First two games down

Well we went to the rink a little early, and watched the 2:00 game. It was between Manitoba and Alberta. It was a great game that Alberta ended up winning in overtime. I was then on for BC vs Saskatchewan. It took me a little bit to not over think things, as when I first went out you realize the level of the games etc. After the first couple times down the ice, I just said to myself to skate the game that got me here, and everything else will come. Overall it was a good game. The score was 10 - 5, but the game was closer than that. In the end they wanted us spreading out more, and not staying so close to the play to ensure that we are at the net before the player. This is somewhat counter intuitive as we feel like we are too far ahead of the play, but the game is so fast it is what we need to do. It is a little easier knowing that no matter who you are on the ice with your partner will be there to help, as everyone is strong, so really it comes down to worry about your area, and know that your partner will be there for theirs. We had one official who had to come out of her game due to illness, so hopefully she will be okay for the rest of the week.

After the game we came back and had our meeting. A couple of small changes were needed but generally we are all on the right path. They passed out the assignments and I was on the early game on Sunday, which here only means 9:00, but still the first game of the day. This will be Alberta vs PEI which initial impression is that it could be one sided, be we will see how it goes.

After the meeting we went out to find a place for dinner and after going into a few places that were full (it was the Saturday before Valentine's Day) so we walked back and found a place close to the hotel. Certainly wasn't the best prime rib, but you get what you pay for.

Sunday morning we left for the rink around 7:45 and got ready for the game. We went out and the 1st period wasn't nearly as one sided as we thought it could be. PEI was hanging right in there, Alberta scored late in the 1st to make it 4 - 1 and there were no penalties. Overall it was a very good game. As we went out for the 2nd period we had a couple penalties early in the period, and Alberta got a couple goals in the first 10 minutes of the 2nd period. The last 10 minutes PEI seemed to run out of gas, and Alberta scored a number of goals, but certainly was happy with the game. I felt pretty good on this game as well, and I felt my positioning was better this game.

I was then standby for the 11:30 game between BC and Ontario, another game that historically we would anticipate would be a one sided affair. The game was back and forth through the whole game, and BC went up 4 - 3 (I think) late in the game. With about 30 seconds remaining in the game Ontario tied it up. So we were off to overtime again. About 3 minutes in BC scored the game winner. I am sure this must be considered an upset, but just goes to show that the teams are close here this week and just about anyone has the opportunity to win on any given day.

Just waiting for the last games to finish up and then we will have our meeting for the night, followed by either dinner or the offiicals lounge (which is having an welcome reception) hopefully we will find a way to fit in both.

I got out to pick up some souvineers for my kids, and found 5 Halifax Hoodies that were on sale for $15.75 each, so grabbed them while I saw them. One less thing to worry about for the week.

I likely won't get to post again until sometime tomorrow (depending on when my games are) so will have more then.