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.

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!

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

by Lisa Ovens

Made by Bombardier , the 2010 Winter Olympic Torch is supposed to remind us of the track a skiier leaves in the snow. I can see that. That's the official description. But to many, the first thing they saw was a big marajuana joint (the unofficial description). 12,000 of these torches will be used during the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay heading across Canada beginning Friday Oct. 30th, 2009.

The Olympic Flame symbolizes the principles of peace, brotherhood and friendship; characteristics I believe Canada has an abundance of.

45,000 Kilometres 1000 communities 106 days

 The Olympic Torch is coming to a town or point of interest near you! In fact, about 90 per cent of Canada’s population will be within a one-hour drive of torch relay. And there will be parties. Over 200 community parties will take place over the course of the 106 days, with the biggest party on February 12, 2010, the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games at BC Place in Vancouver.

12,000 people will be responsible for running the torch and lighting up the torch in the hand of the next runner. I know what "next runner" I'd like to be: The runner after NHL superstar, Sidney Crosby. His leg of the relay is on Nov. 18th through Halifax, Nova Scotia, and he's feeling very honored to be involved in this long standing bit of Olympic pomp and circumstance.

Sidney Crosby is a Stanley Cup champion, a dedicated althete and is respected by many the world over, but especially by the citizens of his home province, Nova Scotia. Wouldn't that be cool to be standing on a road, and it's Sid the Kid running towards you all smiling and happy to see you? I'd like that, and I know I'm not the only one who would.

Best wishes to all the torch bearers as they keep the flame alive and burning bright over the winter!

Olympic Torch Relay Map

Offical Olympic Torch Relay Webpage at vancouver2010.com