Day 11 - Going for GOLD!

Happy Birthday Erin! Today was Erin Cumpstone’s (#81) birthaday. So the athletes gathered in her room, while she was at breakfast and surprised her when she got back. They had decorated her room for her! Very Fun! She was really surprised, it was quite funny to see. 

I then attended the morning skate with the team. Only a few athletes decided to take part in the skate this morning. I posted loads more of the gocanadago@ringette.ca messages and was able to pull together a short video. Thanks for the words of encouragement and keep ‘em coming.

While the athletes were on the ice, Laynski and I took some time to do some laundry. The hockey team here at the rink is sharing their laundry facility with us. After the crash course on how the machine worked (DON’T push the red button) we were good to go. I must admit we had to resist the urge to push that button... but we did not resist the urge to put one the hockey jerseys that were hanging in that room. Always an adventure. #44 Laynski and #23 Franski... we are ready if we ever get the call up.

After a much anticipated ringette debut by my partner in crime, Laynski had to pull out of the Media vs local athletes’ game today. Turns our finding a pair of skates that fit her was much more of an undertaking than we thought. But rest assured she is ready for next time. She is sure to travel with her skates next time.

Our disappointment was comforted by a so you think you can dance show put on by two of the team members after practice. We were even treated to two variations of ‘the worm’ dance move. Keep it up ladies. We also got to ride at the back of the bus (given that it was pretty empty) but nonetheless we got to sit there :) The party is way more fun at the back, we really need to try and get the season pass to those seats I think. 

So obviously today marked my color commentating debut. Correction, technically the 2008 World Club Championships would have been my debut, so this would be my... is there a fancy word for second time? So my second time at this ... So you all heard us. How did we do?

I personally think we did awesome, but my view might be a little bias. However seeing as I was there when we did the first few practice runs back at the office... there is no other way to put this: we sucked. Yup we practiced with game footage from ’07, but didn’t have it at all. So I was a little nervous going in. But let me tell you once Dave started us off he rocked this like it was his job. Our agent Laynski is working on our contracts with TSN right now.  So just a heads up RC might need a new ED and Sport Dev Director... lol.

So our commentator debut was a success... right?

GREAT GAME TEAM CANADA! That’s all I have to say about that. Well clearly I will say more, but if I was only allowed one sentence that would be it. But seeing as this is my blog and my rules... I’m going to add a few more things. It was a phenomenal game to watch. I am lucky to have been able to see it live and am proud of our team. We have the most amazing athletes and they have truly showed us what they have here in today’s game. Thank you for a great game, I admire you all (and based on the emails we have been getting we have a nation full of supporters back home who feel the same way).

Tomorrow will be a WIN! GO Canada GO!

The final score of tonight’s game: Canada 5, Finland 6 (Overtime)
Click here for game summary.
Player of the game: Jen Hartley

The following interviews took place after the game:

Jenn Wakefield

Jen Hartley

Same deal as yesterday, check out www.ringette.ca   for the daily news release. It should be posted in about an hour.

If you missed the live webcast stay tuned for details on how you can see the game. We are working out the details on how you can watch the archived games. Details to follow. 

Tune in, same time tomorrow Live webcast 6:30pm EET.

Good night!

-Franski