Wednesdsay's Games

Well it was an early start this morning, as I had the first game. Although all things considered 8:30 game time isn't too bad. It means getting up at 6:30, but it isn't as early as some provincial championships where we are up at 5:30 on some days.



The first game of the day was Finland Blue vs. Finland White. Ritzo (my partner) said it likely wouldn't be too intense as they play with each other all season, and all know each other, and wouldn't do anything to hurt each other. It was also fairly well know that the White team is better than the Blue so there isn't the same level of trying to fight for the win. We went out for the game and it was an okay skate, but it really was lacking any intensity. I think the final was 9 - 2. Not a lot that needed to be called. But then there was my afternoon game...



In the afternoon I had Canada East vs. Finland White, the two teams that are proving to be the top two, I didn't realize going in, but this ended up being likely one of the most challenging games I have ever officiated. The game was very fast and evenly matched, which isn't too difficult for me to keep up, however the penalties that were going on were quite technical in nature. The amount that I had to watch, and keep track of all while going close to full speed, was mind boggling. However with all this going on, I felt good on the ice. I think I called what needed to be called, especially in the first two periods, as after the half, the number of penalties dropped significantly. Both coaches have obviously figured out where the line is and have informed the players appropriately. The 2nd half was still quite fast, and the game included another penalty shot. This is now my 2nd penalty shot in 2 days. I haven't called this many in the last two years combined, and now I have called 2 in 2 days. I hope this isn't a trend. Today's penalty shot doesn't get much more obvious as it was a clear cut breakaway (she had about 3 strides on the Finnish player) and the defender dove and took out her feet. Yesterday's wasn't as obvious to everyone, as it was for a defender entering the crease and preventing the scoring of a goal, a little more technical. Canada East ended up winning the game 3 - 2. If everything plays out the way it is expected on Thursday Finland White and Canada East will both finish 5 & 1 but Finland White will finish first based on plus/minus. Finland Blue will likely end up 3rd as a result of their 5 - 2 win today over Canada West. This all will likely mean that it will be East vs Blue and West vs White for the semis on Friday, but that is still another day away.

After the last game we were off for the banquet. This was held at the Hotel Praha, a very nice hotel which had a veranda that overlooked the old part of the city. There was a full roasted pig, among a lot of other food, drinks, and a very nice fireworks show (I will post some pictures tomorrow). They also had music playing all the entire time, so the players and some of the parents had fun on the dance floor. It did make me realize that when my daughters are 17 or 18 they are not going to be dressing the way many of these players were, however I guess I will only have so much control over them when they get to that age.

It was then back to the hotel for our nightly meeting, and then a phone call home to see how everyone was doing, then it was off to bed to prepare for the games on Thursday.