Bored? Relive Vancouver 2010....

by Lisa Ovens


In case you didn't know, there is a pretty complete Vancouver 2010 youtube channel covering oodles and oodles of Winter Olympic magic.

Vancouver 2010 youtube Channel

And, oh, it's all in HD!  Pop some popcorn and catch the moments you might have missed :o)

Happy Movember everyone!

New Hockey Book From Lisa Ovens

For the Love of Empty Net Goals By Lisa Ovens will be released November 2010. Please follow the link below to learn more and reserve your copy of this hilarious and informative follow up to Lisa's first book, Hockey & High Heels. Also, check out the Pre-Sale Special...Both books for only $35 plus shipping and handling.

For the Love of Empty Net Goals: excerpts and purchase information

Thanks for stopping by...don't forget to tell your friends and help spread the Love!

Blog Break Excuse: New Hockey Book on the Horizon!!

                                        Hockey author, Lisa Ovens

Yes, its true. After many delays, the much anticipated follow up to my first book, Hockey and High Heels - a Different Kind of Hockey Book is on a collision course with a date circled on my calendar (the date is in October, just in time for the 2010/11 NHL season).


And because of that, I have been and will continue to devote my time to the production of what I feel will be another ground breaking hockey book.

There will be minimal posting here this summer, but I will keep you all informed on book two developments as they occur.

Please have a happy, safe summer - now go outside and PLAY!!!!

xxoo,

Lisa O.

Happy Easter, Everyone!

Hope you all are enjoying Easter Long Weekend :o)

Skate at the Richmond Olympic Oval This Weekend!

by Lisa Ovens

Hey everyone, I am back at it! Here's some news from Richmond for skating and Olympic enthusiasts...

The Richmond Olympic Oval is hosting public skates this Easter Weekend, April 3, 4, and 5th, 2010.


Time: 1 - 5 p.m.
Location: 6111 River Road (limited parking onsite for $2)
Cost: entry $2, skates $3, helmets $2

Please bring your own skates and helmets to avoid line-ups (very limited quantity of rental skates/helmets.)

As you can see from the crowds waiting to take to the ice at a past public skating event, this weekend will attract plenty people anxious to skate on the same ice as the speedskating stars of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Happy Skating!

Ouch!

By Lisa Ovens

Hi everyone, hope you are all doing great. I am typing with one hand due to a hand sprain. Ouch!!! It hurts :o(

I will return soon with more content. In the mean time, if you like, why not start at the beginning of the blog? Click here

Or, please visit Lisa's Hockey Lounge...I will have some exciting new hockey posts up there this afternoon. But the latest post about rink board advertising by regular hockeyandhighheels.com contributor Jan Snyder is a good read, too!

Now time to ice the hand...

Cheers :o)

-Lisa O.

Three Little Things I will Miss about the Olympics

by Lisa Ovens

People all over the lower mainland are already missing the 2010 Winter Olympics. That feeling actually set in on March 1st. Then the Paralympic Games started up and we had a chance to get into the routine again: don our Olympic fun wear, travel to see events and cheer. But it's all over now.

Thinking back to July 2nd 2003, when Vancouver/ Whistler learned the 2010 games would take place here, well, it seems like so long ago. And having the games in mind for a seven year period, whatever are we going to think about now? London 2012...and Sochi 2014 I guess.

Right now I am thinking of the little things I am going to miss about having the Olympic movement take up shop in my backyard, and here are a few....

Television Crews Making the News

This was an hourly occurance on some days...compact TV crews finding a place, any place to capture the story. Often you had to be careful not to accidentally walk right in and steal a scene :o)

GrandDaddy Visa

What I mean is Morgan Freeman's voice overs during the Olympic Visa commercials. It was like he was a grandfatherly figure speaking to the whole country when he congratulated us on winning our first gold on home soil. And when we won another gold he was right there to give us kudos again. Then he would tell a little story from Torino 2006; the one about the Norwegian cross country ski coach that gave a canadian skiier a pole mid race when her's broke and she won a silver so we sent Norway 500 tons of maple syrup. Morgan caps the annecdote with "I hope you like pancakes, Norway."
 I almost expected I'd hear him comment when I was making a cup of cocoa in the evening after a long day of Olympic revelry... "Go ahead and add a few more mini marshmallows to that cup, Lisa, you've been a good girl today. Mmm, cocoa...."

Decoration

I loved the look of the Games. It was beautiful to me, so beautiful I don't even want to call it "a brand". From the pretty event tickets to the fence banner above...this just looks how the beautiful south coast of British Columbia ought to look for a monumental event like the Olympics.

all photos by Lisa Ovens

2010 and High Heels Tuesday Photo: Olympic Flags

by Lisa Ovens

I went to see some Paralympic Wheelchair Curling tonight and was dazzled by the evening sun highlighting these Winter Olympic flags.

Only a few more days left of 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic happenings. Sigh...

The Goal Called...Around the World

Something cool to listen to: Sidney Crosby's overtime goal calls from around the world...Enjoy! Especially the one from France TV - it's pretty priceless :o)

Paralympics and the Art of Adapting

by Lisa Ovens

On Friday I was very lucky to be invited to attend the 2010 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony (many thanks, Eterre!).

It was an energetic spectacle that moved the audience to sing, dance, cheer and occasionally cry. We remembered and we were reminded: sometimes when we hold onto the past we deny our ability to adapt to change.

The athletes that paraded into BC Place on Friday night have taken their ability to adapt to its highest level, and it doesn't end at sport either.

This is definitely something to celebrate.

I am sure I wasn't the only one out of the thousands watching to consider our own lives and how we can be better. Because there always seems to be something  "holding us back" and often times we just allow that to happen.

So in the spirit of the Paralympic athletes, past and present, I will exercise my "adapt muscle".

My Favorite Ceremony Moments...

I loved the whole production, but a few highlights include:

Justine, the dancer: looking up at the big screen at the same moment my second cousin, Justine was on camera dancing with the other performers!

The DJs during the Parade of Athletes: not sure how it sounded on TV, but I loved their tunes and the way they directed the crowd... "SIDE to SIDE!!!"

Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli breakdance: Now he can add the 2010 Paralympic Opening Ceremony to his already lengthy list of accomplishments.


The Terry Fox speech clip...I really like the clip shown of Fox speaking about his motivation for The Marathon of Hope. He spoke frankly and his commentary on celebrity and the drive to be famous are timeless words.

Rick Hansen: the world can never have enough of this Man in Motion!

The Audience Participation Kit: My green poncho, light up pom pom and a stunning example of print design success (the program) will be treasured!

Gone Bottom Shelf: Hockey Canada Frozen Pizza!

by Lisa Ovens

This is like a Tuesday photo, but only it's Wednesday. I wandered the city today and witnessed some post Olympic dismantling: Alberta House is still in the throws of decontruction, with a classic Vancouver saloon underneath just waiting to be freed (that would be the Atlantic Trap and Gill), the Bell Ice Cube, now melted, is but a pile of black metals rods, and although the Olympic Superstore still crazy busy, you can see noticeable empty spaces growing larger on the racks and shelves.

But what is happening to this pizza? The Hockey Canada Frozen Pizza has been relegated to a bottom shelf. Is this not blasphemy? There is a contest on right now until June 30th, 2010...win one of 50 official Team Canada Hockey jerseys visit Delissio Hockey Now to enter!

Four years ago I purchased Hockey Canada puck shaped brownies (they were disgusting) I managed to hang onto them until 2008 (they were lost in a move). I kick myself for not capturing them permanently in a photo. They would have looked great with the pizza.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Olympic Volunteer Quote of the Day overheard on a bus...

"Where are you 'smurfin' at'?" Translation...Where is your volunteer assignment?

- volunteers wear blue jackets...a Smurf like blue

Don Cherry to Salute Paralymics Games Wednesday

 

updated: Mar.10, 11:38am
by Lisa Ovens

Today, at about the same time the Paralympic Flame arrives in Vancouver, a big gathering will also be taking place to celebrate the Paralympic Movement.

The Official Olympic and Paralympic cold and flu remedy sponsor, Cold FX will be hosting a luncheon at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. Among the speakers; one of the top ten greatest Canadians (as voted by Canadians), Donald S. Cherry of Hockey Night in Canada.

Love him or hate him, the 400 guests will be in for a treat when Grapes takes the podium. Though the big question is...what will he be wearing??

Will Don present professionally? Or boldly?

For readers not aware of the famous Don Cherry Suit, please visit this post on my other blog (Lisa's Hockey Lounge) and watch the video. Or visit the Don Cherry Suit Fest Page for variety! And just a heads up...the two part Don Cherry biopic Keep Your Head Up, Kid airs Sunday March 28th and Monday March 29th, 2010 on CBC.

Also speaking: BC Premier Gordon Campbell, the world's top Paralympic sledge hockey goalie Paul Rosen and Dr. Robert Steadward who is the founding president of the International Paralympic Committee.

Over four hundred guests will include Paralympic medallists, 50 young hockey players and 100 coaches and physical education teachers from Vancouver area schools as well as leaders from business, education, finance, law, medicine, journalism and the military.

This event is an opportunity to raise the profile of the Paralympic Games. This shouldn't be too hard to do in Vancouver: 40% of Canada's Paralympic Team are from British Columbia!

 A few days ago I heard the Paralympic Opening Ceremony is close to selling out and the Gold Medal Sledge Hockey Game is already sold out.

Come on Vancouver, lets help make this the most successful Paralympics ever!

For Paralympic ticket information please click here.

For Cold FX website, please click here (did you know Clara Hughes, the only Olympian to win medals in both the summer and winter games swears by Cold FX??)

Don't Forget: Paralympic Games open March 12th, 2010!

by Lisa Ovens


We are officially on a break in Vancouver. Actually we are pressing the reset button and gearing up for the Paralympic Games, opening on Friday March 12th, 2010.

The Royal Canadian Mint Pavilion is on the move and will re-open for the Games. Canada's Northern House is still open, and much of Robson Square's Olympic dressing will remain,, including the Zipline, the skating rink and the BC Pavilion.

The Paralympic Torch Relay begins in Ottawa on Wednesday, and there are still tickets available for the Opening Ceremony at BC Place.

Paralympic Game Tickets webpage

1350 athletes from over 40 countries will be in Vancouver/ Whistler competing in five sports. This can mean only one thing Vancouverites: we'll get to cheer on the world all over again!!!

More Paralympic posts and post Olympic pondering to come, but for now,  I'm going to take a day off from posting!

Thanks everyone for stopping by at 2010andhighheels!!  :o)

See you in a day or two!

- Lisa O.

Oh Canada!

photo: Lisa Ovens

Hey Vancouver...did we show up or what!

Bye Bye Olympics :o)

Fun Day Sunday: Team Canada Wins Gold!!!!

by Lisa Ovens

Just a fast post...

Both Team Canada and Team USA worked their butts off to give us fans a hell of a Hockey game, and that's exactly what we got! Thank you :o)

Congrats to Team Canada on the overtime win! Congrats to Sidney Crosby for the OT goal!  I can already see the next Timbits Hockey commercial ;o)

I have a new hockey crush on Rick Nash...he's my pick for Canada's MVP!

And Roberto Luongo you did Vancouver proud! You are part of the biggest championship win this city has possibly ever seen. We believed in you...

Team USA, you went undefeated until today...you will be a force to reckon with in Sochi, 2014 (let's hope the NHL'ers will be there). Good game, and great tournament!

Woot!! Team Canada!!!

Kay...now I have to get ready for the closing ceremony

Happy Funday, Sunday everybody :o)

In Loving Memory...

Across this country, my big family is sad as we lost a wonderful aunty. My Aunty Nellie passed away this morning with her immediate family at her side. She cared so much for her family and I was so lucky to have her look out for me as well.


I will miss you, Aunty Nellie...you are our angel now.

USA vs. Finland...Slovakia vs Canada...Lisa vs. the Olympics

by Lisa Ovens

USA vs. Finland might be better described as Mikka Kiprosoff vs. himself. I walked into Saxony House in Stanley Park to see the game at 6-0 for the USA. Patrons more interested in the beer and tasty food than the game on TV.

Walked back to downtown, heading for the Caldron. A good steady rain fell as joggers ran by me. (Must start jogging, but after the Olympics I thought. It seems like everything is about "after the Olympics" now).

Reached the caldron, and yes, it was still packed with people snapping pics in the rain. Ducked into the Shaw Tower and checked the game on lobby TV.  A relaxed looking Ryan Miller was on the bench at this point as Tim Thomas took over the reigns in goal. Oops, the Finns scored, 6-1. That was it for the Finns.

Walked up to the Canadian Mint Pavillion, and "no medals for you!" because the line is way too long for me today. I did hear it might remain open for awhile after the Olympics. This is the first time in Olympic history the medals are available for spectators to touch and it's a big, big draw.

Walked the crowds of Granville Street to check mood of the city: it felt relaxed, as relaxed as my hair feels from the humid air and steady rain. This is a good feeling because of Team Canada vs. Team Slovakia. I have highly tuned senses when it comes to big games in this city, and today it felt perfect.

"Let's try Russia House" I thought knowing it would be a mad house and another long line. It was, but it sure looks exciting from the outside. "Maybe I should just wait four years and go to the actual Russia".

I visit the Right to Play Pavilion and was charmed by all of the play going on inside in the white walls.

Respect.

 Fair play.

  Inclusion...

"When children play the world wins"

this is all so true

http://www.righttoplay.com/

Saskatchewan, Maison Du Quebec and Ontario House, line up, line up and line up. But everyone is smiling so it's all okay. What wasn't okay: my feet. I was having an equipment malfunction: wrong socks with right boots. My feet were hurting, but I was easily distracted by this curious hat...

and this Inukshuk city that changes daily...

and three guys that needed their photo taken by a 2010 Vancouver banner (I took a great pic for them :o)
Time to head home and change footware; passed hundreds of happy Olympic enthusiasts along the way.

Team Canada will win.

And they did. But the end of the third? I did not realize my heart was pounding in my chest until the human snake and shake that sent Team Slovakia to Slovakia House, and Team Canada onto a date with Team USA for the Gold Medal game.

Canadian Girl Caught Saying "Aboot"...Twice!

by Lisa Ovens

Okay, we've all heard this before: Americans insist when a Canadian says the word "about" it sounds like we are saying "aboot". Well, when I was chatting with Paul and Chris at Utah House, Paul pointed out "Hey you just said "aboot". I disagreed. But as the conversation continued I did it again, and Paul was right: I said "aboot!"

I can't believe this, but I am a Canadian that pronouces "about" as "aboot". I am not afraid to admit this.

And I am not sure if this can be corrected.

Utah House Party 2010

by Lisa Ovens

Okay, I went to Utah House Party tonight and met some hard core Olympic peeps. I was too busy signing books and making new friends that my best photo was this one of the cake!

We now know Oprah bought up quite a few red mittens to give away on her show. Well tonight I met some dude that bought 80 pairs of mittens! Next to Oprah, I know of no other to buy more than eighty of the cheerful hand cozies to give away as gifts to friends. The dude's name was Dave, and his friends are going to love the gift mitts!

Tonight, it became quite apparent to me as to why it's called "The Olympic Movement". An Olympic event happens in a city, citizens become involved, and then they are swept up in the fun and move on to the next one, either through employment or as a spectator. Either way their are super enthusiasts, and the host of the party, Everen T. Brown has made Vancouver 2010 his eleventh Olympics! This was a perfect opportunity for people from Utah to get together and share stories and laughs.

Thanks Everen for a terrific party. It's was awesome for me to meet some of Utah's finest sports enthusiasts and new Olympic friends because I have a feeling I am going to be swept away by this five ringed wave!

Congratulations Team Canada: Women's Hockey Gold Medal Champs!!!

2002, 2006 and now 2010 Gold Medalists!!!

2010 and High Heels Wednesday Photos: The Olympic Caldron

by Lisa Ovens

This was not the first time I saw the caldron. The first visit's photos are trapped on my sick laptop. However, this is a special take on Vancouver 2010 Olympic caldron because of where I was: On the 11th floor of the Shaw Tower in the Canfund Athlete's House. I was honoured to be invited to visit Canfund's house, and I am preparing a full column about it's importance.

 In brief, Jane Roos, founder of Canfund has helped fill a gap in financial support for Canadian Athletes since 1997. The Athete's house is a warm, comfortable place for Canadian Athlete's and their families to relax and enjoy the games together. Please visit Canadian Athletes Now website and see the great things they do, and check back for my full report on this wonderful house this weekend.

The crowds surrounding the Caldron appear lighter, but it is still a very big draw for city Olympic related destinations. To the right of the Caldron lies the International Broadcast Centre, and if you look at the top photo you'll see the location of the floating Olympic Rings. The rings are gold in color whenever Canada wins a gold medal.

A Funny Photo...

I can't help but chuckle at the Team Canada's goal tender, Roberto Luongo's floating face just behind TSN's James Duthie. Not sure who made those signs (so far I've seen two), but there are cute...let's hope we see them on Sunday!

Wonderful Wednesday for Team Canada

by Lisa Ovens

Today is going down in Canadian History as Wonderful Wednesday: four medals, and a much needed win for Team Canada in Men's Hockey. It wasn't just a win, but a win over Team Russia. This game was the subject of many conversations, even before Canada beat the Germans. I have to say on my Olympic travels today, leading up to the game, the feeling about the city was calmer than I expected. That was a good sign.

Everyone should be happy to see certain players step up their game (Boyle, Perry, Getzlaf). With seven goals and plenty of CDN players chipping in, well, that's what I was my hoping for Tuesday night before sleep. I thoiught the game would be a closer affair, but I'll take the 7-3 win, and say see you in Sochi 2014, Team Russia!

I think some people are wondering where Sidney Crosby is, and well, I am hoping he's saving up some amazing moves for the Semi's (and hopefully the Gold Medal game), especially for those moments when we need him the most.

 And there will be those moments.

And speaking of Tuesday night, I went to the late game featuring Norway and Slovakia, and that too was an exciting game. Norway, not exactly known for hockey, but hangs in there nonetheless, was so hungry for the win, and they really kept Slovakia on their toes. Both teams were well represented in the crowd, with the rest of us chiming in on the cheering. However, Norway really seemed to win over the neutral fans and I think they found a little place in our hearts. In the end Slovakia would be the team moving on to the Quarter Finals, final score 4-3.

There was a moment of drama as Slovakian player, Lubos Bartecko took an elbow and hit the ice, sustaining a serious head injury. I could not believe the speed at which his helmet travelled as he was hit. This is yet another reminder about keeping the chin strap tight on your helmet. I hear he is doing okay, and I hope for a speedy recovery for the guy.

Super Sunday for Team USA

by Lisa Ovens

How's that for some Olympic swag?  "Team USA grinds out victory over Canada " so says tsn.ca. And the above souvenir ice scraper could almost say a similar thing as well. But Team USA didn't have to scrape by thanks to a crazy empty net goal scored by Ryan Kesler in the dying moments of the 3rd period: final score 5-3. USA hockey fans are thrilled with this win, and should be gaga over Ryan Miller's work in the crease. Talk about Miller time!

Team USA wins group A and secures their spot in the Quarter Final. On the Other hand,  Team Canada has an good opportunity to pull it together in the Qualification Playoffs on Tuesday and possibly settle into underdog mode for the Quarter Final round.

The red swarm of fans moving into Canada Hockey Place late this afternoon was a spectacular sight. Perhaps this loss will settle the masses down a little; bring us back to earth if only for Monday.  But only until the women's tournament heats up with Semi Final action. Team USA will be playing on the 30th anniversary of the  Miracle on Ice. And Team Canada will take on Team Finland. We know our girls will be prepared for this game, but I really like this quote from the Finn's goaltender Noora Raty...

"We can't lose that game 10-0. It's so bad for women's hockey. We have to play a good game and show everybody women's hockey belongs to the Olympics."

I like that attitude...we want a closer game, an exciting game, but with Canada as the team to head to the goal medal game ;o)

22 Feb 12:00 pm Women's Playoffs Semifinals United States vs. Sweden


22 Feb 5:00 pm Women's Playoffs Semifinals Canada vs. Finland

  Go Team Canada GO!!

Holland Heineken House and Me...

by Lisa Ovens

I am still feeling the effects from my time spent at Holland Heineken House on Friday. It was the "Hockey & High Heels House" party, and let's just say I really showed up. As a long time lover of Heineken Beer, it was my night to shine in the happening house at the O Zone.

It's funny but today I read some reviews of HHH, and I was surprised at some of the negativity I saw. From the gate keepers, to the Lodge Restaurant staff, to the bands on stage, I was happy with their service. And those tiny glasses of beer? Well for my small hands they were perfect (don't ask me how many I drank though).

I should say we had dinner reservations, so we were able to by pass waiting in line, and I am sure the perpetual line up in front of HHH might contribute to a negative experience. But here's something people should know...2010 Vancouver's Holland Heineken House is one of the most popular ones ever (and HHH has been an Olympic staple since 1992) Check out this quote...

"We try to make operations as smooth as possible, but we've been embraced by Canada and overwhelmed at times. This is one of the most popular Heineken Houses ever." - Heineken spokesman Freek de Wetta
click here for the full article, Molson Hockey House vs. Holland Heineken House

We dined and drank. We drank and danced. We danced and laughed and made some new friends. The band, De Coronas really contributed to the party atmosphere, and those adorable $15 dollar orange hats have something to do with the fun loving, upbeat mood as well.

So happy I made that reservation last month!

Train ride home was a riot - our car sang three songs  Oh Canada, This land is Your Land, and an instrumental rendition of the theme from Hockey Night in Canada.

Martin Brodeur, Angela Ruggiero: Olympic Level Health and Attitude

                               photo: Lisa Ovens
                        
by Lisa Ovens

As I watch the Winter Olympics, I am reminded about the fitness level our athletes have achieved before they even get close to winning a medal. Not to mention the mental side of competition.


A gold medal goalie and a gold/ sliver medal defenseman know about the pressure they face as their Olympic tournaments move forward. Here are two hockey player quotes from GE's Healthymagination presser and Healthy Heroes skate on Friday morning. Then I get a little ranty near the end...
 
 "When you go out every day to perform, you have to take care of yourself. A healthy lifestyle is not just exercise or eating right, it's an attitude as well." Martin Brodeur Team Canada

Everyone is pretty much saying today's men's ice hockey game between Team Canada and Team USA will be like a "TSN Turning Point" in the men's tournament, or a possible pairing for the gold medal game.
It also promises to be a physical affair, with Canadian fans hoping their team will pick up that part of their game for Team USA. One thing I am confident in is Brodeur and his "attitude". Let's hope that winning attitude will rub off on the defenders in front of him (Yeah, I'm talking about you, Pronger).

 "I always have this incredible team of doctors, physical therapists and nutritionists to support me. A program like healthymagination gives all of us the tools and support to help achieve those goals." -Angela Ruggiero, defenseman, Team USA

Angela Ruggiero and her teammates are tied with Team Canada at nine points. As much as we've seem some exciting games between more evenly match teams in the women's tournament, everyone is patiently waitng for Canada and USA to meet.  Will that temporarily shut up the sports media pundits crying for "mercy rules" and the women's game to be dropped from the Olympics? Probably not.
 
When it comes to Olympic hockey, I consider female hockey players to be "the unsung healthy heroes".

Not only do female hockey players have to be in top physical condition, they apparently need an extra layer  of mental toughness to block out the predominately male sports media criticizing them during the Olympics and then ignoring them for four years. I swear... it's like clockwork.

Star Athletes Chat: GE's Healthymagination at Vancouver Olympics

by Lisa Ovens


Just a few pics for now...heading out to the Ozone. Above photo is from the press conference...

Martin Brodeur, Goalie, Team Canada Men’s Ice Hockey

Scott Hamilton, 1984 Olympic gold medalist, Figure Skating
Michelle Kwan, Two-time Olympic medalist, Figure Skating
Angela Ruggiero, Alternate Captain and Defenseman, Team USA Women’s Ice Hockey
Dr. Jack Taunton, VANOC Chief Medical Officer
Mike Barber,Vice President, healthymagination, GE




Below photos are of Angela Ruggiero, Alternate Captain Team USA Women's Hockey. This is her fourth Olympic Games.

Canada Hockey Place Rocks with Shoot Out Thrills!

by Lisa Ovens

If anything, Thursday night's shootout victory for Team Canada should help the team realize a little adversity now is going to be good for them in the long run. It's going to take time for the team to gel, and a victory like this one should help speed up the process. And if we come up against another hot goal tender, like we did tonight with Switzerland's  Jonas Hiller, well the boys will just have to be that much hotter.

I can't tell you how great it is to see Sidney Crosby on our side! After several years of watching Sid the Kid highlights packages, catching some of his games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and reading columnist Jan Snyder's reports on the guy, I real feel like he's one of my guys now...and he came through when we needed it the most. I called Jan after the game and she commented on the high stick Crosby received in the third... " He's not the one you want to make bleed. That makes him very angry and he raises his game." 

I have a friend who's been enjoying the views from the Premier Lounge on level 500 of Canada Hockey Place, and he said tonight the lounge was actually alive for once...every other game the loungers have been on the reserved side. Come on Premier Loungers...this is freakin' Olympic Hockey...it's only going to get more tense with each game...cheering, celebrating and reacting will help ease the stress!

I missed the entire Russia /Slovakia game, save for the shoot out and all I have to say is...Pavel Demitra, this Canuck fan wants to see you score like that every game when the NHL season resumes!

Media Outing for Lisa on Friday

by Lisa Ovens

Providing I don't sleep in, I will be attending a special event at Robson Square Friday morning. It's the kick off to  GE's Year of Better Health, and just check out the healthy people featured at this event...

Martin Brodeur, Goalie, Team Canada Men’s Ice Hockey

Scott Hamilton, 1984 Olympic gold medalist, Figure Skating
Michelle Kwan, Two-time Olympic medalist, Figure Skating
Angela Ruggiero, Alternate Captain and Defenseman, Team USA Women’s Ice Hockey
Dr. Jack Taunton, VANOC Chief Medical Officer
Mike Barber,Vice President, healthymagination, GE

 The above athletes will participate in a skating demonstration followed by a Q & A with an expert panel.
I will provide a re-cap on this event later. I imagine I will be inspired to commit to a healthier lifestyle...but after my night at Holland Heineken House!
 

2010 Olympic Hockey Tid Bits

by Lisa Ovens

The Olympic Welcome Song

Let's start with a hilarious video from Bloge Salming titled The Olympic Welcome Song....



Hahaha! Gotta watch that one a few times to get all of the great hockey references and humor.


Molson Hockey House Dominates...on Craigslist

As I type there are four pages of Molson Hockey House tickets for sale on Vancouver's Craigslist.


Team USA and the Ryans

This is a neat little hockey sidebar: Team USA has seven players with the name Ryan. (actually one of them is a last name) Coach Ron Wilson has some sorting out to do. How to you keep them all straight in your head? My suggestion....give them color names, just like in Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs. Now who will wind up with Mr. Pink??? Ryan Malone, Ryan Suter, Ryan Miller, Ryan Kesler, Ryan Callahan, Ryan Whitney or Bobby Ryan?

Local Sports Merchandise Store create a Female Hockey Fan Section!

I am always on the look out for female hockey fan friendly establishments, and Rocky Mountain Sports Marketing is one to watch. Inside the store is a growing section of fun hockey merchandise for women. And it includes copies of Hockey and High Heels, too!

This is a cell phone pic, but I will be heading there today to see if there is any new stock in. They also stock jerseys (International and NHL) flags, souvenirs including pucks, autographed memorabilia and some cool hockey art.
Check them out in International Village next to Starbucks on the corner of Keefer and Abbott. Only one block from Canada Hockey Place!

What Would Quatchi Do?...2010 Olympic Price Gouging at Vancouver Restaurants

by Quatchi in Goal

If I were a restaurant owner, I wouldn't increase my prices unless costs were increased on me, and I wouldn't add an automatic gratuity to the bill. Instead I would give all of my staff a nice, fat cash bonus for their "Extra Olympic Efforts".

I would also read this informative Alexandra Gill article about dining in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter  Olympic Games. It's written by a foodie here for the food, and not the sport. Go figure, eh?

What Vancouver 2010 Would Look Like with Snow....

by Lisa Ovens

Well, the recent weather issues in Vancouver during the Winter Games should alter the whole "Canadians live in Igloos" stereotype rather nicely, dontcha think?

Do you know how many people from other provinces live in Vancouver? Take one guess as to why many of them move here. If you said the weather, you'd be correct.

But every now and then we get slammed with nasty weather and the city actually resembles the rest of Canada in the dead of winter. Last December and January (2008-09) it was one snowfall after another and Vancouver was buried. One year and one month ago I wrote a column about it because, well, it was epic snow for us. (Click here to read Lisa's Snow Rant)

Now please enjoy a few of photos of Vancouver all dressed up in a Winter Wonderland...

all photos by Lisa Ovens