4 Nations Cup

On Wednesday night we received a phone call from my in-laws. It turned out they had 2 extra tickets for Canada vs. Sweden at the 4 nation’s cup. At first we didn’t know what to do how we can use 2 tickets because both of my boys wanted to go! Luckily my oldest son was content just to stay home with his mom and bake some cookies.

Canada guaranteed itself a spot in Saturday’s final, with a 7-0 win over Sweden on Wednesday in front of nearly 5000 fans The Aud in Kitchener. Late first period goals by Meghan Agosta and Gillian Apps and Vicky Sunohara’s 53rd and 54th career Team Canada goal kept Canada undefeated all-time against Sweden, registering Canada’s 48th win in 49 games. A 1-1 tie in Canada’s final exhibition game before the 1998 Olympics represents the only blemish on Canada’s record against this Scandic nation.
The game also marked the first time that the two teams have met since the gold medal final at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Canada won 4-1 in that game, ensuring itself a second consecutive Olympic gold medal.
Sweden held its own for most of the opening period, but Canada’s constant pressure finally produced a goal at 15:32, as Cathy Chartrand’s point shot was redirected by Agosta past Sara Grahn.
Only thirty-seven seconds later, Canada made it 2-0. Apps poked her own rebound past Grahn at 17:09.
Canada carried the play in the second period, with a 23-5 shot advantage, and two more goals to show for it. Vicky Sunohara scored a third Canadian goal, with a backhand over Swedish goaltender Sara Grahn’s shoulder. Then, at 4:34, Colleen Sostorics jumped on a long rebound and fired a slap shot past Grahn. Canada had a commanding 4-0 lead through twp periods of play. Sunohara, with her second, Hayley Wickenheiser and Sarah Vaillancourt added singles in the third period, giving Canada a 7-0 win and a berth in the 2006 4 Nations Cup.

I was pleasantly shocked with team Canada’s play. They worked hard and I feel in the 2nd period they kept the game simple by shooting on the net and digging for the rebound. They went to the net and held there ice screening the Swede goalie. One might asked why was I plenty shocked? The absence of Cassie Campbell. I thought her retirement from the team would hurt them. She was such a good leader for the team and wonderful spokesperson for the game. However, Hayley Wickenheiser's play is outstanding. She seems like she is playing in a different league. Her passes are crisper on the tape and her speed. She just seems to be a step or two faster. She carried the puck deep into the Swedes zone went around the net came up to the slot head up with great confidence looking to make a pass but she quickly wrested the puck top corner. For the goal. What a play. She does deserve to wear the C on her Jersey for Team Canada.

Of course my son had a great time. Eyes wide open, cheering on the girls, standing most of the game. He definitely made my in-laws' night.

Another in Fundamentals

The other day my oldest boy asked my wife and me if he can start hockey. We were both surprised at this request because he hasn't shown much interest in hockey before other than on occasion going to a Kitchener Ranger game and watching a bit on the TV. He has shown interest in figure skating. He does have rhythm and a good ear for music. So we thought figure skating is right up his ally. I suppose he changed his mind when we he went to a neighbor's hockey game and his little brother's. His brother has pushed him into a lot of things, skating, and bike riding and now hockey. Well I guess we go and get him some equipment since he is registered to start in January. A part of me is happy that he is going into hockey but I hope he is doing it because he wants to. I always thought of him as a figure skater. He has reassured us that hockey is his idea and would like to give it a go. In his words "not too many boys do figure skating", but in a few years, my son, when girls are of interest you might change your mind...