It feels like we have been here in the Czech Republic forever now.  Even with our laid back schedule the days are still taking a wear on most of us, the time change and the fact that there has not been much to do since we got here besides practice ,eat, surf the internet and sleep.  I find myself taking quite a few naps throughout the day simply because I am just plain bored.

With that being said though, there still lurks this sense of excitement inside of me knowing that we are finally going to play a real game, against a team we have never faced before. The Czech Republic.  We haven’t seen much of them aside from last years World Championships but regardless we can’t take them lightly.  We are not here to take prisoners so to speak.  Everyone is going to have to feel the Canadian pressure and physical game that we are widely known for.  I know we are ready for this new challenge of defending our title as the World Champions, and I also know everyone else is up to the challenge of trying to knock us down.  

What a lot of people might not know about our team is- We used to be that team, who used to try to knock teams down. The big disappointment, 4th Place. We used to be the ankle biters, then the favorites. Now were the team to beat.  Its dangerous playing these new teams because I know what its like to be a player with nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Anything can happen.  Thats why its important we be ready for the Czechs and play our best.  So far there have been interviews with other Euro Sledge players I’ve never even heard of talking about how they have a chance at giving Canada a good solid game, if the referees call it fairly. Which in my opinion is a load of bull, because we are a skilled team and play within the rules. With some exceptions that don’t really count, because when we have been in a situation where one of our own players has not played fair, we have been penalized and bounced back.  I can’t wait to show these other Euro players who they’re dealing with this week.  

Anyways, its getting late and I need my beauty sleep.  

Ciao

~27

    Well I believe my love for traveling has faded quite a bit.  I remember back in the good old days when I used to have trouble sleeping the night before a trip because I was so excited to fly away.  Now it seems more like a business trip than anything, don’t get me wrong- I love playing Sledge hockey anytime and anywhere, its just a little rough now. Maybe its because I`m not the same eager 18 year old beaver that I used to be.  I know someday I won’t be able to play Sledge hockey anymore and I will kick myself in the ass for not loving every minute of the chances and experiences I had but I just can’t help it, I hate traveling. 

Anyways though, on a more positive note- We are here! We landed around 11pm yesterday here in Prague, checked into our hotel and then headed to our first on ice session, a chance to get the rust off and try to wake up. Although some of our guys lost their luggage we still managed to have a pretty decent practice. It was fun.  I can just tell that we are going to have a great time here, there’s no better feeling than getting on ice knowing that in a few days your going to have a chance to play in games that really matter, a chance to make history and make our mark as being the best team to ever play.  I am positive we will, even though I`m a realist and I know that its easier said than done. 

I`m rooming with Greame Murray right now, we are pretty good roomies.  No stress in this room with the two of us, we are two really mellow dudes.  I just wish I had my own full size bed instead of this cot.  Oh well, maybe at the next hotel I wont have to sleep like an animal.

Anyways, this is my blog for today! I just wanted to write a bit about the experience so far.. I’m dead tired so I think I may lay back down again.. 

Ciao

~27

I just brushed a tear from my face as I sit out on the porch in this beautiful weather we have in Barrie.  Seriously I`m a sensitive man, ask my linemates.  Just our luck that as soon as the weather gets super nice, we have to leave to go far and off to another Country.  Fortunately its always for Sledge hockey so I can’t complain. I’ll have to put my farmers tan on hold untill I return.

We leave tomorrow  for The Czech Republic. Its that time of year again to prove to the rest of the Sledge Hockey World that Team Canada is still King.  Now with that being said, we all know we can’t rely on our past success to ride us to the gold medal game, its  going to be even harder to win this one than in the past years. Teams are more prepared, talented and hungry to knock us off.  I also know that our team has gone through the same changes as far as our skill level and fitness level as a whole.  We seem to look like a well oiled machine when it comes to being prepared.  Our passion for the game individually seems to make it easy. We are Canadians, so hockey is fun stuff.  As long as were playing our game, I believe we will come home “Happy Campers”.

Now for anyone who is looking forward to watching some high caliber Sledge Hockey, you can find live feeds the Paralympic Tv Website.   http://www.paralympic.tv

Anyways, its time for me to get off this computer and enjoy some warm weather before I start packing!

Ciao

~27