Oh Canada!

photo: Lisa Ovens

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

Bye Bye Olympics :o)

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.

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?