Day Eleven - The Game...and the end

Well...I am not sure how to start this post, as many of you know the outcome of this game already. The boys enjoyed the quiet morning and a pre-game meal at the cafeteria. They were excited to play hockey and had plans to skate hard and play well because they knew that they were only a couple of wins from playing in the Colisee again. But I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

The boys did play strong the first period - but the Alliance scored first, 3:42 minutes in the first period. We did have a couple of scoring opportunities, but the puck just didn't go in the net for us. End of the 1st period - score: 0-1. In the second period, the Alliance scored immediately (17 seconds) and then 2 more times. We even had a 5 on 3 power play opportunity - but just couldn't make anything happen. End of the 2nd - score: 4-0. During the third period, the Alliance were on the penalty kill 3 more times, which the boys had a few opportunities, but couldn't make anything happen...and eventually the Alliance scored 2 more times - making the final score 6-0. Victor played in goal until mid-3rd period, when Jake came in and finished out the game.

What happened? The Alliance was a very good team. Their defense shut out offense down and our defense was challenged to stop their offense. While we in the stands were upset, and probably those of you at home...but the boys in the locker room were ok. Upset...a little; they were all talking about mistakes they made, plays they missed...but after a few minutes, there were smiles on their faces as they went back with their billet families.

The Quebec International PeeWee Tournament, might be over in terms of the tournament hockey games for our boys as of right now...but the Quebec International PeeWee Tournament still goes on for a few more days. While this is about hockey - it is also a very unique experience that is more than just hockey. For the last 11 days, our boys have been immersed in a Canadian culture which includes hockey, living with a family who speaks French, spending day/night with teammate(s), spending time away from home and away from mom/dad, making their own decisions, dealing with their own money, a time change, and so on. They have come into contact with other hockey players from all over the world - Italy, Mexico, Austria, Swizterland, Germany...and all over the USA. It will be something they will remember for a long time. And, like I said, they still have a few more days to enjoy Quebec and hockey!

Tomorrow...the boys will stay with their billet families during the day. There was some talk about pond hockey; others mentioned that some of their billet siblings had hockey games or practice that they might watch. In the evening, we all will be getting together for the Legend's game which starts at 7pm at the Colisee.

Until then...good night from the Great White North!