Brighten Up the Dark November

As I mentioned last season, one of the many draws to playing in Europe is the National Team breaks; however, like any vacation, you want to leave work on a good note. In order to do that we would have to win in Stavanger. Stavanger is in western Norway and a good 8 hour bus ride that we manage to make an 11 hour trip with stops. (Like riding with Pups) They are always good at home and they came into our rink and beat us last month. Our coach was faced with the tough job of motivating us for the Saturday afternoon showdown.............He did his job well and promised us that we could stop and party half way home if we won.

Well we didn't play as well as we could have, but I do enjoy a night on the town with my buddies. So when the boys were a little sloppy, I was there, and we were able to score a couple of power-play goals and walk out with a 2-0 win. We were out shot 41-26, for player of the game I got an electric seat warmer (God bless Norway) and a boys night out in Kristensand. A couple of Swedish beers later on the bus, Alexander Larson, brought up the idea of going to Madrid Spain to watch Spanish League Soccer. Alex was only partly serious.... I have never seen a top league pro soccer game, I have never been to Spain, and Kristian Schroder's sister Erika and her boyfriend live in Madrid and they could set us up with places to go and see. Needless to say, I booked our tickets and after a week of practice Alex and I were off to Spain. Madrid was an amazing city and the 'Football' game was a great experience. Real won 3-2 in their local rivalry game and Alex and I managed to fit a lot into 48 hours.

When we got back to the rink on Monday, it felt like we had been away for weeks...great for our minds but not for our skills! Monday through Wednesday were tough on the ice and the coach made a couple little jokes about ''our jet setting tourist in goal.'' So the first game back would be VERY important.

We were playing at home against Lillehammar who also beat us the first time around. We needed to win to stay in first place so there was a sense of urgency. Before the game, I was honored with the 'Player of the Month' for October. It was nice, but puts some MORE pressure going into the game. Fresh and rested, our forwards wasted no time and at the 10 minute mark we were up 5-0! Phewww

But Lillehammar forgot to go home and they kept playing. We were lax in our effort and almost gave up our lead. However, we were able to hang on and win 6-4. I felt ok out there a little rusty but not too bad. Perhaps too many Cervasas! haha