The kids and the gold

Way back in 1980, I was a 9 year old when the winter olympics took place. I was spending the night at Amy Johnston's house and her dad called us down to watch the US hockey game against Russia. It was a taped delay showing of the game that happened earlier but we didn't know (or probably would have cared). We were just two young girls seeing the home team win. We didn't know the sociatial or political ramifications of the win... we just hopped around the house cheering "USA!"

The other night I was aware that the World Junior Championship gold medal game was on but I watching a game on Center Ice. I turned it over at the start of the OT and stuck around. I fully admit that I'm not a follower of the junior boys like my counterpart here is but when it came to OT in the gold medal game, I was glued to the tv.

When the no-look shot went in for a goal and the US boys mobed each other, I felt like I was 9 again and I cheered with my dog "USA!" It was a thing to see.

Congratulations, boys. You done good.

Swiss, Swiss Baby!

Good morning from the Northwest corner of the country! We here at CaP are watching the progress of the NHL playoffs as well as the AHL and the ECHL; but we're both also big fans of the IIHF. As sad as it is when some of the teams don't get to make the playoffs or are dismissed early in the first round, it's always fun to see those boys who are chosen to play for their countries and a shiny medal instead of that big shiny cup.

The tournament is in the lovely country of Switzerland this year with round robin play in the two cities of Bern and Zurich, then from the quarter-finals on they will stay in Bern.

I personally love this tournament because we get to see hockey on that big sheet of ice and how much pride not only the players have; but how wonderfully crazy the fans get for their country. It's also cool how every year how hockey seems to be growing within Europe and how some of the old powers are getting caught up to by countries like Norway and Denmark and Hungary.

It's also nice to see some of the boys who used to be in the NHL as well as discover some new favorites who may some day cross the pond. It's like a mini Olympics in a way; but without all the pressure of the games to get in the way.

The IIHF tournament page is a wealth of information not only with the teams, the games and the locations.

The US squad won again today, 6-1, against Buffalo Sabre Thomas Vanek and the Austrians; and I leave you with a picture from this morning's game.

Coffee with 8 creams

I was in line at McDees this morning and the person in front of me ordered a small coffee with 8 creams. The first thing that came to mind as I read the still lingering order on the screen when I pulled up was that I read it wrong. Then I asked the order taker if the order was really 8 creams she smiled and rolled her eyes. "Yup, every morning. Eight creams."

Then I thought, "what is the point of that?" A little coffee with your milk there?

That's gotta be what the Colorado Avalanche must be thinking this morning after taking the Sharks to a scoreless shootout last night. They eventually lost but holding the Sharks to no regulation/OT goals this year has been pretty tough. But since the Avalanche are in the basement of the Western Conference, that point gained probably doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot.

I hate to say it, but I think it's time to stick a fork in the Buffaslugs. They are in 10th and four points behind the kitties (in 9th) and 6 points behind the 8th seed (Ranger$). They have three games left (Toronto, a suddenly very good Carolina [and speaking of them can SOMEONE throw a wrench at them? - Sorry Jenni] and then Boston) but I don't see them getting three points out of that let alone 6. And I've said it before, I think it might be best to not make the playoffs rather than get embarrassed in the first round. Sigh. But maybe Crunchy will be chosen for the Worlds, wonky ankle and all (and yes, that was my question on NHL Live the other day, thanks for noticing!)

Speaking of the Worlds, I'm also hoping Crunchy's bff JM Liles will also make the team for USA. I think that'd be swell. Ron Wilson said this is sort of a tune up for the Olympics. Granted, a lot of guys who will be in Vancouver will still be playing in the playoffs but I think Ronny can get a good feel for what's out there. I'm thinking he can get a pretty good team built up.

Easter is coming and my mom called wondering if I wanted a chaffing dish. It's not like I entertain all that much and hell, where would I put it? She's a card. But Easter also brings on the end of the NHL regular season. It will be sad for yet another year to end, but that just means the playoffs are close at hand. Keep an eye out for Amy and my fearless and (and at least on my part) clueless playoff predictions. Hey you never know, I came in 3rd in a basketball pool and I don't even like that sport!

Until next time....happy hockey!