We worked the game and had a celebration in the locker room after. There was a Gold coke can waiting for each of us. Oh, and we left a message for the boys!After the game we went back to the hotel and had a pizza and beverage social with all the men's and women's officials. Thanks to Bill McCreary for getting this done. We were presented with a gold medal (not the real one) from the IIHF, with Vancouver 2010 engraved on the back. The STANLEY CUP showed up and we got to take photos with it; yes, I referred to it as a person. It was a super great night; the game I will never forget. I just worked the Stanley Cup Final of Women's hockey and survived!Hello to "the Cod Fish" from Anna, Sly and OB!
Star and Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/sports/olympics/85291147.html?page=1&c=y
U.S. vs. Canada: The facts
Last update: February 25, 2010 - 12:29 AM
U.S. VS. CANADA: THE FACTS
When: 5:30 p.m., MSNBC • Where: Canada Hockey Place, Vancouver
ABOUT THE GAME
Hayley Wickenheiser of Canada said it's the game that everyone in North America wanted to see. Teammate Haley Irwin promises an absolute battle, and Jennifer Botterill said an already white-hot rivalry has grown even more intense. Take the two titans of women's hockey, put them in an arena full of puck-obsessed Canadians, and watch the fun. "It's the Stanley Cup Final over and over again,'' Canada coach Melody Davidson said. "I think it's one of the best rivalries in sport.''
SCOUTING THE U.S.
Canada likes to play a physical game, but it will have to stay out of the box against the Americans, who lead the tournament with 13 power-play goals on 22 chances. This fast, skilled team has grown deeper in recent weeks as its young players have blossomed. Minnesotans Jenny Potter and Natalie Darwitz lead the scoring with 11 points each, and Monique Lamoureux is getting better every game. Jessie Vetter has surrendered one goal on 42 shots and is a tested big-game goalie.
SCOUTING CANADA
The Canadians match the U.S. in skill and offensive firepower. Meghan Agosta's nine goals are an Olympic record for most in a tournament, and Wickenheiser -- one of the greatest women's players ever -- is strong as ever with 11 points in her fourth Winter Games. Davidson has been coy about who will be in goal, but she's got two great ones: veteran Kim St.-Pierre and Olympic rookie Shannon Szabados, who shut out Finland in the semifinals and is 3-1 against the U.S. this season.
THE HISTORY
The U.S. won the first Olympic gold medal in women's hockey in 1998. Canada won the next two, but the U.S. has won the past two world championships. Canada is 7-3 against the U.S. this season.
THE HOME FACTOR
Canada Hockey Place holds 19,300, and the loud, loyal Canadians will make up most of the crowd. Several U.S. players said they are excited to play in that kind of atmosphere and don't expect to be rattled.
OFFICIATING
Kelli O'Brian-Rolstad of Blaine will be one of two linesmen working the gold medal game. Read her blog from Vancouver at www.kelliobrian.blogspot.com
RACHEL BLOUNT
U.S. vs. Canada: The facts
Last update: February 25, 2010 - 12:29 AM
U.S. VS. CANADA: THE FACTS
When: 5:30 p.m., MSNBC • Where: Canada Hockey Place, Vancouver
ABOUT THE GAME
Hayley Wickenheiser of Canada said it's the game that everyone in North America wanted to see. Teammate Haley Irwin promises an absolute battle, and Jennifer Botterill said an already white-hot rivalry has grown even more intense. Take the two titans of women's hockey, put them in an arena full of puck-obsessed Canadians, and watch the fun. "It's the Stanley Cup Final over and over again,'' Canada coach Melody Davidson said. "I think it's one of the best rivalries in sport.''
SCOUTING THE U.S.
Canada likes to play a physical game, but it will have to stay out of the box against the Americans, who lead the tournament with 13 power-play goals on 22 chances. This fast, skilled team has grown deeper in recent weeks as its young players have blossomed. Minnesotans Jenny Potter and Natalie Darwitz lead the scoring with 11 points each, and Monique Lamoureux is getting better every game. Jessie Vetter has surrendered one goal on 42 shots and is a tested big-game goalie.
SCOUTING CANADA
The Canadians match the U.S. in skill and offensive firepower. Meghan Agosta's nine goals are an Olympic record for most in a tournament, and Wickenheiser -- one of the greatest women's players ever -- is strong as ever with 11 points in her fourth Winter Games. Davidson has been coy about who will be in goal, but she's got two great ones: veteran Kim St.-Pierre and Olympic rookie Shannon Szabados, who shut out Finland in the semifinals and is 3-1 against the U.S. this season.
THE HISTORY
The U.S. won the first Olympic gold medal in women's hockey in 1998. Canada won the next two, but the U.S. has won the past two world championships. Canada is 7-3 against the U.S. this season.
THE HOME FACTOR
Canada Hockey Place holds 19,300, and the loud, loyal Canadians will make up most of the crowd. Several U.S. players said they are excited to play in that kind of atmosphere and don't expect to be rattled.
OFFICIATING
Kelli O'Brian-Rolstad of Blaine will be one of two linesmen working the gold medal game. Read her blog from Vancouver at www.kelliobrian.blogspot.com
RACHEL BLOUNT
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
02.24.2010 - Day 14 - laying low and getting ready
Breakfast at the hotel.
Meeting at 10 with the group; it was nice to sleep in a little.
I went back up to the room and took my much needed nap from yesterday and tried to sort out the room a little. I have found living out of a hotel for the past two weeks that when things come up you run up to your room and throw things then try and get back out the door so I have many piles in my room.
I met Anna, Kerri, MA and T in the lobby at 3pm to grab the shuttle to the men's Canada Russia game. The place was packed and even wilder than the USA Canada game; they have been building this match up in the media up here for some time as many Canadians thought that this would be the Gold medal game.
I started talking to the guys that were sitting behind us and they happened to be the Canada men's curling team. Note: John was super fun to talk to and it was easy to relate as these guys have "real jobs" too!
Meeting at 10 with the group; it was nice to sleep in a little.
I went back up to the room and took my much needed nap from yesterday and tried to sort out the room a little. I have found living out of a hotel for the past two weeks that when things come up you run up to your room and throw things then try and get back out the door so I have many piles in my room.
I met Anna, Kerri, MA and T in the lobby at 3pm to grab the shuttle to the men's Canada Russia game. The place was packed and even wilder than the USA Canada game; they have been building this match up in the media up here for some time as many Canadians thought that this would be the Gold medal game.
I started talking to the guys that were sitting behind us and they happened to be the Canada men's curling team. Note: John was super fun to talk to and it was easy to relate as these guys have "real jobs" too!
John Morris, Marc Kennedy and Ben Herbet
After the game Anna, T and I went over to the Czech Finland game at UBC and we sat by the Alpine skier Marino Cardelli and his coaches from San Marino.
Went back to the hotel and am going to bed.
RACHEL I got some really good photos of Jagr for you! I heard him mention that he likes pink laces:)
Monday, February 22, 2010
02.22.2010 - Day 12 - Game Day!
Breakfast at the hotel and meeting with the group.
Ran over to UBC with Brenda, the driver, who was kind enough to wait for me to gather my equipment and bring me back to the hotel.
I went a took a nap!
Went to lunch at Joey's, again, with Melena, who I am linesing with today. We walked back to the hotel, picked up our stuff and were off to Canada Place for the Canada (5) vs. Finland (0) game.
Nicole (Germany), Melena (Denmark) and I worked the game and it was packed. I came around the net as the crowd exploded to the jumbo tron video and I looked up and realized that not only the bottom bowl was full, but the top and the boxes and even the tippy top of the seats were full. I went over and stood by the crease and waited for Nicole to check out the video goal judge communication and got teary eyed as the whole rink was full and this is what I came for and gave up all, well a lot in the past 13 years for, to experience this moment. The game was fun to work, but I'd still say the Canada vs. Sweden game was more fun, other than the attendance factor. Melena and I worked together for the first time, but it was great and like working with someone from home; it just flowed. "We rocked the house!"
Brownie: Please note the my zebra friend is with... if you can figure out how to get online and check this!
After the game we hung out in the officials lounge and watched the reminder of the Russia Swiss game that went into OT and shootout.
We shuttled back to the hotel and met up with most of the group and walked about two blocks to the "red" wings place (the sign that said WINGS was red) and had some food and beverages. We walked back to the hotel and talked a bit before bed.
Curling tomorrow!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
02.21.2010 - Day 11 - 2nd Day off!
The buzz today is the men's USA vs. Canada game to be played at 14.30...
Went to breakfast down in the hotel; no meeting today.
Went with MA down to the ticket booth on Howe Street, but there wasn't much of anything available. While we were in line we talked to a guy who said at the curling venue there were many tickets for sale, so we headed over there. We took the Subway and walked about 15 mins after getting off through some beautiful houses. We were told by the guy who grooms the curling ice that the scalper tickets are sometimes cancelled when you get up to the ticket door so we checked with the booth outside the venue and scored tickets to the 9-12 session on the 23rd.
We headed back into town did some laundry in the tub and caught a ride to Canada Place. I was 1.5 hours early for the USA vs. Canada game and had to wait in line on the 2nd floor to get into the 4th floor VIP area that didn't open till an hour before the game. This was the line outside...
I hung out in line with Sebastien from Rona and we stood in the back (as the stools were gone) and I joined forces with some Americans from Coke; Matt and Scott who told me I was the Lindsey Vohn of hockey officials, but they didn't have pins:)
The game was a nail biter, but the US pulled it off and won 5-3.
Walked back to the hotel with Anika and into bed; game day tomorrow.
Went to breakfast down in the hotel; no meeting today.
Went with MA down to the ticket booth on Howe Street, but there wasn't much of anything available. While we were in line we talked to a guy who said at the curling venue there were many tickets for sale, so we headed over there. We took the Subway and walked about 15 mins after getting off through some beautiful houses. We were told by the guy who grooms the curling ice that the scalper tickets are sometimes cancelled when you get up to the ticket door so we checked with the booth outside the venue and scored tickets to the 9-12 session on the 23rd.
We headed back into town did some laundry in the tub and caught a ride to Canada Place. I was 1.5 hours early for the USA vs. Canada game and had to wait in line on the 2nd floor to get into the 4th floor VIP area that didn't open till an hour before the game. This was the line outside...
I hung out in line with Sebastien from Rona and we stood in the back (as the stools were gone) and I joined forces with some Americans from Coke; Matt and Scott who told me I was the Lindsey Vohn of hockey officials, but they didn't have pins:)
The game was a nail biter, but the US pulled it off and won 5-3.
Photo with Jarmo
I ran into Anika and we went downstairs to the officials lounge, she showed me where the officials room is for tomorrow and we hit the store at the rink, again. We went back up and secured our spot for the Sweden (3) Finland (0) game. While we were there we talked to Bengt Walden (USA Luge), Nate Holland (USA Snowboard Cross -4th place), and Marco Sullivan (USA Alpine Skiing). The Swedish King, Queen and Prince were there; Anika pointed them out as well as the Finish president.
Walked back to the hotel with Anika and into bed; game day tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
02.17.2010 - Day 7 - Game Day
Breakfast in the morning at the hotel.
Meeting at 9.30 with the team and game supervisions with the crews.
Mom, Dad, Katie, Ava and Cory went to the men's game Finland vs. Belarus at the Canada Hockey Place.
I leave for my game Canada (13) vs. Sweden (1) at UBC for a 14.35 start time. We (Referee Leah from MN / Lines Anna from Finland) got a pep talk from Jarmo as these two teams fought last time they were on the ice in Canada in Sept. We had some back and forth, banter (things I can't put in print were said) and slashing on changes in the 1st period, but Leah did a nice job keeping them in check and Anna and I were between everything right away. It certainly didn't feel like a 13 to 1 game except the small stretch in the 3rd when there were back to back to back goals and we waited for the review to happen and the light to go off so we could drop the puck.
Meeting at 9.30 with the team and game supervisions with the crews.
Mom, Dad, Katie, Ava and Cory went to the men's game Finland vs. Belarus at the Canada Hockey Place.
I leave for my game Canada (13) vs. Sweden (1) at UBC for a 14.35 start time. We (Referee Leah from MN / Lines Anna from Finland) got a pep talk from Jarmo as these two teams fought last time they were on the ice in Canada in Sept. We had some back and forth, banter (things I can't put in print were said) and slashing on changes in the 1st period, but Leah did a nice job keeping them in check and Anna and I were between everything right away. It certainly didn't feel like a 13 to 1 game except the small stretch in the 3rd when there were back to back to back goals and we waited for the review to happen and the light to go off so we could drop the puck.
MA (Canada) giving us a pre game pep talk! 
Self proclaimed "Puck Bunnies"; yes, they had a sign too!
Went back to the hotel and met up with Cory then Anna Cory and I went out to dinner at Joey's which was very good. Then back to the hotel and to bed early; I fell asleep with the men's late game on the TV.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
02.16.2010 - Day 6 - More Hockey!
Got up and went to breakfast at the hotel with the other officials. (This is going to happen most days...)
9.30 meeting to go over games as a group and then in small groups (crew the worked the game, back-up referee and goal judges; only for Canada games).
Ran, lifted arms and did abs.
Walked to Canada Place, the big rink, where the men played today. By the time I walked there, about 15 blocks and figured out that I was outside BC Place, which is where the opening ceremonies and medal ceremonies are held, but not hockey. So I walked another 5 blocks around the gates and over the bridge (check the security set up below), just next door, to Canada Place and caught the 3rd period of the USA vs. Swiss game then walked back and shopped on the way.
I 
I dropped my stuff at the room and took a van back with the two men's NHL supervisors and watched the 1st two periods of the Canada vs. Norway game. Walked back to the hotel again with Meg and Leah and took the shuttle with Meg to UBC to watch the first two periods of the women's China vs. Finland game. Back to the hotel with a quick stop at Tim Horton's for milk and into be early.
Somewhere in there I got a photo taken with Tim, Rooney and the torch...
Lots of good hockey!
9.30 meeting to go over games as a group and then in small groups (crew the worked the game, back-up referee and goal judges; only for Canada games).
Ran, lifted arms and did abs.
Walked to Canada Place, the big rink, where the men played today. By the time I walked there, about 15 blocks and figured out that I was outside BC Place, which is where the opening ceremonies and medal ceremonies are held, but not hockey. So I walked another 5 blocks around the gates and over the bridge (check the security set up below), just next door, to Canada Place and caught the 3rd period of the USA vs. Swiss game then walked back and shopped on the way.
I I dropped my stuff at the room and took a van back with the two men's NHL supervisors and watched the 1st two periods of the Canada vs. Norway game. Walked back to the hotel again with Meg and Leah and took the shuttle with Meg to UBC to watch the first two periods of the women's China vs. Finland game. Back to the hotel with a quick stop at Tim Horton's for milk and into be early.Somewhere in there I got a photo taken with Tim, Rooney and the torch...Lots of good hockey!
Monday, February 15, 2010
02.15.2010 - Day 5 - Game Day
Breakfast at the hotel.
Meeting at 9.30 with group and review of games with supervisors.
Off to the rink skating the Canada (10) Swiss (1) game with Nicole (Referee from Germany) and Anna (Lines from Finland). The rink was super loud and the crazy. They did the wave during our game; we usually don't have enough people in the building at home to accomplish this. My family could not get tickets as all the Canada games are sold out but they watched me on TV and many people at home!
Somewhere in between Ken, one of our hosts took us to meet his daughter Sara, who is one of the mascots! 
Went back to the hotel and changed after the game then back to the rink to watch the late game.
Eric; please note that I am smiling when I am skating hard on the ice, not just on your treadmill!
Meeting at 9.30 with group and review of games with supervisors.
Off to the rink skating the Canada (10) Swiss (1) game with Nicole (Referee from Germany) and Anna (Lines from Finland). The rink was super loud and the crazy. They did the wave during our game; we usually don't have enough people in the building at home to accomplish this. My family could not get tickets as all the Canada games are sold out but they watched me on TV and many people at home!
Somewhere in between Ken, one of our hosts took us to meet his daughter Sara, who is one of the mascots! Went back to the hotel and changed after the game then back to the rink to watch the late game.Eric; please note that I am smiling when I am skating hard on the ice, not just on your treadmill!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
02.14.2010 - Day 4 - Family is here!
Met down for breakfast at the hotel with the crew and picked up game tickets for the USA (12) vs. China (1) game; the deal is the crew working gets first dibs on the tickets and we can use the left overs if needed. The good news is the family got to watch a hockey game the bad news is that I work the home country, Canada, tomorrow there are no comp tickets available and the people outside the rink wanted $300 a ticket! (Ben; I don't think that I will have much luck with the men's gold medal tickets... sorry...) Finland (5) played Russia (1) in the late game today.
Back in the hotel early and to bed so I can be fresh for the morning meeting and game.
Met Mom, Katie, Ava and Cory out front and had a harder time, but finally found Dad and we watched the game together. Ava loved chanting USA and dancing to Beyonce's single ladies and later telling everyone that she watched her auntie on the ice, but auntie did not skate today at the game. Joe Biden, US Vice-President was at the game and got booed when on the jumbo-tron. As you can see Cory brought the super duper lens, we rented, so that we can look like we were really close to the Vice-Pres. 
We went and saw some of the things going on downtown, visited the Olympic Store and had a nice dinner at the Keg. Yes Adam, I said the Keg:)
Back in the hotel early and to bed so I can be fresh for the morning meeting and game.The hotel internet connection is super slow and choppy so uploading pictures is not always working...
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