Another early game

Well at the meeting last night we went through some of the concerns that the supervisors had, really they are very minor in the grande scheme of things, but like the players, we are striving to be at the top of our game, so even little things need to be addressed. So after going through those, we go our schedule for Monday. I have the "early" game again, this time it is between Quebec and BC. Quebec scored early in the game and then again late in the 1st to go into the half up 2 - 0. The game was moving however, but I was feeling pretty good again. As of now I am in a pretty good mind set, as I seem to have found a balance between the pressure, and still enjoying the experience. The 2nd period was a little more aggressive, and Quebec scored early in the 2nd, but BC answered right back. To make it 3 - 1. Quebec scored twice more before the 5 minute mark of the 2nd, and were up 5 - 1. We then went into a long stretch with no scoring, until BC scored late in the game. And the final was 5 - 2. I lost my footing at one point and fell, I didn't think too much of it at the time, other than trying to find what I slipped on, but now after being off the ice for a bit, I think I may have tweaked my back, which given the condition of my back, it is never a good thing, but hopefully some stretching and rest will get it back to as good as it gets. Otherwise, it will be a matter of working through pain (something I have done a lot in the past) not ideal, but certainly better than the alternatives.

I stayed behind to watch the Nova Scotia vs PEI game, which was on at 11:30. It was a great environment, as there were a few hundred people there. Most of whom where there 30 minutes before the game started, as on Saturday morning, they had to turn 100 people away from the NB vs. NS game as they had reached the capacity according to the fire marshall. Even one of the refs who went out to stretch in the officials warm up area, almost didn't get back in, as they said unless she was previously counted she wasn't allowed back in. Even when she said, the large audience wouldn't have much to see if she couldn't get back in, it still took some work.

Both teams seemed to play quite well, and it was 3 - 1 for Nova Scotia at the half. The game ended 8 - 3 for Nova Scotia, but is always enjoyable to watch games in rinks that are full. It just adds to the excitement.

After seeing a number of games, I have been quite impressed at how evenly matched the teams are this week. I have also been impressed with our officiating crew. These are the best of the best in the country, and it is always nice to be able to skate with them. Everyone is working to ensure that we are at the very top of our game, and we are all pushing each other to be at our best. With many type A personalities (as one of the supervisors put it) there are times that we push ourselves too hard, and it can actually start playing mind games with you, but as I said earlier so far I have been able to find a pretty good balance.

After the game, Lorie and I got a ride back to the hotel, and decided to head back downtown to look for some more souviners. I found some T-shirts for the kids, and some stuff for Sharron. We also went down the the Alexander Keith's Brewery, and Lorie got a sweatshirt for her husband, the tours didn't start until later in the afternoon, so we couldn't go on the tour, but maybe later in the week.

Now just back at the hotel trying to rest up my back and hopefully get it back into shape. Will post again tomorrow.