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Dec 31, 2008

OK, let's get started.

- - -

The Sunopta Gators were in London for a house league tournament this week. It was very exciting for the boys, and the parents had a very good time, too.

We entered play on Tuesday with a win and a tie -- we needed to win our third game to get to the championship final, as the team we were playing was 2-0-0. Keep in mind that we are a white level team and the west London team was red -- a higher level.

We fell behind 2-0 and then started to battle back out of the hole -- Alex Home scored once, twice, three times -- completing a natural hattrick  --and we entered the final five minutes with a 3-2 lead. It lasted about as long as it takes to type this sentence. A seesaw battle with great action, we were forced to pull our goalie to try to get the winning goal we needed. With about a minute left, London found the empty net to secure a spot in the final with a 4-3 win.

Our boys would play in the B Division final. But they played like men, every one of them.

We didn't think anything could top that game. We were wrong.

Again, against a London area team, we fell behind 2-0 after the first period. (Note to team: Let's stop doing that.)

And again, the team stepped up with Dylan Connor scoring once, twice and presto! The score was tied.

There was great goaltending at both ends. Cameron Cook was rock solid all weekend and he made many key stops for the team in all four games.

As the clock ticked down, it seemed inevitable.

Overtime.

The last time I was in a bench for overtime was a couple of years ago when Chris's team won the league title in double OT. The feeling was familiar, the kids were nervous and excited.

Well, 10 minutes of four-on-four OT (which we started with one man in the box) again settled nothing.

Shootout. Five shooters each, highest number of goals wins.

First shooter scores for us.

Second shooter scores for them.

Third shooters blank.

Fourth shooters blank.

Fifth shooters . . . nothing.

Sudden death. Each team gets a shot, first one to score when the other misses, wins.

Sixth . . . nothing.

Seventh . . . nothing.

Eighth . . . nothing.

Have I mentioned the great goaltending? It was great at both ends.

Cam shut down the ninth London shooter and Will (Can't Buy A Thrill) Lawlor came in hard and beat the London keeper as the ninth Gator down the ice.

Gators win! Gators win! Gators win!

 

 

At that moment, I can assure you the 16 Oakville boys felt as if they had won the world junior championship. B division, A division, whatever. There was overtime and a shootout, and they won.

It was a great thrill for all of us, mostly for me it was a thrill to see Chris so excited (and relieved.)

They earned their medals. They played like champs. Way to go guys!

- - -

Pad and the minor midget AA Rangers were less successful in their semi final, losing to Barrie early Tuesday morning at the Richard Bell tournament. But it was a very good run against some of the top midget AA talent in Ontario (and  Finland!) and the boys have nothing to feel bad about.

As a parent, I can say that this year the holiday hockey seemed secondary. We were all very excited to welcome the Finns not just to Canada, but in many cases, into our homes. Other families had Norwegians. The friendship that were made were genuine.

In the case of the Oakville Rangers minor midget AA team, there was more to the story. A terrible virus went through the Finnish squad, and the toll it took pushed the limits of what a billeting family might ordinarily expect from such an experience.

After consultation with public health officials it was determined that the norovirus (the virus formally known as norwalk) was the likely culprit and, to be blunt, it is a nasty piece of work.

Some of the boys (not to mention family members staying in a hotel downtown) became very, very sick.

How sick?

Up all night vomiting sick. Unable to lift their heads sick. Sleeping for almost 30 straight hours sick.

I cannot say enough about the Ranger parents who answered the bell.

One mom drove into Toronto to the hotel in the middle of the night, retrieved a boy's mom and drove her to Oakville so she could be with her son.

Another family stayed up all night with another Finn as he got sick repeatedly. The bedding was discarded in the trash and they were at Wal-Mart first thing in the morning buying a new bed in a bag.

In our house, two of the three billets were sick, the second one much worse than the first. He seemed to be much better this morning after sleeping most of the last 36 hours. In a tribute to Laura's mothering skills, he didn't want to leave our house to be at the hotel with his family, he said he was comfortable where he was and he just wanted to sleep.

Anyway, stories like this came from every family on our team. Every one of us had a sick Finn. Some had VERY sick Finns.

The Ceces deserve special mention for allowing their home to be something of a Finnish consulate during the last week -- it was a combination of party central, M*A*S*H unit, sports store and clubhouse.

Last night they hosted many of the Finns and Rangers, but not ours.

Joni was still very sick. Patrick, Hannu and Miska didn't want to go without him, so Laura went to Bruno's, bought steaks so large they made her back hurt to carry them, and we had a barbeque for the boys.

Hannu and Miska ate well -- Nanaimo bars and chocolate chip cookies were popular! -- and Joni stirred later on and watched the boys play Finnish First Division hockey on NHL09 on PS3. Who knew the program included the Finnish leagues?

Patrick dug through his closet at the end of the night and gave all three of the boys one of his old Ranger jerseys, and they each gave him one of their old FoPS sweaters, too.

It was all very cool.

This morning, Joni was feeling better -- not great, but better. I hope they have a great time tonight, and a safe trip to New York.

And it is also worth mention that through this ordeal -- and make no mistake, for these boys this was an ordeal -- I never heard a complaint. I never heard any whining. They behaved impeccably in the face of adversity. They never lost their good humour. They were quiet and polite. They were model house guests.

Their one regret? Miska told me he regretted we never got to see their team compete when they were healthy.

It was quite an experience. We're all a little tired and have some tidying up to do.

And we have two wishes to start the New Year -- first, that 2009 will dawn with all of our new friends feeling healthy; and second, that the virus doesn't infect any of us. The next week will tell.

Here's hoping!

Here are our boys and theirs saying saying good bye this morning. If they look half asleep, it's because they were.

 

- - -

The Rangers secured 90 minutes of ice time on Tuesday for the FoPS and Rangers to just play good old shinney. I wish I could have been there for it, but I had bigger fish to fry in London.

As often happens with these things, the boys took over and before you knew it, there were Oakville boys wearing green and Finnish boys wearing Ranger colours and it goes without saying it was a great afternoon.

You can tell by the socks that these guys are in the wrong jerseys.

Who won? The kids. The kids won.

- - -

My favourite picture from the match? It's this one, of Ranger assistant coach Paul Flemming looking like he's getting ready to bury the game winner right here.

He also seems to have a Butch Goring thing going on with the helmet. I wonder how many Stanley Cup rings Coach Paul has?

- - -

The night before the Bell tournament semi final, the Rangers, Finns and all the families went to Arnolds sports pub for a fun night out. Again, I was away.

The Finn parents were tired but appreciated the hospitality and all the players were given Oakville Ranger t-shirts (which most of them were wearing on the bus today.)

There was pool and video games and food and drink and speeches and silliness.

So in that spirit, I offer two observations. This man in the middle is the FoPS coach and yes, he is as big as he looks. He is not a quiet man on the bench and he has a big, friendly personality. He thanked the Ranger staff, players and families for their hospitality.

I've seen him on a bench and I think he's a candidate for a rep lacrosse coaching assignment in Oakville.

 

The second observation is, um, who is this man and why is he opening his wallet to a woman in a leopard-print bra?

- - -

Finnish parents -- I've posted more gallery pages on the FoPS photo page. I appreciate the feedback from Finland and I can tell by the traffic that you're looking at the images. Feel free to download and save anything you want.

You can find that page here.

 

Dec 31, 2008

I'm back -- I'm also busy preparing to shuttle our Finnish guests to their bus for their journey to the Hockey Hall of Fame, the CN Tower, New Year's Eve in Nathan Phillips Square, then on to Niagara Falls, and Manhattan! (Not to mention shovelling snow!)

So, I won't have time for an update until later.

But later there will be a lot! Like . . .

-- The saga of Chris and the Sunopta Gators in London -- could it be the sports story of the year???

-- Results from the minor midget Rangers adventures at the Richard Bell -- can they play an entire game without a suspension and/or ejection??

-- Oakville vs. the Finns, round 2!! The unofficial rematch . . . but wait . . . are those OAKVILLE kids wearing FoPS green jerseys!!?? And who's the old guy in the blue helmet, looking like he's channeling Butch Goring??

-- A big night out for both teams and their families at Arnolds . . . no, not our house, the Oakville sports pub!! (Although lately you'd be excused for confusing the two!

-- Details on the wicked virus that laid the Finns low and no doubt has them rethinking whether Canada was a good idea for a trip. Next time, Florida???

There will be game pictures, party pictures, London pictures, bowling pictures . . . it will be a poorly formed, barely readable bonanza of blogging.

But you're going to have to wait until later.

But like the most famous Arnold in the world says, "I'll be back . . ."

 

Dec 30, 2008

Forgot to mention last night -- the FoPS Junior 93 squad lost their final game of the tournament, 4-0 to the the Toronto Ice Dogs. I don't have any other details on that one.

I have to wake Chris shortly and het him ready for his big game today!

 

Dec 29, 2008

Chris Arnold and Evan Metler each scored in the first period as the Sunopta Gators tied the SSE Wild from London 3-3 on Monday evening, taking hold of first place in their pool in the West London Byron Optimistic Christmas Tournament.

A win on Tuesday morning vs. the West London host team would put the Gators in the final.

Cam Cook made a highlight reel save with 30 seconds left to preserve the tie.

And yes.

The trainer was right. "Pool legs" were a factor in the third period.

No one asked me . . . The kids, however, had a ton of fun and were in the pool again until 10p.

 - - -

The minor midget Rangers, with only 10 skaters, beat Streetsville 3-1 to advance to the semi finals of the Richard Bell tournament. They play Barrie at 8:30a Tuesday.

The Rangers played a great game, I am told, perhaps the best since last year's epic battle in the OMHA playdowns with Belle River.

Also, the entire FoPS Junior 93 team from Finland came and cheered on the Rangers.

They spent the last two minutes of the game giving a rhythmic clap-clap-clap to the hosts that my correspondents report was incredibly powerful and inspired the Rangers to fight on before one of the largest crowds of the tournament so far.

Afterwards, the Rangers and the Finns went to a local sports bar -- for hours -- where the friendships continued to flourish and the Finnish parents and players mingled and hung out with the Ranger families.

I will have much more to say in the days ahead about the experience of billeting these boys, and the night out at the bar.

There will be photos!

Special thanks to FoSP 93 for coming out. It means a lot to the Rangers.

- - -

My evening was spent poolside at the Lamplighter Inn in London, rehashing every play of the two peewee games of the day and pretending to keep an eye on my kid in the pool.

The ritual of dads (and moms) at winter hockey tournaments never varies, and it never gets old.

It's just fun.

A reminder to all those Oakville teams to send me photos and stories of your holiday week adventures -- win, lose or draw. As we learned from the Finns, who ravaged by illness and fatigue never lost their good humour or dignity, it's not about the destination, rather it's all about the journey, even if it was a winless week.

We have a lot we can learn from our new friends. They are champions at the things that really matter.

- - -

Warning: blogging tomorrow will be sporadic, if it happens at all.

 

Dec 29, 2008

Greetings from sunny London, ON, home of the something or other house league hockey tournament.

The Sunopta Gators opened the tournament with a 3-1 win over Amherstberg, which is good, I guess.

Then we went to the most crowded Pizza Hut on the planet and then back to the hotel for a "rest" before the team's 6p game tonight.

The "rest" consisted of the entire team going to the pool, which the trainer thinks is a very, very bad idea but, I didn't get a vote.

There is no question at that the kids are having fun.

Whether we go to sleep tonight with two wins? That will be another matter.

For the time being, this is what passes for a Gator action shot from London.

That's Chris going airborne.

- - -

Meanwhile, back at the Richard Bell Tournament, our Finnish guests had a tough morning, losing by a big score, 9-0, to Streetsville. I wasn't at the game so I can't give much an overview except to say the early mornings seem to be grinding on the kids -- all the kids.

They play the Ice Dogs later today.

- -  -

The minor midget AA Rangers, meanwhile, played Cumberland in a game that got stupid with penalties and other goofiness as the Rangers cruised to a 4-1 win.

A log jam is forming at the top of the Rangers' pool so they need a win tonight over Streetsville to have a shot at a semi-final game tomorrow.

- - -

I promised more photos of the minor midget A team from Norway -- Mangerlud Star. I was really impressed with this team. Big, fast, strong. I'll be very surprised if they are not near the hardware ceremony at the end of this.

You can see more photos here.

- - -

I mentioned earlier that the dad of one of the kids from Finland who is staying with us had also visited Canada with the same club team in 1981. Miska wasn't sure of where they visited, but he thought it started with "M".

He was right.

It was Markham. I know that because his wonderful mother (and loyal blog reader) sent along a nice note detailing that trip, with evidence.

A team photo of the 1980-81 FoPS Juniors:

 

A flyer from Markham promoting the games:

 

A picture of FoPS posing on the ice with their hosts after the game . . .

Forgive the quality of the photos -- it's the thought that counts and these are scans or photos of hard copies and the years can take their toll . . . but what's  cool to me is that this ritual was repeated in Oakville on Sunday morning as the Rangers and their guests took a minute to mark what will be, without a doubt, a memory they will all keep forever of a great week when new friendships were made and everyone learned the Finnish word for vomit. There's a better version coming (without the mom in front!) and I'lll make sure it gets to all the Finnish players and coaches.

Go Rangers! Go FoPS!

Dec 29, 2008

Two quick things -- there was so much traffic from Finland this morning I felt guilty so I rushed and posted photos of last night's game with Cumberland. You can find them here.

Also -- the Rangers lost 2-0 to the Ice Dogs. They played better and deserved the win.

 - - -

The single A minor midget Rangers lost 2-1 to the Norwegian team last night. It was a great game, Oakville scored with three seconds left to break the shutout.

I will post more photos from that game later, but here's a taste of the action for now.

 

Dec 29, 2008

I am driving today to London for another tournament so I won't update the blog in a meaningful way until late in the day.

I will have pictures from last night's Finland-Cumberland game, last night's Oakville-Norway minor midget single A game, hopefully some news from peewee action in London, and some interesting stories to tell about the circle coming around 27 years later for one Finnish family.

Sorry for the delay -- just not enough hours to do everything and sleep a little too.

I have run -- taking the Finns to their game this morning and then running back to get Chris and head for London.

PS -- everyone in our house seems healthy. Go FoPS! Go Rangers! Go Gators!

Did I miss anyone . . . .?

 

Dec 28, 2008

FoPS 3 Cumberland 3

Great game. The Finnish goalie -- Siro -- was outstanding. The whole team played much better, much tougher.

Pictures later!

 

Dec 28, 2008

Yes. I will posted the score from the minor midget AA Finland game tonight, immediately upon my arrival home!

They are running about 40 minutes behind schedule, so, you'll have to be patient.

(You will notice that I finally got today's date right . . . Too much hockey, not enough beer. I'm off my game!)

 

Dec 28, 2008

Update for the Finnish parents back home:

Various reports from around town that the kids are feeling better, returning to normal.

So, good news. We'll keep you posted.

 

Dec 28, 2008

For the Finnish parents back home:

Your boys played like warriors but lost 3-2 to their host Oakville Rangers.

Ranger captain Cory Camiliari deposits the game's first goal, below.

A nasty bug going through the Finnish delegation is doing the team no favours, with five of their 19 players suffering to various degrees.

We are keeping the boys comfortable and they are resting. The good news seems to be that the bug lasts for less than 24 hours so hopefully it will pass quickly without spreading further.

Oakville led 2-0 and the Finns pulled within one while my kid was in the penalty box. A third period goal restored Oakville's two-goal lead, and the Finns scored with about 90 seconds left to get close.

The Rangers play the Toronto Ice Dogs early this afternoon, and then the Finns play Cumberland tonight.

We're hoping everyone feels better soon.

There are more photos from this game here.

- - -

Finnish Parents: I've made a page with links to the various FoPS game and party photos. You can visit it here.

 

Dec 28, 2008

For the benefit of the Finnish parents checking in early this morning . . . some ramblings, and some photos.

First, the ramblings.

You may have heard a lot of sawing yesterday around Oakville. There wasn't a construction boom, but there was a shopping spree which sent me, and I'm sure a bunch of other billet hosts, into the garage to cut down new hockey sticks. The Finnish kids -- two teams of them trekked to Vaughan Mills to the hockey superstore -- came home with lots of loot and shiney new sticks.

- - -

What we needed on Friday night was a locksmith. One of the boys forgot the combination to his new suitcase and since it is one of those hard-shell, bomb-proof types, it wasn't going to open.

Patrick and I surveyed the lock -- it was one of the three-digit ones where the numbers spin. Meaning there were almost 1,000 possible combinations, or, put another way, there were only 999 possible combinations.

We guessed that the odds of the first number in the combination beginning with "0" was low. And then Pad started trying numbers in sequence. 101. 102. 103 . . . you get the idea.

It took about 10 minutes and he had the suitcase open.

Maybe he has a future as a safe cracker.

- - -

I've been getting emails from some of the parents who were not able to make the trip over with the Finnish kids. Two things are clear -- they REALLY wish they could be here, and, they are really glad the boys are having fun.

On that latter point, I can assure you they are.

There was a large contingent of Oakville Rangers out on Saturday for the exhibition game the Finns played, and two major get togethers were planned for last night -- one in my house, one on the other end of town -- to allow the players to mingle in a less formal setting.

The Finns got a taste of Hockey Night in Canada, PS3 and (at our house) Laura's home-made spaghetti.

The Canadians have been getting a lesson in how to be a great guest in a foreign country.

At the other house I gather things were very similar.

And we all agree our basements smell . . . . interesting! But it's a happy interesting!

The modern world is a marvel, really. 48 hours ago these kids were almost half a world away. And now they're in the basement playing NHL'09 with our kids.

Very cool.

- - -

Another cool thing -- one of the boys staying with us says he always knew he would be coming to Canada with this team.

We were at the dinner table making conversation -- How big is your school? (small) Did you guys know each other before playing on this team? (No.) Do you like the food so far? (yes.)

Miska said his dad came to Canada in 1981 with the same team so he always knew he would get his turn. He wasn't sure where in Canada he visited, but I am confident his mom and dad are going to email me and tell me. He said he thinks it started with "M".

Maybe in 20 or 25 years he can come back as a coach?

 - - -

 

Weather report for the Finns back home: we're having a bit of a ridiculous heat wave here. On Saturday Oakville's high temperature was 14 degrees C. This is not normal. It is supposed to stay mild tomorrow as the mounds of snow disappear. Things are supposed to cool down by late afternoon today.

The problem is that the warm weather and very heavy rain has created some leaks in the roofs of some rinks. So, some games have been delayed and there's challenges with the schedules.

I'll be back later in the day Sunday with more news of the big FoPS vs. Oakville game.

- - -

Pictures. I promised pictures. Here are some shots of the boys -- Rangers and FoPS alike -- enjoying themselves on Saturday night. Enjoy!

 

Dec 27, 2008 -- Update

FoPS Junior 93 from Finland lost 4-1 to the Mississauga Terriers this morning in their first game since Thursday's arduous 22-hour journey to Canada. The Terriers are one of the top minor midget AA teams in Ontario and overall the Finns held their own.

They started slow, as you might expect, but were down only 2-1 after two periods. In the third period they just had no legs left as the jet lag caught up with them.

But the team has some good speed and they have great stick skills and a several have strong shots.

They will go after the Rangers AA minor midgets tomorrow in the opener of the Richard Bell tournament. In between they are off shopping at Vaughan Mills this afternoon.

For families back in Finland interested in looking at some photos of the action  this morning, you can click here.

Here's a sample as a Terrier defender in white gets bowled over in a scramble in front of the Mississauga goal.

 

 

Dec 27, 2008

For the benefit of the folks back in Finland who did not make the trip to Canada, all is well.

The team arrived safe in Toronto, made the uneventful trip to Oakville and suffered through the ritual of waiting in a hotel event room to meet their billets and hear from the mayor (who didn't show up for the 7p portion of the evening as had been expected.)

We scooped up our three lads and had a short, quiet evening before we insisted that they crash at around 9:30p our time. They had been up for almost 24 hours, but they were polite and good humoured. And they seemed to go to sleep fast.

As for cultural issues, there are few so far. Language is no problem since one of the boys -- Miska -- speaks English every well. They like guitars. Apparently basements are bigger in Canada. They were impressed with our Christmas tree, which I gather many of them didn't have this year because of the trip.

There was one small problem with a lock on a suitcase, but a Canadian-Finnish task force fixed that in short order.

We will be waking them shortly to get ready for their exhibition game in Mississauga.

I'll update here later today with results and hopefully some photos.

 

Dec 26, 2008

Merry Christmas. I hope you had a safe and happy holiday. We did. Laura whipped up a turkey dinner that was one for the ages.

It was a very quiet day for us -- on account of the pending arrival of the Finns we had no out of town family visiting this year, so it was just the four of us.

Christmas Eve was marked by Patrick cautioning his younger brother about when would be an appropriate time to wake the house on Christmas morning. He made it clear to Chris that later would be better and that nothing before 8a would be tolerated.

We had a lovely Christmas Eve meal of lobster and steak -- a tradition for we Maritimers that we won't easily let go of, and the low price of lobster made it almost affordable this year.

Beginning in early afternoon, on Christmas Eve, we watched Elf, Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story and even part of It's A Wonderful Life. It was a great day to spend together.

And on Christmas morning, it was Patrick who woke first, rousing his brother at 9a and sending us all down to the living room to do what thousands of others were doing all over town.

Today we slept a little later and then drove into the city for lunch with good friends and our godson and his little sister.

We went nowhere near a mall or store and didn't feel at all like we missed a thing in the Boxing Day madness. Not my cup of tea, but for those who enjoy it, I hope you had fun.

Just a few minutes ago we finished preparing the basement family room for the Finnish billets and I have to say, it's a very comfortable space. Air mattresses and sleeping bags, lots of pillows and blankets, a TV, a gas fireplace, PS3 . . . I think they'll get by nicely.

They arrive in a couple of hours and the relative calm on Christmas will give way to forging friendships and arm wrestling over the last piece of bacon.

I will post some photos as events unfold at the Richard Bell Memorial Tournament beginning Sunday.

I have to take the Finns to an exhibition game early tomorrow and then they and their team and parents are taking bags of Euros and heading to Vaughan Mills to jump start the local economy.

 

Dec 24, 2008

If you thought I might have better things to do on Christmas Eve, you'd be right. But most of those things are done now (it's almost 2p) so I'm gonna relax shortly.

The overnight snowfall -- wet, thick and of the consistency of chocolate chip cookie dough (but not as tasty) -- presented the first challenge for me and the snow thrower.

And naturally, the snow thrower -- driven like a plow horse over the last week -- ran out of gas halfway through our driveway. I knew it was low. And the jerry can was empty.

So, it was off to Esso.

Halfway there I realized I forgot my wallet.

Home again. Then back to Esso.

Then I finished our driveway. And the next door neighbour's. And three across the street.

And then I was sent to the grocery store.

And the drug store.

And then home for lunch.

And then me and Pad went down the street to do a driveway of friends who are away.

And then we came home.

And then she sent me back to the grocery store.

And to the bank.

And then home again --  where a mom down the street was struggling with the shoveling.

Out came the snow blower again.

And now, nothing but kicking back.

I hope.

 - - -

The minor midget AA Rangers fought through the storm last night and made it to St Catherine's. Well, some of them did.

Suspensions, injuries, flu, plague and Christmas travel thinned the roster to just eight skaters and two goalies, but they managed a 6-2 win, paced by Mark Cece's hat trick. My kid had three helpers.

The Rangers shook off a dismal November to go 4-0-2 in league play in December, plus 2-1-0 in tournament play, for a very respectable month of 6-1-2 overall.

The Richard Bell Tournament starts Sunday. I guess they're as ready as they'll ever be.

- - -

I got an email from Finland on Tuesday, asking if it was true we have snow.

Yes, we have snow. But has I write this it's raining. So, bring slush-proof footwear.

- - -

We eat a lot of bagels here -- a habit picked up from years in Ottawa where locally made Montreal-style bagels became an obsession. The closest thing Toronto has to what we like is St. Urbain Bagels in St Lawrence Market, where I trudged yesterday to load up for Christmas.

No word of a lie, there were 50 people in line for bagels when I got there and it took me 35 minutes to get to the front of the line.

Good bagels are worth the wait.

- - -

Yes, the Leafs lost last night. It was ugly. Pogge wasn't even dressed. Dumb and dumber.

Anyway, you can read about the slaughter here.

Ottawa lost too, though. So yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. Read that story here.

- - -

Remember Peter Pocklington? He's back in the news and it's not a pretty story. But it's a very interesting one. You can find it here.

- - -

Are you having a few people over for the holidays? So is George Bush, who is marking his 12th and last Christmas at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. George W. got spend four Christmases there while his dad was president. And he's done seven in a row since he was sort of elected in 2000.

Read more here about the Bushes channeling the Griswold Christmas experience. Even brother Jeb is coming. I wonder if he'll arrive in an RV?

- - -

For years we've enjoyed the NORAD Tracks Santa web site, and it's still fun to poke around on.

You can find it here.

- - -

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

 

Have a great, safe Christmas, wherever you are.

Hug the kids.

 

Dec 23, 2008

OK. If you haven't started your Christmas shopping, you should probably turn your attention to it in the next 24 hours.

I'm told 7-11 sells gift cards for major retailers.

They also sell a selection of cured-meat products. Sounds like a one-stop shopping opportunity to me.

 - - -

The Leafs thrashed Atlanta last night and Justin Pogge got his first NHL win -- although he wasn't tested heavily. Nonetheless it was a good start. Word is he is not likely to get the start at home tonight against Dallas.

You can read about the Atlanta game here.

- - -

The AA minor midget Rangers are on the road tonight in St Catharine's for their final league game until the New Year. I think I'm not going to make this one -- a relatively early game time and a relatively Grinch-like work schedule today will keep me away. But Chris and I will find a good holiday movie to watch in front of the fire.

Or the Leafs.

Or, he'll play Gears of War or something similarly festive while I watch the Leafs.

Canada plays Slovakia tonight in Hamilton (TSN) in the final tune up for the world tournament that opens Boxing Day in Ottawa. I'll watch that too!

- - -

Tim Horton's is again sponsoring some free holiday family skating. These are some of the most popular events in town for everyone -- but the kids REALLY love it. As a public service, and because the folks at Tims are about as big a supporter of minor hockey as you will find anywhere, here's the Oakville free skating schedule.

Place a crowbar between your kids and the Playstation, and go skating. Then go to Tim's for hot chocolate.

Maybe we'll see you there. If you do, no blind side hits, please!

To access the full list of Ontario (and other provinces too) skating sessions, you can click here. Otherwise, Oakville times and venues are below. Copy the info, paste it onto a text document, print, and put on your fridge!

Laura: let's take the Finns to a Tim's skate!

 

Oakville
Glen Abbey Community Centre
December 22 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
December 23 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
December 24 9:30 am to 11:00 am
December 27 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
December 27 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
December 28 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
December 29 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
December 30 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
December 31 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
January 2 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Kinoak Arena
December 22 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
December 23 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
December 24 9:30 am to 11:00 am
December 27 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
December 28 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
December 29 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
December 30 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
December 31 9:30 am to 11:00 am
January 2 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Maple Grove Arena
December 22 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
December 23 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
December 24 9:30 am to 11:00 am
December 27 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
December 28 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
December 29 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
December 30 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
December 31 9:30 am to 11:00 am
January 2 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Oakville Arena
December 22 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
December 23 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
December 24 9:30 am to 11:00 am
December 27 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
December 29 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
December 30 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
December 31 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
January 2 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
River Oaks Community Centre
December 22 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
December 23 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
December 24 9:30 am to 11:00 am
December 27 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
December 28 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
December 29 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
December 30 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
December 31 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
January 2 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
- - -

Speaking of skating, here's a link to some pretty spectacular rinks around the world. It was assembled by an American web site and interestingly (to me), doesn't include a Canadian entry.

I guess they haven't heard of the little rink my dad would make in our back yard when were kids. Because it looked a lot like these ones.

Well, in my memory it does. When the page loads, click on the photo to access the full gallery.

- - -

First it was tennis elbow.

Then with the success of RIM's addictive products came Blackberry thumb.

And now, beware of Wii Knee.

The Wii is a funky piece of gaming technology which unlike most others, often requires participants to get up and move -- creating the on-screen movements of the players they control via their own movements.

And if you're thinking "hmmm, I could put my back out doing that" you're right. And naturally, someone funded a study to document it. (And why is it almost always a British study? Just wondering.)

Anyway, if you have a Wii in your house (or are about to) then this story might interest you.

Read about Wii-related injuries here.

- - -

With any luck at all -- and at this point, I'd appreciate just about any luck at all  -- today is my final commute into the city for 2008.

I'm pretty sure I'm taking Christmas day off.

The Three Finns arrive on Boxing Day night and the next morning I'm taking them to Mississauga for an exhibition game, which I intend to watch with great interest. They go off with their team sight seeing for the rest of the day and we reel them back in that night.

The Finns play the Rangers at 8a on Sunday morning and both teams have a second game later that day. Then our guests have another early one on Monday -- I'll deliver them to the rink and then Chris and I hit the road with the Gators for a tournament in London. We'll overnight there and get back Tuesday, late I assume.

The Finnish boys stay with us until New Year's Eve morning, so I'll be back in time to spend another evening with them and see them off to The Big Apple (New York, not that truck stop on the 401) the next morning.

I'm back in the office on Jan 2. So it will be a break, but I'm not sure it will be a rest.

I am quite certain, however, that it will be fun.

I expect to check in here at some point tomorrow, but in case you have other plans, have a great Christmas and holiday season.

There was terrible news about a fire in our town last night. I cannot imagine what those folks are going through. I know we are all thinking of them.

So as always, please travel safely. Let the other guy have the fast lane. Water your tree. Be careful with your candles and fireplace. Relax. Have some fun. Live in the moment.

And hug your kids.

 

Dec 22, 2008

World Junior Hockey. Exhibition game.

Canada 7 Finland 3.

I'm just sayin' . . .

Game-over story here.

 - - -

Justin Pogge, one-time world junior tournament MVP, didn't quit hockey or move to the moon. He's been at the Ricoh Centre, playing in the AHL for the Toronto Marlies, farm team to your Toronto Maple Leafs.

Now, at some point in the last two or three years, with the Leafs adrift in the deep water of mediocrity, you might have thought someone would slap their forehead and say, "Why don't we let the kid have a shot in a game or two? What do we have to lose?"

They had nothing to lose, but they made no such move to spring Pogge for a big-city audition, while at the same time touting him as the team's goalie of the future.

Well, it seems the future is here -- at least for a few days.

Toskala is injured. Cujo is not looking great.

So . . . "Why don't we let the kid have a shot in a game or two? What do we have to lose?"

Exactly.

Pogge is expected to start tonight when the Leafs are in Dixie to face the Thrashers. He may be around for more than one start. And yes, it's about time.

Read more on the kid's NHL debut here.

- - -

Others have mentioned this tragic story earlier than me. Last week a fire at a Toronto animal shelter killed 100 cats. Everyone loves kittens. It's an awful thing.

In a textbook case of irony, preliminary investigation says the fire may have been the result of mice -- yes, mice -- chewing through electrical wires. The mice were responsible for the deaths of the cats.

Geez. It's like some weird episode of Itchy and Scratchy.

You can read more about this terrible fire here. The story sports one of the most telling headlines of the year.

If I wrote a blog about fires, I'd have been all over this one!

- - -

Way back on November 17, I wrote that Laker Light beer was no longer a buck a bottle. And, the web site for the wallet friendly, 100-percent Canadian brew, abuckabeer.ca, was also down.

Finally, an explanation. As usual, it was the government's fault.

The LCBO raised the minimum price that beer can be sold for, at the recommendation of the Ministry of Finance, which isn't supposed to be telling the LCBO what to do.

And there's little explanation as to why the increase was needed, how it was calculated, or anything else.

And Laker's website has been changed to lowestlegalprice.ca.

You can read more about your government forcing up the price of discount beer here. And you can rest assured I will continue to defend the interests of tight-fisted beer drinkers.

- - -

Tournament/Holiday season alert: teams, send me a picture and a short description of you team's Christmas tournment experience, and I'll post them here, as I did last year. If I get enough, I'll build a special page.

You don't have to win, you just have to have had fun. Send a team photo from on the ice, or from the pizza place, or of the hotel manager yelling at you to stop playing mini sticks in the hall.

Send pictures of the coaches drinking beer in the hotel hallway giving good coaching advice, or of the fans in the stands.

You send 'em, I'll post 'em. Send your photos and stories via email here.

Ready, set, go.

- - -

Speaking of holiday tournaments, the Star carried a story this weekend noting that a couple of big local minor hockey tournaments -- Don Mills and North York -- have cancelled their festive classics. Most of the blame goes to the economy.

But the same story notes that some tournaments -- including the Richard Bell Memorial in Oakville, and the Toronto Marlies, and Burlington -- have expanded their roster of teams.

I dunno. The story raises a very good point about time becoming a precious commodity for families. And believe me, teams all over are being taxed heavily in terms of time, money and commitment. Eventually, something has to give.

You can read more here.

- - -

Since I had way, way more to say on Sunday than normal, I have less to say today. Which, no doubt, is all for the benefit of mankind. I may also be due to the fact that the train I got was an express train that was so late, it was actually early for me, I know that's hard to understand put suffice to say the 7:15a train I caught should have been there much earlier and . . . oh never mind.

Have a good day.

 

Dec 21, 2008

As is usually usual, I didn't blog yesterday -- it wasn't because I was stuck in a snow bank, but that would have been a very good guess. No, it was just the usual hum of life on the weekend, turned up a few decibels because of the festive season.

So, time to catch up. And much has happened.

- - -

Mercifully, the AA minor midget Ranger game -- and every other game at a town facility -- was postponed on Friday night because of the first weekend snow storm. I was one of those people who went to work in spite of the warnings from all and sundry that snowmageddon was upon us.

The commute in was unremarkable.

The afternoon was filled with emails from people telling me I was never going to get home due to chaos on the lakeshore line. And I understand that for many, it was awful.

I had a busy work day that could not be avoided and I didn't leave the office until about 5p, by which time many commuters had already tossed themselves into the great gaping maw of the TTC and GO Transist, to sometimes miserable result.

I walked right to the usual platform, waited about five minutes and got a west bound milk run. Got a seat. Lots of room. The train moved slowly, but it did move.

I got to Oakville just before 6p to find the elves had plowed the lot -- and in the process naturally snowing in lots of cars, including mine. But it wasn't too bad and I cleared the snow away from the front wheels and got out easily. The roads were awful, but there wasn't much traffic and I had no real problems until I got to our street which hadn't been plowed.

Several cars were stuck near intersections (snow tires people. Snow tires. All-season does you no good in 12 inches of snow when it's -16 outside) with lots of people pushing and digging. If I stop, I get stuck too and the street would be hopelessly clogged. So I kept going to the other entrance to the street, which had little sign of stuck cars.

I got down the street fine and into the drive, which Laura and the boys had cleared.

Later when the plow finally went by I went out with the snow blower and did our driveway and three others, then called it a night.

- - -

I promised a photo of Chris at his Christmas concert, wailing on the sax. For the folks back in the Maritimes, say hi to Satchmo' Arnold.

Yesterday morning Chris and the Sunopta Gators tied the Flyers 4-4. Merry Christmas to the Flyers -- we turned a two-goal lead in the third into a tie (full credit to the Flyers for never quitting.)

Dylan Lewis -- who I have coached several times over the years and was a member of the legendary Big Blue Machine from IP many years ago, played like a demon. He's a great kid.

Drat!

- - -

Friday night we decorated the tree (finally) and in the process of hauling out decorations and brickbrack I came upon Chris's "baby book" which was dutifully filled and recorded with all the data you can imagine and with all the precision you would expect Laura to bring to such a project.

And it contained this picture.

 

 

Last Christmas I wrote (at length) the story of my family's ritual back in Nova Scotia of "the Christmas tree hunt." That's me and Laura in the once-bucolic woodland behind my parents house north of Halifax in (sigh) 1994. Sitting on my shoulders is the Oakville Rangers AA minor midget defenceman, six-foot, three inch Patrick. He's heavier now, too.

Anyway, I love this photo.

It sent me looking up the story of the Christmas tree hunt I told here last year and I have to say, it's quite a nice piece of writing and if you're interested sentimental seasonal blather, then it will be right up your ally. You can find it here.

In the meantime, in taking photos off the camera last night, I found this one that I'm sure Chris took of this year's tree. And it kind of tells you all you need to know about what his seasonal priorities are.

Merry Christmas!

- - -

We had some friends over last night -- mainly neighbours and people who have been part of the Christmas ritual in our Oakville house since the very beginning 10 years ago.

One of them brought their very cute five year old, who enthusiastically insisted on helping me greet people at the door.

Inevitably, many of the folks came armed with a hostess gift, and many of those were nice bottles of wine in festive bags.

Young Ben was particularly enthused about helping handle these gifts.

The bottle bags, he dubbed "tall presents." The others were "regular presents."

We will really enjoy the tall presents!

 - - -

Overnight brought Storm 2 of the weekend. More snow but nothing horrible. Up early, out with the Canadian Tire-issued snow blower again and did several driveways before breakfast and the weekly run to Joshua's Creek with Chris. Mowing the lawn sucks. Using the snow blower is fun.

Why is that?

- - -

Only four days till Christmas, only five days till the Finns arrive. We're excited in almost equal measure about both.

And good news for the members of the FoPS Junior 1993 squad -- we have food!

There has been much discussion among the parents as to what the Finnish boys may be expecting in the way of food.

In spite of assurances from parents on the other side of the ocean that they will eat anything (they're 15 year old boys, right?) we want to give them something they will really like, too.

Emails from Finnish players to our guys suggest pizza and spaghetti are popular. Even tacos.

Luckily, one of the guests at our house last night brought -- ELK SAUSAGE!!

Now, we have no idea if Finnish kids -- or anyone in Finland for that matter -- eats elk.

But because we have this vision of Finland in our heads -- probably not a lot different than Americans think about Canadians -- we're assuming that elk sausage will be a big hit.

For the record, I'm thinking pizza. So, don't worry guys! We'll try to go easy on the elk.

- - -

Canada plays Finland tonight in world junior exhibition action. Go Canada!

- - - 

Sometimes, parents of teenagers are convinced, and for good reason, that the teenagers are quite oblivious to things going on around them. Things like, for example, Christmas.

Friday night Pad did help with the decorating and then retreated to his lair (aka the basement.)

Later in the evening he emerged. I happened to be in the living room as he stuck his head in.

"Tree looks nice." And then he was gone.

Yes, it does. Thank your mother.

- - -

Do you like to sing? (Chris and his pals ripped into a rendition of Bon Jovi's Dead or Alive last night while playing Rock Band that was a real show stopper.

But you don't have to spend money for high-tech video games to get your own personal rock-star mojo happening.

And you don't have to sing like a king -- when you can sing WITH the King!

Sony BMG Music has set up a free web site where you can go and sing a duet with Elvis, and even share it with friends if you're completely insane if you like it.

You can read the story here.

If you want to go directly to singwiththeking, click here.

Don't forget to take your gun so you can shoot at the TV in the Jungle Room.

Now, everyone, sing . . . ."I'lllllllllllll have a bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuee Christmas, without youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. . . "

- - -

Just to fracture the Christmas spirit for a moment, let's revisit the Sean Avery fiasco.

If you want to read a fascinating piece that, if accurate, shines quite an interesting light on Avery, his strained relationship in the Rangers' organization last year, and a whole lot of other stuff, click here. It's quite a read.

Avery is currently looking for a place to play hockey while under going treatment for his emotional issues and cashing big cheques from the Dallas Stars to not play hockey.

- - -

Have you ever gotten dressed up for a big night out, or perhaps an important corporate meeting, and while you looked fab, you just had the feeling that maybe  . . . .maybe you didn't smell enough like charred red meat?

Sure. We all have.

And that's why Burger King has introduced Flame -- a new body spray.

You think I'm making it up. Sadly, it's true.

More sadly, it's sold out.

You can read a story about it here.

If you want to see the somewhat creepy online promo for the product, click here. It's fine, just keep clicking and you'll get to the cringe-worthy moment.

- - -

Big, thorough impressive win for the Leafs last night, pounding the Penguins 7-3. Where'd that come from? Nice turnaround from the loss in Boston in the other night.

Read more here.

Sadly, the Sens also won last night in OT over Dallas, but the good news is the Devils beat them senseless on Friday night and they're still behind Toronto in the standings, and they still have way more talent than the Leafs.

So, it's all good!

- - -

Action is winding down at Joshua Creek where the novice blue Hound Dogs and Sharks are doing battle, so I'm gonna check out, grab Chris and head for the grocery store.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

Dec 19, 2008

I hope you are one of the lucky souls who is either off today or working from home. As I sit here on the train it's not snowing yet, but it's coming. It's going to be a mess.

- - -

The AA minor midget Rangers tied 1-1 in Orangeville on Wednesday night. The game started late as predicted and it was after midnight by the time we got home.

I generally try not to use this space to tee off on game officials, but I'm going to waive that self-censorship today to say that the game officiating -- and to be clear, I'm talking about the referee and one of the two linesmen -- was probably the most appalling I've witnessed. And I see a lot of hockey games.

How bad?

Bad enough that for the first time I'm writing a letter to the OMHA to complain.

Bad enough that the Orangeville players were apologizing on the ice to our players for the refs conduct.

Bad enough that parents from Orangeville were cringing and shrugging their shoulders.

Bad enough that the referee was mugging and making gestures from the ice at the Oakville parents.

Bad enough that the referee refused to speak to the Oakville captain or bench.

Any Oakville player who uttered a word was automatically assessed a minor and misconduct. At one point we had eight skaters in the box, most of them with misconducts.

Orangeville had several minor penalties but nothing more, although they too talked to the ref on the ice.

Orangeville players got the Mr. Rogers treatment from the ref -- a friendly hand on the shoulder and smiley avuncular explanation.

The Orangeville bench got the same treatment and respect.

The Oakville bench got penalties.

It was a travesty of the game. It was an insult to both teams, and a violation of every standard of fairness the OMHA stands for.

For the record, Orangeville played the game hard and clean. No issue with their team at all. Well fought, see you next time.

Their fans and parents were courteous.

In short, there was no reason for the game to go badly sideways, but it did. Wonder why?

It would have been comical had it not been such a colossal waste of our time and money to drive that far and have our kids subjected to such crap.

Like I said at the start, I don't usually single out officials. They are integral to our sport and deserve our respect. And the OMHA has my respect, which they earn and maintain by dealing with things like rogue officials.

I know others have already complained directly to the OMHA, and I know the OMHA is looking into it. I'll be adding my voice because like other parents, I write the cheques. I volunteer. I drive. I care.

It wasn't good.

- - -

Mats is a Canuck. Really, it was a no brainer. The money is great and Vancouver rarely plays in Toronto so Mats doesn't need to worry about the ACC crowd.

I think people will honour, not jeer him when he does return.

But Vancouver seems an odd pick if he really wants to chase a Stanley Cup. They are a good team with a track record of consistently cratering in the playoffs.

Oh well.

Read more about Mats' big move here.

- - -

Meanwhile, the Leafs played a real hockey team last night and got kicked around like a straw doll.

It wasn't pretty and Boston is no doubt embarrassed by the score -- 8-5. They still won, but letting the Leafs score five goals won't sit well. Read more here.

- - -

I got stopped by the OPP's RIDE program last night, around 7:30p on Speers Road, just east of Third Line. I had just got off the train and was making my way . . . TO THE BEER STORE!.

Anyway, I don't drink and drive. I won't even have one. I just don't care to ever have it be an issue.

So, when the officer asked me if I had any alcohol, he laughed when I said "no, not yet." Meaning I was on my way home and there was a cold beer in my future.

But the car stays in the garage once my night hits that point.

Don't drink and drive.

- - -

A week from tonight the Finns arrive. We're stocking up on food.

The email exchanges with the folks across the pond have been fun and illuminating. We're getting advice on the language barrier, food and diet, etc.

I asked one of the dads if the kids were excited.

Excited doesn't really cover it -- they go to New York after Toronto. They're coming to Canada to play hockey.

Which is like going to Wembley to play soccer.

And as he said, his own son has never even been on an airplane before.

It's going to be great.

- - -

Pad and the Rangers are supposed to host Milton tonight. I'm guessing there's a very good chance the town will close the rinks, if the snow piles up as predicted.

I hope they play -- Milton isn't that far away for the drive should not be too taxing. But safety first.

Chris has his final game before Christmas tomorrow morning, and then we hope to kinda sorta slide into the holiday season, albeit with me working up until the final bell.

Bah humbug!

 

Dec 17, 2008

One week until Christmas Eve. Why does it feel like Sept. 22 or April 30 or . . .  I'm just having some trouble getting my cool Yule rocking this year. The economy. The jobs disappearing. You can't help but feel it. Nonetheless, I'm going to do my best to be a beacon of sunshine and seasonal happiness.

Starting now. I'm singing.

- - -

Tonight, I get to go to Orangeville for a AA minor midget game that is scheduled to start at 9:15p, but if the track record thus far this season holds up, it will be 15 to 30 minutes later. Which means the game likely won't end until around 11p. Which means we get home well after midnight.

I'm voting for high school hockey for next year.

- - -

Jason Blake does a Trudeau-like pirouette, except not behind the Queen's back and with a puck, to score the winner as the Leafs top New Jersey 3-2 in an OT shootout last night. You can read the game-over story here.

We didn't see a lot of this one as we were at Chris's Christmas concert, where the school principal went to great lengths to not utter the word Christmas.

The kids were fun to watch. The big sax player made us proud.

I have some pictures but I didn't get around to taking them off the camera last night, so you have that to look forward to on another day.

- - -

Tiger Woods caddie called Phil Mickelson a "prick" this week, causing a big stir in golf.

I love stories like this, because it peels back the not terribly thick veneer covering the reality that Tiger and Phil don't hold dinner parties to share stories about cool things to do with green sport coats in the off season.

My guessing is Steve William's assessment of ol' Phil was learned from the boss.

In any event, it's a controversy. And you can read more about it here.

- - -

It snowed last night, pretty much precisely the 10 centimeters they warned us we'd get. I was hoping for, oh, four feet. I just needed a snow day. Maybe next time.

I dragged my butt outside to shovel the driveway and walk, quickly determined the snow was neither deep nor heavy enough so I didn't bother firing up the snow blower. Maybe next time.

Caught a slightly later train at the GO station, where as usual the elves had done a middling job of clearing snow.

- - -

Got an email from a Finnish parent last night. The main question in the note was, "does the family hosting six players have a big house?" Good question.

Well, yes they do. Relatively. I can assure our Finnish friends that only two of the six players will have to sleep outside at any given time, and with a simple rotation schedule we are confident that incidents of frost bite can be relatively contained.

Actually, the right answer is yes. Those folks -- among the best in all of Oakville -- have a lovely large home. Those boys are going to have a great visit. And several other families are stepping up to help with driving, etc.

Personally, I think the real challenge is going to be hockey gear.

Six Finnish kids, plus a Ranger, plus his younger house league peewee brother, plus a rep Hornets goalie sister.

I will be coming by to take a picture of the gear in the garage.

I will be wearing a gas mask.

- - -

That same parent said the folks in Finland were getting a kick out of the blog (the Finnish word for blog is, apparently, "blog") so, that's nice to hear.

Again, in their honour and to educate our own parents and players a bit, I now give you the very lovely Finnish national anthem. PS -- if you want to sing along, and I am quite certain that Ted, Mike, Brian and Russ will want to, you can click here for the English version of the lyrics.

Hal, queue the tape. Sing it, boys:

 

- - -

OK, now I'm betting very few of you, with the exception of the Minor Midget AA Ranger Choral Group and Men's Social Club, bothered to click through to view that video. That's a shame. It's a lovely anthem.

But, this next one you HAVE to view.

It's the reknowned Masters Singers, a British men's choir, singing, um, the United Kingdom's highway code. Yes.

The highway code.

You know. Look both ways before stepping off the curb. That sort of thing.

Yes, it's a very odd bit of content for the blog. But you are all fairly odd or your wouldn't be here every day. And my oddness, well, it's never been in dispute.

I think this video is just cool. And you HAVE to look at it. There will be a quiz in Orangeville tonight.

OK? OK.

It comes with subtitles, so it's easy to sing along with, too. Hal, queue the tape:

 

- - -

I know what you're thinking.

Where do I get this stuff? (I need to get out more.)

Am I seeking help? (Counseling is just a call away.)

 

Dec 16, 2008

The billeting assignments for the AA minor midget Rangers were distributed yesterday, along with email addresses for their players and ours. Some of our team have started sending emails across the ocean to the FoPS Junior 93 squad, the general message being some variation of: "S'up, dude?"

One family on our team is playing host to six kids, a gesture that comes with a nomination for the Order of Canada I think.

They will be getting lots of ground support from two other families who for logistical reasons could not host but are able to help out with driving duties, laundry, and some of the other stuff.

For our part, we will have three Finns -- Miska, Hannu and Joni.

Welcome.

- - -

Musical interlude: call me crazy, but the new Kanye West CD is really good.

I know. I know. I have no business listening to this sort of music. I could put an eye out or dislocate a shoulder or something. I've never been much on rap/hip hop music, but if you hang around with kids of a certain age and let them decide what is on the car stereo for the two-hour drive to whatever hockey or lacrosse destination, you can actually learn some things.

And on one such drive I learned that Kanye West is fairly talented and that 808s and Heartbreak -- his new CD -- is worthy of the hype it gets in the music press. It's amazingly accessible music, given the reputation of the genre. Some of the songs really floored me -- like Coldest Winter. It's terrific. It's soft and gentle and thoughtful, not loud and hard-edged and in your face.

Here's a bet -- buy this CD for your wife for Christmas as a stocking stuffer. If she likes it, she will think you're an amazingly open-minded consumer of the arts, living on the edge, willing to try new things.

If she hates it, you can say it was my idea.

But she won't hate it, and you'll be a hero.

Just as an aside, Esquire magazine runs a feature every month with a different celebrity/artist whatever. It's them answering questions in their own words, one or two-sentence answers. You don't actually see the questions, so the feature is really a series of statements. It's called What I've Learned. Earlier this year it featured rap singer Snoop Dog.

The last one from him says, "It might look easy, but it ain't."

I get that now.

You can see the entire feature on Snoop Dog here. (I love the photo.)

You can read more about 808s and Heartbreak here.

When I take the time to listen, my kids teach me stuff almost every time.

We now resume regular programming.

- - -

The roster for Team Canada's entry at the world junior hockey championship was announced yesterday. Two Oakville kids are on the team -- John Tavares and Cody Goloubef. Congratulations to them and the other players, and maybe especially to Angelo Esposito, who after being cut three times finally made the team.

You can read more here.

- - -

Every parent of a child who waits anxiously for Santa inevitably gets The Question.

Will the Leafs win the Cup in my lifetime?    

Not THAT question . . . .

How can a  fat guy in a sleigh pulled by eight, sometimes nine reindeer depending on visibility, visit every home on the planet in one night?

Until now, most of us fumbled through with the generic "he's magical" answer, or some derivative thereof.

But finally, science comes to the rescue. The real answer is nanotechnology. Santa exploits the space-time continuum.

It's obvious, really.

You can read the details here.

- - -

Speaking of Santa, I mentioned Sunday about the big bunch of toys at the Fill The Net toy drive at Joshua's Creek Arena, and lamented that I didn't have a camera. On cue, Nelson Pavao sent me pictures.

Well done guys.

Say hello to the elves . . .

 

- - -

This next item is about taking sports licensing to a whole new level. When your time comes, why not go to your great reward in a an officially sanctioned Major League Baseball casket, adorned with your favourite team's logo?

As the story says, it's the ultimate skybox.

Read more here.

- - -

Ranger practice and a school Christmas concert tonight. Enjoy your night.

 

Dec 15, 2008

The AA minor midget Rangers beat Guelph 2-0 yesterday but it wasn't enough to secure first place in their pool at the Silver Stick qualifier in Chatham. Saturday's loss to London was too big a hill to overcome.

I wasn't there but I'm told that our goalies -- Jack Gillis and Nick Raycroft -- sparkled in the tournament games.

On the other hand, in the fun three-on-three mini tournament, Jack apparently let one get by him that his teammates thought he should have had. And Jack -- who while recently injured sat in the stands loudly noting everything that happened or didn't happen on the ice -- heard about it from his mates (all in a very good-natured way, I am assured.) It became a bit of a ritual to rag on Jack about the goal in the three-on-three game.

The real highlight came Sunday on the hotel elevator when Laura and Pad were heading out and Jack was on the lift with them.

Laura looked at Jack and asked him what was the deal with the soft goal in the three-on-three game?

Jack immediately cracked up. Pad shook his head.

"I can't believe my mom is chirping Jack."

- - -

To no one's surprise, Sean Avery is never going to play hockey for the Dallas Stars again. Can't say I blame them.

To use a cliché, Avery has made his own bed. Whether anyone has the stomach to take a chance on this guy is an open question now.

On the other hand, some owner somewhere is likely looking to sell some more tickets, and Avery will do that.

You can read about his farewell in Dallas here.

You can read about his inevitable resurrection here.

- - -

From the classless to the classy.

The St. Mike's Majors did what the Toronto Maple Leafs will never get the chance to do -- they honoured Dave Keon yesterday, retiring the jersey he wore for them while he was a high school star en route to a a 22-year NHL and WHA career and the hockey hall of fame.

His 14 may not hang from the ACC rafters any time soon -- if ever -- but his St. Mike's number 9 is now up at the Hershey Centre.

Read more here about Keon's honour, his long feud with the Leafs, and other stuff too.

- - -

Oakville native and OHL star John Tavares got the big treatment on the front of the Globe and Mail sports section on Saturday. When they send Roy McGregor to write you up, you're ready for your close up, as they say in the big leagues.

You can find that story here.

- - -

A bit of a nutty week as we approach the stretch run to Christmas. Dryland for the Rangers tonight. Chris has his school band concert tomorrow night (he's the handsome guy on sax), the Rangers have a coveted 9:15p road game Wednesday night in Orangeville, and Thursday is . . . so far off I forget. But there's something. Home game for the Rangers on Friday night vs. Milton, and then Chris and the Gators play their last league game before the holidays on Saturday.

In between all of that? Shopping, baking, work, etc.

It's the hap-happiest time of the year, right?

Right?

- - -

Finally, the definitive word on the great toilet seat debate.

Leave it up? Leave it down?

The experts say leave it up. A British study -- who pays for this stuff, anyway? -- says an alarming number of young boys are injured by falling toilet seats.

The cringe-worthy name for the injury? Penis crush.

Ouch.

Read the story here. And enjoy your day.

 

Dec 14, 2008

Another Sunday morning, another visit to Joshua's Creek Twin Rinks. The Pirates and Eagles are getting ready to go at it in novice blue action, and they will be hard pressed to better the previous game. The Knights scored with 47 seconds left to tie the Hound Dogs -- then the Hound Dogs replied only 30 seconds later to claim the win.

Man, this is fun to watch.

 - - -

Senior novice convener Nelson Pavao is here watching over his team's Fill The Net toy drive. I never got to a store to get a toy, but the kids were happy to relieve me of some cash in support of the cause, and I was happy to give it to them.

I should have brought my camera because there's an impressive amount of loot -- they are getting a lot of support.

Well done. Thanks for doing it. Christmas just got better for a lot of kids.

- - -

Novice hockey is way more fun, than, say, the minor midget AA Rangers in Chatham at the Silver Stick. The good guys lost last night to London 4-0, so their odds of advancing are not good. They play Guelph later today.

 - - -

To give the Finnish readers something local, here's my completely subjective, not-backed-up-by-anything list of the top five Finnish hockey players of all time.

5. Saku Koivu. For some reason he was Pad's first favourite player, and as I've noted before we still have a poster of him up at home. The Hab captain might be on top of the list if not for the health problems he battled through over the years. 613 pointed in 755 games. A leader's leader. Montreal doesn't let just anyone be captain.

4. Teppo Numminen. I think this guy must be 60. I mean, he played for the Winnipeg Jets. In the 1980s. 1345 games, he is one of the NHL's most durable and respected defenders.

3. Esa Tikkenan. Kids today think Jarrko Ruutu is pain? Ha! Tikkenan ate guys like that for breakfast and spit out the bones. He scored 630 points in 877 games, and racked up almost 1,100 penalty minutes while earning a rep as a colossal pain in the ass to play against. He also won five Stanley Cups.

2. Teemu Selanne. His record of 76 goals as a rookie may stand forever. Nearly 1200 points in 1100 games, including 566 goals. A future hall of famer. One Stanley Cup. A player I came to like more as the years went by.

1. Jarri Kurri. The easiest pick. Kurri was one of the greatest players of any nationality during his years in Edmonton as Wayne Gretzky's triggerman. But Kurri would have been a great player on any team -- the Oilers just suited his game best. Kurri stayed great after Gretzky left Edmonton, and he won another Stanley Cup after that trade, which Wayne never did.  601 goals, almot 1400 points. All-world all star.

Other than the first two names, I'm sure a bar fight could be started in Helsinki over the other picks. Names like Kiprusoff, Lehtinen, Siltanen, Lumme and others deserve consideration.

But it's my blog. Get your own! But if the Finnish kids want to send their own list, email me here and I'll post it.

The THREE Finnish teens who will be with us starting Boxing Day (the number seems to grow every day) can correct my mistakes when they arrive. I am happy to listen carefully!

- - -

I was remiss in failing to mention yesterday the 5-1 pasting the Sens took Friday night vs. the Caps. Such good news deserves mention. Last night they redeemed themselves -- if that's the right phrase -- with a 2-0 win over Tampa.

The highlight of the game for me was Don Cherry comparing Tampa's players arriving for the game in Stittsville or Kanata or wherever the hell it is the Sens play with Washington, arriving in Montreal.

The Capitals' players were dressed sharp, neat and professional looking, jackets and ties and top coats.

Tampa, to use Cherry's characterization, looked like a bunch of thugs prowling a neighhourhood hunting for cars to break into.

He wasn't far off.

Jeans. Sweaters over t-shirts. Toques. I've seen better dressed prison riots.

Cherry's overall point was that Washington is riding high in the standings, playing like winners and, off the ice, looking like winners.

Tampa is in last place. Playing like losers. And looking like losers.

MOHA has a hard rule for rep teams -- shirts and ties, dark pants, dress shoes. You're representing your town. Look like you're proud of it. Act like you're proud of it.

At the younger age groups I think nice mock-neck shirts and dark pants would be fine, but I'm hardly an arbiter of sartorial excellence.

Anyway, presentation counts, on and off the ice.

You can read more about the Sens resounding win here.

- - -

A story of class and respect making the rounds of NHL emails lists this weekend. After beating the Leafs in Toronto on Nov 22, the Chicago Blackhawks were supposed to board their chartered flight back to the Windy City.

Their general manager, former NHL top pick Dale Tallon, wasn't at the game. He was making preparations for his dad's funeral in cottage country hours north of Toronto, and dealing with the sad, heavy details that come with that.

Someone on the team suggested that rather than go home, the players should get a bus that night and go to the funeral. No one blinked and the next day Tallon could not believe his eyes to see the entire team there supporting him.

No one issued a press release. No one said "aren't we special." They did it for their boss.

I bet they all wore ties, too.

Classy move by a team that is in resurgence after years in the hockey wilderness. Good on them.

You can read the whole story here.

"What these guys did was really special," said Tallon. No kidding.

- - -

Speaking of Ottawa, they don't have to spend any time worrying about whether Mats Sundin would get along with Daniel Alfredsson. Mats apparently feels he's spent enough of his career playing for a losing, Onatrio-based team and isn't interested in signing with the Sens. Read more here.

- - -

Chris and the Sunopta Gators played back-to-back games yesterday, tying their league game 2-2 with the Eagles, and then losing a 5-4 decision in an exhibition game with the Vikings.

The highlight of the hockey was the four and a half minutes of the third period we played at the end of the second game with no goalie. Our six skaters couldn't tie it, but it sure was fun to watch.

The other highlight was Will Lawlor's beautiful goal off a down-and-out pass from Thomas McNaughton. Thomas was sliding on his knees and somehow got the puck to Will, who one-timed it home. Beautiful goal, and your TSN Highlight of the Night!

 - - -

After the game, many of the boys and some of the parents decamped to Boston Pizza to spend money we would happily spend at the restaurant at Joshua's Creek if it was ever open. We had a blast. On the drive home I had Chris, Will and Sammy and I noticed the woman in the car behind us was singing. A lot.

She had a New York Yankees hat on and was really belting out a tune, so much so that the guys became quite fascinated with her, um, gyrations.

The consensus opinion among the peewees was she was singing Bohemian Rhapsody.

Everyone! SING!

I see a little silhouette-o of a man, scaramouche, scaramouche will you do the fandango . . .

 - - -

Chris and I played host to his cousin Mac last night, a PhD candidate in the kinesiology faculty at Western.

BBQ tenderloin. Caesar salad. Oven fries. Cold beer for those of age. And chocolate-raspberry tartufo for dessert. Laura ate with the Rangers at Pizza Hut.

Sorry.

Mac and Chris played PS3 till hockey came on, then we switched over at 8p to watch Wladimir Klitschko put a beating on Hasim Rahman to retain his IBF heavyweight crown. When Mac is in the house, you watch boxing.

Them's the rules.

After the fight it was The Dark Knight (again.) Chris never made it all the way through this time.

Long day.

- - -

Today marks the third anniversary of the start of this blog. Launched as an outlet for someone who has trouble shutting up, and to keep family informed back in the Maritimes about our various family adventures here, it has been an interesting social study project.

I'm guessing that as the boys get older and my trips to the rinks and fields become fewer and fewer, it will gradually disappear. For now, it has a growing readership who actively tell me what the like, dislike, and more importantly, are eyes and ears around the community.

Before I did the blog I was doing sites here for a couple of teams as well as posting stats for some house league divisions.

One day I was standing in line with Chris at McDonalds, and two boys in front of us were chattering about hockey. One said he had two more goals than one of his friends, and his pal asked how he could be so sure.

He said, "I saw my stats at teamoakville.com."

That was as good a reason as any to keep going.

Thanks to all who send in team photos, share stories, and who "get" why we're all out there doing what we do, whether it's hockey or lacrosse or soccer or hang gliding or whatever. It means a lot that you take the time to do that, and you find this stuff interesting enough to read every now and then.

I write about 18,000 words a month here, more or less. Over three years, that's about 650,000 words, some of them spelled wrong (and thanks to Laura and John Maguire for keeping tabs on that.) Thanks to everyone else for being a source for topics and feedback. Your constant flow of feedback and friendship and perspective is appreciated.

Have a great week. Drive safely.

Hug your kids

 

Dec 13, 2008

A rare Saturday update to give you a Silver Stick minor midget AA update from Chatham:

Oakville 3 Tecumseh Shore 1. The Rangers led from the start. They play London later today, and there, the rubber hits the road. London is one of the best teams in Ontario, so the boys will see how they stack up.

- - -

Me and Chris sat on the couch, ordered pizza and watched The Dark Knight on blu-ray. It was cold outside but we had a fire on and except for a short break to make nachos (hey -- it's a long film!) we didn't move.

A great night.

My nephew who is doing his PhD at Western is staying with us tonight en route home to the Maritimes for Christmas, so we're anticipating another fun evening, even without mom and Pad.

- - -

We finished watching the movie just in time to watch the final period of the Leaf game and see Toronto score late to take a 2-1 win. We were stunned, but it was a nice cap to the night. Ian White's winner was a bit of a seeing-eye dog, but they all count.

The Sabres have been moving in the wrong direction for more than a month after a great start.

Game over story here.

 

Dec 12, 2008

Pop quiz. Do you know what any of these names are?

Jokioinen, Tammela, Tampere, Kanunki, Forssa, Salo, Espoo, Latovainio?

They're all towns/cities in Finland with web surfers who are combing the interwebs for information on Oakville and hockey. And they've become regular readers this week, as well as a bunch from Helsinki, too.

Most of these places are in southern Finland and they are no doubt home to minor midget hockey players counting the days till they arrive in Canada -- the first leg of a North American tour that will see them play in the Richard Bell Memorial tournament here, and then journey to New York City for another competition.

New York will seem pretty tame compared with Oakville, but it's still nice.

Here's a map of some of the Finnish visitors yesterday -- each of those red pin points can represent three or four ISPs, but you get the drift.

Of all the Finnish place names showing up in my log, the one that caught my eye was Espoo. Canada has a couple of Espos too -- both long since retired, but great hockey players, and one renowned for his on-ice leadership in the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union.

For the benefit of our Finnish friends, Canada and the Russians played an eight-game series in 1972. We were supposed to win in a breeze. The Russians were better trained, better coached, better prepared and in better shape. And they taught us a few things before Canada miraculously won the series in the dying seconds of the final game in Moscow.

But one of the most memorable moments was when our Espo -- Phil Esposito -- took the mic and responded to the boos and catcalls from the fans following another loss in Vancouver. The great Trekiak stoned Canadian shooters in a 5-3 Soviet win.

Espo's comments galvanized the team as they prepared to head for Moscow for four games. It captured the hearts of Canadian hockey fans. And for me, it defined the big man's career.

You can watch a video of Phil in that moment here.

It still seems like yesterday to me. The Finnish kids need to know that the Canadian hockey experience revolves around those eight games in September 1972. We learned the world was starting to teach us what we considered to be our sport. It was a national awakening, and it's hard to explain the impact those game had, even now, more than 30 years later.

If you want to read more on the series you can go here and here.

- - -

For the benefit of Oakville and Canadian readers, you should know the Finns are very good at hockey.

From 1988 to 2006 their national team won four Olympic medals -- two silver, two bronze (including at the last games, where Canada won nothing.)

In world championship competition, they won the gold in 1995, silver in 1992, 94, 98, 99, 2001, and 2007. They won bronze in 2000, 2006, and 2008.

For a country with fewer people than southern Ontario (Finland's population is about 5.3 million) that's impressive.

One player has had his jersey retired by the Finnish national team -- Jari Kurri, who is a hero in his home land. Kurri may have been one of the best three finishers in NHL history, if not the best.

And I can tell you for a fact (since we lived in Edmonton and Pad was born there) Kurri is a hero in Alberta too!

- - -

Closer to home, please say hello to the tyke 2 Oakville Rangers, champions of the Bob Giroux Brampton Tyke Tournament. We love to hear stories about Ranger teams going into Brampton and winning. The team went 5-0-0 and recorded three shutouts. Way to go guys. Only nine more years till the CHL draft! Keep skating.

The tyke 2 Rangers are: Tanner Elson, Nicolas Tsai, Tristan Kerec, Roman Miksic, Curtis Hui, Cole Salmon, Thomas Harbour, Cole DeFazio,Jamie Everett, Michael Fabiano, Emma Usher, Ethan Milroy, Anthony Tabak, Josh Foweather, Cooper Elliott, Ryan Ohara, and Christopher Ishmael. The head coach is Dean DeFazio, assisted by Paul Harbour, Tim Ishmael, and  Kelly Milroy. Donna Walker is team manager.


-- - -

Some interesting reading on the CBC Sports site, regarding paid minor hockey coaches. It's a weirdly sensitive topic.

On the one hand, there's a view that everyone in minor hockey -- especially the coaches -- should be volunteers.

The context for that of course is if you have or know people who have kids in, say, figure skating or competitive swimming, then you know paid coaches are a fact of life in many instances. Plus paid travel expenses. Plus paid . . . well, you get the idea.

In hockey, a distinction seems to be drawn between AAA -- where discussing paid coaches is tolerable -- and lower life forms -- AA and below -- where it's not.

It's an interesting question, but one with not a lot of relevance in my life.

The fact is, most hockey teams have some paid coaching every season. Don't gasp.

When you book power skating at Ice Sports? Paid coaching.

A team session with ice2ice? Paid coaching.

Yes, it's not the same as a $2000 a month honourarium for the guy who stands behind the bench for every game and benches your kid for screwing up the powerplay. But it is paid coaching.

Part one of the series is called It's Supposed To Be Volunteer. You can read it here.

Part two is Coaches Courted With Money, and it is here.

And part three is Big Bucks in The GTHL, which is here.

So far as I can tell, there's nothing about Finland in any of it.

- - -

Pad and the smelly boys, AKA the AA minor midget Rangers, are off to Chatham today for a Silver Stick qualifying tournament. So, no Friday night home game at River Oaks, which means my social life is taking a hit.

Laura's travelling to Chatham. Me and Chris will hold down the fort here, plus play two peewee games on Saturday (him, not me!) and look after the usual timekeeping on Sunday.

- - -

I won't go through all the details, but I want to repeat what I said to Pad and a teammate last night as we drove to dryland training.

Nothing you could ever do will ever make your parents not want to hear from you when your having a bad day, week or month. Talk to us. Talk to a coach. Talk to a mentor. Talk to a friend. Talk to someone.

Your parents will yell at you for not hustling on the forecheck. Or playing the puck and missing the man. <Kidding.>

But if there's something on your mind, talk to us. We'll listen.

- - -

A lot of teams are on the road this time of year. The roads get messy. The days get long. Drive carefully. Stay safe. Be smart and have fun.

Kids, enjoy the weekend. Go Rangers. Go Gators!

Parents, as always, hug your kids.
 

Dec 11, 2008

I mentioned here yesterday a brief item in the papers about a linesman in the GTHL who was suspended for two years over the way he broke up a fight on the ice. Today, The Sun has an interview with the dad of one of the players. It's not pretty. In my business, you sometimes have radar that goes off and alerts you -- there's a lot more to this story. And there is. I bet there's even more

You can read the sorry story here.

- - -

Two weeks from today is Christmas Day.

Which means two things:

1. There's only 12 days left until it's time to start shopping for your wife's present, and,

2. It's two weeks and one day until FoPS Junior 93 arrive in Oakville from Finland.

I wasn't in Milton last night where the AA Rangers beat the home team 9-2 (it was 8-1 after two and then things kind of went on cruise control I gather) but there was a palpable buzz in the air.

When I first heard about it, I thought maybe the buzz was the odour from my kid's skates. Or maybe Jack's Under Armor. But those thing really sort of "hum" more than "buzz."

But it turns out the buzz is actually excitement. Everyone on the team is jazzed about the impending visit by the Finns and everyone is totally committed to making sure our guests have a good time. Since I missed this conversation, let me make some suggestions:

Perhaps we could introduce them to Ranger traditions like the 25-metre garbage-can toss?

Or what about "spot the ref's physical infirmity and then mock it?" (Extra points for volume and repetition!)

Or the Tri-County Overland Challenge: Orangeville and Back in 85 minutes?

An oldie but a goodie is the Holiday Tournament Lawn Furniture Bonfire! (Be sure to bring your own marshmallows!)

We might prepare a special edition OMHA Quiz for the Finnish parents:

Acton: Is it really worth the drive?

Fergus: Sexier than Fergie?

Georgetown: Who is George? Is he a friend of Milton?

How much fun can you have at a Burlington Volkswagen dealership with a bottle of champagne and a tow-truck driver?

Yes, years of rep hockey will twist your mind. I am exhibit "A".

But suffice to say, it's going to be fun when the Finns arrive. We can't wait.

- - -

The minor midget AA Rangers are 3-0-1 this month since dispensing with the pink laces they wore in November in support of breast cancer awareness. Maybe pink just wasn't their colour.

They're off to Chatham this weekend for the Silver Stick regional qualifier. The team has notoriously underperformed in tournaments this year (sorry guys, but it's true) and the coaches are looking to see the team step up this weekend.

Go Rangers. Good luck.

- - -

The Leafs didn't lose last night, but they also didn't play. Small mercies.

But the Senators played and by gum they lost! The resurgent Blackhawks shutout the Sens 2-0.

I love this game. Read the story here.

 

Dec 10, 2008

I'll admit to having the odd bad day occasionally. We all do.

We mutter. Some of you (never me) might make the odd rude hand gesture.

Some of you (never me) might occasionally say something or do something you later regret.

It happens to all of us. Mostly you, rarely me (I wish!!)

In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, a man -- clearly a Burlington Eagles fan -- had a bit of a bad moment. I could try to summarize the events that took place at the Roseland Volkswagen dealership. But I think the question posed by the Globe and Mail achieves that better than I could:

So what prompted him to drive on to the dealership lot and launch a one-man demolition derby that culminated in his standing on the roof of his truck, swilling champagne, urinating on the parked cars around him and hurling debris at an astonished tow-truck driver who happened by?

In all seriousness, I hope the guy (who was sober and who passed a mental competency test) is OK. We're all under a lot of stress, and that much I can relate to.

You can read the Globe story here.

- - -

AA minor midget Rangers have a short road trip to Milton tonight with a relatively late 9p start -- which means they won't get home any earlier than if they had a longer trip to St Catherines with an earlier start.

I'll say it again -- this is the glamour of midget-age rep hockey.

- - -

One minor midget AA hockey team preparing for a longer road trip is FoPS Junior 93 from Helsinki, Finland. That squad will be arriving in Canada on Dec 26 to participate in Oakville's annual Richard Bell Memorial Tournament.

We're aware on this end how excited the team from Finland is to be coming here -- imagine if your kid's hockey team was going to Europe, and you get the idea. This is a very big deal for them.

I've been trading some emails with parents of the Finnish squad (it's amazing what you can do with a little Finnish and an internet connection), letting them know that parents on this end are looking forward to hosting their kids. Here's a team photo, that I lifted from their web site.

 

Like others on our team, we're billeting a couple of players from the Finnish squad. I'm operating on the assumption that even with a language barrier, they will have a lot of words in common with our boys -- like PS3, Wii, puck, girls, and food.

I expect they must be a fairly talented bunch or they and their families wouldn't be spending the money it costs to come to Toronto and New York. And I expect they must be wondering what to expect when they get to Canada.

First, let me say I scanned their roster and saw no Kurri, no Selanne, no Koivu. (There is, however, a Jari, a Teemu and a Saku. That is cool.)

Then I looked at our roster and saw no Gretzky, no Orr, no Crosby. (We have no Wayne, Bobby or Sid.)

So, with the hockey stereotypes dispensed with, it boils down to excited kids mixing with excited kids, a recipe for large grocery bills and, we hope, fun and future friendships.

I know from the traffic stats that the very clever folks in Finland have found this site, and I know they have a far better command of English than I do of Finnish. So as a public service, here's a little sampling of what the team should expect.

-- Traditionally in Canada, the period from Dec 26 to Dec 31 is know as ManIce. This is when all men who have turned 15 in that year have to sleep overnight in a snowbank for three consecutive nights. It's an odd tradition that defines the transition to manhood in your CHL draft year. I'm sure our guests will love it!

-- On the first morning after ManIce, the boys are welcomed into the home for a huge breakfast of the traditional favourite foods of Canadian young men -- boiled cabbage, haggis, an assortment of small pickled fish, and of course, charred tree twigs.

- - At the end of the day, after sunset, the young men are turned loose in the fields north of Dundas armed with pointed sticks and Skittles to hunt for their dinner of wild game. Barefoot. Usually, they go right to the snow bank for the second night of ManIce.

OK -- all kidding aside, we are really looking forward to meeting these kids. Their country has produced many great hockey players and has an outstanding hockey tradition. Our job -- beyond the care and feeding and transportation -- is to make sure they have a trip they will remember forever. And we are very up for that.

In blogging terms, I am expecting a target-rich environment.

As they say in Finland, Tervetuloa!

- - -

Lest anyone ever think our political scene is interesting, some perspective from the south. In a story that makes events of the last two weeks in Ottawa look like a PTA meeting, the governor of Illinois -- Barack Obama's home state -- is arrested for trying to sell Obama's vacated senate seat to the most lucrative bidder.

It's a remarkable, sensational, headline-defying scandal, and most certainly is the new president's first test.

Read more here.

 - - -

Lest anyone think that American funny guys don't think our political "crisis" is good fodder for jokes, please welcome Jon Stewart.

Click here to see video of Stewart talking about Harper and Coalition of The Not So Willing, or click here to read a story about it.

Or, you could click both. It's not like you really want to be in that meeting.

- - -

The big orange glow on the horizon? That would be Barry Melrose, burning bridges. NHL owners love former coaches who trash them after they've been fired. The line up of people wanting to hire Barry Melrose forms over there, by the wall. Please, no pushing. Read more here.

- - -

A GTHL linesman has been suspended for two years for using too much force to break up a fight between two 15 year olds. Read more here.

- - -

The Toronto Sun did a large amount of reporting on minor hockey over the last week. The final piece in the series, which you can find here, is probably the best. It's all fairly GTHL-centric, but the comments and observations are easily transferrable.

For whatever my opinion is worth, the core issues in minor hockey are the same now as they were when I played and I expect they will be the same 25 years from now. Parents with unrealistic expectations, the pressure of rep hockey, costs, lack of affordable ice time, training for volunteer coaches, I could go on and on.

For most of us, however frustrated we might get sometimes, the system works. Change comes incrementally, usually for the better. Life goes on.

I think the biggest challenge Canadian minor hockey is going to face in the next decade is going to be a confluence of a couple of issues -- soaring ice and transportation costs ($2 a litre gas will arrive, wait and see) and the changing face of Canada, especially in and around the big cities where most Canadians live. Fewer and fewer kids as a percentage of the overall population will turn to hockey as a recreation, because they will have other interests.

 

Dec 9, 2008

Before recapping the usual grunting and moaning of the evening's hockey, let me start the day with a rant.

- - -

First, kudos to the people at Evel Knievel Engineering Inc, who have fixed the north-side on ramp to the 4th Line bridge. The grade is now manageable so that your car, loved ones and groceries will no longer be launched skyward upon reaching the bottom of the hill and then ascending up onto the bridge. When racing back and forth between home and Kinoak or ice2ice to get forgotten skates, helmets, gloves, etc, this is a big deal.

But.

What the hell are they doing with the street lines on Pilgrim's Way? If ever, in the history of motorized vehicular traffic, there has been assembled a more confusing, less safe, and generally world-class stupid set of street lines, well I'd like to see it.

Briefly summarized, The Department of Truly Stupid Municipal Decisions has decided to put new lines on this street. To those readers not familiar with the darkest corners of Glen Abbey, Pilgrim's Way is a winding street through the heart of the Abbey. There's otherwise nothing remarkable about it. Until now, anyway.

Please bear in mind that I'm guessing, but it SEEMS The Department of Truly Stupid Municipal Decisions has put down new street lines. Off of one curb, they seem to have created a "parking lane" and off the other curb they seem to have created a bike lane. It's hard to know. It could be vice versa. It could be neither. It could be the town had to use up it's allotted street-paint budget and just started splashing paint on the street, because THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. The curb lanes meander in and out, depending on proximity to intersections. There are solid lines. There are dotted lines. There are white lines. There are yellow lines.

And best of all, naturally, as if all that isn't confusing enough, the OLD lines are also still there.

So, the reality is that no matter where you point your vehicle now on Pilgrim's Way -- toward any available point on the compass -- you will, in fact, be in a lane of some kind.

The problem is that lane may also have a car coming at you from another direction. Or a school bus. Or kids on bikes. Or those joggers who run on the pavement, not the sidewalks. Or space aliens. Or the Leafs doing dryland. Or a Porter Air flight landing. Really, given the abject stupidity of the street markings now gracing Pilgrim's Way, anything is possible.

So, if you don't actually live in Glen Abbey, let me take this opportunity to invite you to traverse Pilgrim's Way. I assure you the nominal pilgrims would have bailed out, but since you'll be safe and warm in your Yukon or Escalade or Navigator or Pathfinder or Pilot, give it a shot. Forget touring the neighbourhood to see the festive lighting. A better challenge to your cognitive skills is simply getting around Pilgrim's Way without once uttering, to the amusement of your holiday-dazzled children, a very large and loud, "WTF???"

For bonus points, try it at night when the street is wet. The lines dance and cross and mingle and play like drunken serpents in a hockey gear bag. And no -- that wasn't a speed bump you just hit. You better stop and go back and look and hope it was just a garbage can.

I am used to confronting the eccentricities of Oakville's municipal brain trust on a daily basis, armed with nothing more than my wits, which is to say, I am virtually unarmed.

But wow. This is truly, completely stupid. Not to mention breathtakingly unsafe.

Oakville. The town that just gives and gives and gives.

- - -

OK. I feel better.

- - -

Last night whilst I was chewing (and chewing, and chewing) on rubber chicken, Laura and Pad (and even Chris!!) were in the Land of Unsecured Rubbermaid Garbage Cans for a AA minor midget Ranger road game with Georgetown.

It ended in a 1-1 tie and I'm told there was none of the on-ice stupidity that usually marks a meeting of these two teams. Further, all litter receptacles were, more or less, in the same places around the Alcott rec centre after game as they were when it started.

This is progress.

Rangers are back in action tomorrow in Milton.

- - -

The Leafs did last night what the Senators can't do, and that is they beat the Islanders, 4-2. Jason Blake had a goal and a pair of assists for the near-hapless home heroes. You can read the game over story here and (bonus!) see a picture of the usually Grinch-like visage of Mr. Blake almost -- almost -- smiling.

Meanwhile, those very same Sens were losing (again) to Florida in overtime. That story is here.

The Leafs are one point up on Ottawa but have played three more games.

- - -

On a more serious note I attended the 2008 International Press Freedom Awards last night. Aside from the unremarkable meal (and trust me, you don't attend these things for the food) it was a great evening. Sponsored by Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, the evening honoured three journalists, one from Sudan, one from Zimbabwe and a Canadian -- a friend of mine who is managing editor of the Hamilton Spectator who helped create a program for training foriegn-trained reporters to work in Canada.

In our travels, Laura and I regularly meet parents whose kids are interested in careers in journalism. Often we get asked to talk to them about the business, what to expect, what are the opportunities and challenges, etc. We're happy to do it.

Evenings like last night are a reminder that the rights and freedoms we take for granted (like the right to be incredibly sarcastic about street markings, just to name one) are not universally enjoyed. The stories speak for themselves.

Sami al-Haj is a cameraman who was arrested while legally crossing the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Because of a mix up with a number on his passport, he spent nearly seven years in prison, including repeated interrogations at Guantanamo Bay over things he had no role in.

Shakeman Mugari, who was there last night, is one of the bravest people I've ever met, writing fearlessly about the political crisis in Zimbabwe. His remarks were incredibly simple and powerful.

If you are one of those kids interested in journalism or a parent of one, go to this story and this one. The courage and grace and professionalism of these people is inspirational.

 

Dec 8, 2008

A snowy commute to start the week. Usually, it snows in our end of the GTA and by the time we get downtown, there's no snow at all. Today, the opposite. Cold but benign weather in Oakville gave way to a winter wonderland (sort of) in downtown Toronto. Big puffy flakes falling, slippery sidewalks and all of that sort of mess.

A long day ahead today. Meetings, Quebec election and the annual dinner tonight for an organization called Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. Behind that rather unwieldy name is a group who bring attention and support to journalists in places where democratic freedoms are very hard to come by and participating in a free press is a life-threatening proposition.

- - -

The AA minor midget Rangers are in Georgetown tonight, which is usually an interesting night out. Unfortunately I have to miss this one.

The Leafs are hosting the Islanders at the ACC -- I'll miss that one too!

- - -

The Big Local Event yesterday -- the Bills' "home game" at the Skydome Rogers Centre was a bit of a bust I think. Boring game, with Miami prevailing 16-3.

The headline on this column says it all: Another losing team calls Toronto home.

Ouch.

You can find the game-over story here.

- - -

I am reliably informed (by my wife) that all the seasonal activity and horses and general bucolic imagery I spied on Saturday night at the firehouse at 6th line was, in fact, the Ward 5 tree lighting ceremony.

Oh. Never mind.

- - -

Oakville's Stefan Legein, who stunned the hockey world by announcing last summer he was retiring from the game at the age of 19, is now skating again and ready to resume his career. The second-round pick of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets says the time off helped him rekindle his passion for hockey. Read more here.

- - -

The Globe and Mail's Roy McGregor survey's the contradiction between the style (or complete lack of style) of Penguin superstar Sidney Crosby and Dallas Stars' misogynist Sean Avery.

It's a good reminder of what's right with the game. It's about responsibility and role models and knowing that if you want to win, that's fine. You don't have to be a misogynist jerk to do that.

You can read it here.

 

Dec 7, 2008

Good morning from Joshua Creek. The Knights and Wranglers are about to square off in novice blue action and the best darn timekeeper in Oakville is in his place. I'm waiting for a conference call to start and listening to parents complain about the cold outside. Got the scene? Good!

- -  -

The minor midget AA Rangers beat St. Catharines 5-0 on Friday night, the victory being less of a tribute to the excellence and precision of the Ranger attack, and more of a testament to the Falcons having just seven skaters. St. Kitts is suffering through what the Rangers recently endured -- a combination of suspensions and injuries for which there ain't no cure but time.

Jack Gillis was back in goal and got the goose egg. Mark Cece scored the first goal of the game -- the eventual winner -- and here's a pretty good shot of him releasing it. Not even the mask can cover the look of concentration on the goalie's face.

- - -

Meanwhile on Saturday, Chris and the Gators were thoroughly and completely outplayed and outworked, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Wings. A teenager I coached way back in paperweight (the precursor to IP) and novice reffed the game. I don't think he gave us any advantages! Practice today (which starts 10 minutes after Chris's timekeeping gig ends, but thankfully on the same ice) will be a lesson in developing a work ethic at both ends of the ice.

- - -

The Leafs lose again last night, 2-1 to the Caps. Not much to say really. Read more here if you're interested.

In the matinee, the Sens hung on to beat the Pens 3-2, with Speeza scoring all the Senators' goals. That story is here.

- - -

:Last night felt very holiday seasonal -- a light snow fell all evening, there was a fire on, the neighbourhood looked pretty with the glow of Christmas lights now adorning most of the houses.

I was driving Pad to practice -- the midgets ALWAYS have a practice -- and the firehouse at the corner of 6th and Upper Middle had a horse-drawn wagon in front of it, lots of people milling around, the pair of horses standing quietly in front of it all. We wondered if they were carolers or perhaps it was a party of some kind for the folks who keep watch over us and we often take for granted.

In any event, it was a nice scene. Given that the firefighters weren't hosing down the crowd, I'm imagining they enjoyed it too.

- - -

The Big Local Story today is the NFL game at the Skydome Rogers Centre with the Bills hosting Miami. We are so Canadian. The very fact that the NFL is willing to stage a game here between two middling to poor teams is cause for all sorts of commotion. (World Class City!!! That's us!) Toronto is the municipal equivalent of the guy who sits behind home plate at a ball game, gets on his cell phone to call his friends and then stands up and waves for 25 minutes during the game to prove he is actually on TV, even if he is just in the background.)

Anyway.

At the root of the excitement is the fervent dream of some football fans here to see the Bills relocate to Toronto when the team's owner goes to his great reward, no doubt still mumbling "wide right . . . wide right  . . . wide right" the entire way.

And to all that I say -- keep the Bills in Buffalo.

The fact is, the Bills would come with a lot of bills, and I'm not sure Canada can afford it.

Forbes Magazine estimates the Bills to be one of the least-valued franchises in the NFL. But it's still a big number -- $885 million US dollars. In Canadian dollars, that's way, way north of a billion dollars. For what is, ostensibly, a losing football team. You can calculate the mortgage payments yourself, unless you know someone with a billion in cash sitting around (and in this market, good luck.)

Second, the salaries are paid in US dollars (just like the NHL and MLB) and gate receipts are in Canadian dollars. There's a big disconnect in the economics there. (FYI, the average ticket price for today's game is $144 US -- or about $30 more than the league's most expensive average -- the Patriots -- charge and about DOUBLE the league average.)

Third, the Skydome Rogers Centre is a lousy venue and it's getting old. Add another $400 million for a new stadium within five years.

So, call me skeptical.

Read here if you want to learn more about how the NFL and the Bills are making big bucks off this game in Toronto.

If you want to just read a pre-game setup, try here. Game time is 4:15p.

If you're wondering how all those Bills fans back in Buffalo feel about this, read here.

- - -

I have to venture back out into the cold to get hockey gear from the car. I'll get home in time to thaw out and then take Pad to -- another Ranger practice. Since we're back where we started, so that's it for Sunday. Enjoy your day.

 

Dec 5, 2008

Sometimes, you just have to laugh. Sometimes, you have to stop, take a deep breath, realize that these are the days of your life, take them for what they are and laugh.

Yesterday was a day like that. Things are very, very busy at work. I leave the house at 6:45a, I'm rarely home before 7:30p or 8p. I'm not complaining, it just is.

Yesterday we had a very big meeting with all the assembled Big Wigs of our industry, including some dialing in via conferencing.

Which was why it was an interesting start to the day to find our phone system was down. We worked our way around that somehow and the meeting was fine. Long, but fine. Followed by more meetings to plan meetings to act on things that were discussed in the first meeting.

BTW, if you need me -- I'm in a meeting.

At some point in the day I was reminded that Chris and his team had a practice at ice2ice last night at 6:30p. I said there was no way I would be home in time to take him, but I could be there to pick him up. Fine.

I was riding a train, thoroughly exhausted, when the email arrived -- opps. Practice starts at 7:30p. Not 6:30p. Kids are all at the rink hanging out. Enjoy.

So, I got to the rink at 7p, figuring on watching 20 minutes of workouts and then going home. Instead, they weren't even on the ice for another 30 minutes and home was a place we weren't going to be for a while.

Or so I thought.

Sitting yakking with a couple of parents, Chris came thumping into the room looking a little sheepish.

He forgot his skates. <Heavy sigh.>

No problem. The 4th Line bridge is open. I'll zip home and get your skates. No worries. Be right back.

En route, the phone rings. It's the coach.

"Do you happen to have an extra pair of size five skates at your house? Sam forgot his skates too and we can't get a hold of his parents."

Oddly, there's a very good chance we may actually have such a thing.

I found Chris's skates (on the equipment tree, where they should be) and then rummaged through the hockey tickle trunk in search of smaller blades. I think I found a pair of size sixes. Hard to know. One was a left, one was a right and that seemed close enough under the circumstances.

I then zipped back to the rink. Chris was about 30 seconds late hitting the ice -- Sam was right behind him.

The next 50 minutes was spent laughing with a group of dads and one older sibling on rink duty. I was clearly not the only punch-drunk parent at this point in the day.

Eventually we got home. I had dinner, did a lousy job of mediating a sibling brawl over an iPod and ended my day sitting up in the dark alone watching Letterman.

The lessons of the day were many. The key one is, skates are not optional for hockey.

Please pack carefully.

Go Gators!

 - - -

Remarkable political theatre in Ottawa over the past seven days.

I think all parties look damaged by what's happened.

If you want to read more, go to google, type in "prorogue" and click the news tab. You'll have plenty to read for weeks.

- - -

Next weekend -- Dec 12 and 13 -- is the annual MOHA Fill The Net toy drive for the less fortunate in our community.

Below is the flyer the organizers are circulating to promote this worth cause. Please help out.

 

- - -

Speaking of worthy causes, the Oakville Beaver got around to profiling Kyle Kokotailo, the Ranger AA minor midget player who was the brain behind the pink-laces campaign for breast cancer research.

You can read the story here.

- - -

You'd really think this would be the hap, hap, happiest time of year to be a reindeer. I mean, really. If you're a reindeer, December is when you strut, right? December is when you roll with your homies.

But imagine being a reindeer in need of low-cost, good quality shelving and you walk into an Ikea and see Uncle Rudolph on the menu!

That would take some of the fa-la-la out of your holiday season, I would think.

But that's what's happening. In Europe, the ubiquitous Swedish furniture chain is getting flak for selling reindeer meat -- reindeer salami, and reindeer slices. Seriously.

"I'd like 300 grams of sliced Blitzen, please. And give me 200 of Comet salami, please."

It gets more bizarre. In defending the harvesting of reindeer meat using snowmobiles, motorcycles and helicopters to herd the animals, Ikea contends this is a humane practice because the "vehicles keep the reindeer safe from predators."

I bet the reindeer are really grateful for being saved, sliced and diced.

Anyway, maybe General Motors and Ford are not the only ones in need of PR consultants -- although honestly, isn't some of this just . . . obvious?

Apparently not.

Read more about Ikea and the reindeer meat battle here.

- - -

In case you care, Kanye West's new album is a top seller on iTunes this week. But he has a challenger.

Late-night funny guy Stephen Colbert is asking his fans to buy his Christmas album (seriously, he has one) and knock the popular rapper down the charts.

Colbert figures his ego is big enough to bring down Kanye. We'll see.

The early evidence on iTunes today is that blonde train wreck Britney Spears is actually in top spot right now, with Kanye sitting in 5th. Colbert is, oddly enough, in 8th, which is amazing and yes, I'm going to buy it, Laura! (Pad already bought the Kanye West album, which we listened to on the drive to Guelph on Tuesday night.)

The Colbert collection is satirical songs from his recent TV holiday special, including performances by Feist, Toby Keith and Elvis Costello.

It was a very weird Christmas show.

You can read more about Colbert's plan to take down Kanye here.

- - -

Paul Maurice is back behind the bench in Carolina, who fired him before he was hired and fired by the Leafs. An Oakville resident, Coach Paul was a regular face at Saturday morning house league lacrosse and always showed a ton of grace and class with the many kids (and parents) who approached him.

I have heard many, many stories of patience and kindness that readers passed along in the last few years as Maurice quietly went about the private part of his life as a hockey parent. I don't repeat them, simply out of respect for the man's privacy.

But my favourite was a compliment he paid to a mom who helped coach his daughter. The mom was a bit intimidated by helping run an early-morning hockey practice with an NHL coach watching. He put her at ease.

"I couldn't do what you people do with these kids," he told her. "You guys are wonderful. I wouldn't know where to start."

Here's wishing Coach Paul a lot of good things in his second stop in Carolina.

Read more here about how Sidney Crosby spoiled the coach's return.

- - -

Raptors bench boss Sam Mitchell is on the other end of the hiring-firing equation. It happens. Read more here.

- - -

Sean Avery spent an uncomfortable 90 minutes with Gary Bettman yesterday. Odds are, his days in Dallas are over. Whether they can moved him and his contract remains to be seen. Or whether anyone wants his act.

A decision on league-issued discipline, if any, is expected later today. Read more here.

Jerk.

 

Dec 3, 2008

OK. The perfect record of the Brian Burke Era is over -- I got home from Guelph last night in time to see the tag end of the first period in San Jose, with the Leafs losing 4-0. The Sharks cruised to a 5-2 win.

I didn't really expect the Leafs to win the last 50-odd games of the season.

But as I munched on a fried egg sandwich, I hoped.

You can read the game over yarn here.

- - -

If there was any doubt -- and honestly, there was not -- it's perfectly clear now that Mats Sundin's bald head is not part of the Leafs' future. More here.

- - -

In happier news, the minor midget AA Rangers won last night, 4-1 in Guelph in a game that was never in doubt. Chris Germano obviously likes snow and cold weather (both of which were in god supply in the City the Rhymes with Ralph). Nick Raycroft was once again very good in net.

The Rangers had 10 skaters last night -- an embarrassment of riches compared to circumstances of late. There were fewer and fewer pink laces on the ice.

My kid managed the odd feat of blocking consecutive shots with the soft, unprotected part of his upper foot between the shin pad and the top of his skate. He was in considerable pain after the second one, but he toughed it out.

The Rangers host St. Catharines on Friday night.

- - -

The minor midget AAA team had a tough start to the regular season but are on a bit of a tear right now, winning three of their last four.

- - -

There are two Oakville boys on the Hockey Canada world junior team selection camp roster.

One is John Tavares who plays (for now) for Oshawa and was a member of last year's gold-medal team.

The other is Cody Goloubef, a college star with Wisconsin.

You can see the whole list here, and read a story here.

- - -

Sean Avery is a pretty good hockey player, so over the years more than one general manager has boldly overlooked the very serious flaws in his character to take a chance. To say confidently, "I can change him. I can rein him in."

Um, how's that going, exactly?

I won't repeat Avery's latest verbal diarrhea -- an assault former girl friends, other players, and otherwise normal people. In the process, he won himself an indefinite suspension from the NHL and his Dallas Stars teammates and a face-to-face with Gary Bettman.

The thing is, like I said at the top, Avery can play the game.

And he has something the NHL desperately needs -- personality. People don't flock to wrestling to see cool acts of athleticism. They don't watch NASCAR just because they like to see stock cars go fast and turn left, over and over and over.

They are drawn to the personalities that the marketing machines shove down their throats.

Sean Avery is a guy that otherwise normal people will pay big money to come see -- and scream at.

It's too bad he also seems to be such an objectionable human being. It's not an act. He has lots of class, all of it Third Class.

Read more here.

- - -

One of my favourite hockey moms -- not my very, very favourite, but close -- is singer Susan Aglukark. Our families are friends, our kids are friends. And today she's featured in The Globe and Mail in its What I Had for Sunday Dinner feature.

It's a short, snappy, fun read, it features hockey prominently and as it always does with her, it comes back to the things she learns from her family.

If the Globe asked me about Sunday dinner, I could regale them with emotional stories of us sitting around a rink at 8:30p on a Sunday night, sharing a bag of stale Hickory Sticks and looking at the short-staffed Rangers fighting for their lives in sub-zero conditions. It's so much like a Norman Rockwell painting, I get misty-eyed just thinking of it.

You can read about Susan's version of Sunday night here.

* -- mandatory marriage saving disclaimer: My family enjoys spectacular home-made meals not just on Sundays, but every day, lovingly created around relentless hockey and news agendas. You should be so lucky. Any statement here otherwise was purely for comedic effect and should not be regarded as an accurate measure of how well we are fed.

 

Dec. 2, 2008

The Leafs are now 2-0-0 in the Brian Burke Era. It seems inevitable that this will end with a Stanley Cup parade in the spring. (seriously. It won't be in Toronto, but there will be a parade.)

In the meantime we can all bask in the glory of a two-game winning streak, thanks to three goals in the third period which carried the Leafs past Los Angeles 3-1 last night while you were sleeping.

The Kings scored on their first shot and then Toskala stoned them the rest of the way.

Read more here.

- - -

Now that breast cancer awareness month is over -- and the very successful awareness campaign and fundraiser with pink laces is winding down -- the slumping AA minor midget Rangers are making a strategic move.

They're getting rid of the pink laces.

The arrival of the laces more or less coincided with a lot of bad luck (and suspensions, and lackluster play) for the team, so now that we're in December the boys have decided to return to the old strings.

They will see if the change in laces makes any difference tonight in Guelph.

- - -

The constitutional game of brinksmanship continues in Ottawa.

The prime minister has two choices -- first he could subject his government to a confidence vote on Monday. If he loses, he can ask the governor general to dissolve Parliament (dump in hot water, mix thoroughly) and call an election. Given that a. we just had an election on Oct. 14 and b. elections cost $350 million (yes, that much) she is more likely to ask the Opposition leader if he can govern. She's more or less guided by constitutional precedent on this point. And this is where the coalition comes in. In other words, the opposition fires Harper.

OR, Harper can decide he's not going to stick around for that and ask the GG to prorogue the Commons. Prorogation -- ending the current session, all tabled legislation that hasn't passed is dead -- usually follows a session of two or more years in which a government executes its legislative agenda. Since the throne speech was a couple of weeks ago, the GG may not grant this request to prorogue, and send Harper back to face the music.

Or . . .

Or, she could decide that proroguing for a short time -- say until Jan 26, with a budget scheduled for Jan 27 -- would make the most sense for the country. It would be a short adjournment, it would not represent an effort to avoid or subvert the Commons. And the opposition would still get to vote against the government then -- if it is still on that course.

Those are, basically, the choices.

The Globe and Mail has an excellent editorial today that takes all parties to task. It's a good primer on the issue.

It's long and thorough. You can read it here. In the midst of an economic crisis, do we really need a constitutional one, too?

There's partisan opinion on all this stuff all over the web. I'm assuming you know how to use Google and can find an opinion suited to your particular political stripe any time you want.

- - -

The bosses of The Big Three auto makers are back in Washington later this week and guess what?

Two of the tree said they planned to DRIVE this time, leaving their snazzy corporate jets back in Hockeytown as they come to Washington begging for taxpayers money.

Do you think maybe they got the message?

Read more here.

- - -

With mom out last night at the big craft show thingy at the CNE, me and the boys did the manly thing and called 1-800-FEED-US. Swiss Chalet!

Dad makes the best dinners, and all the dishes were done too! Home-made chocolate milkshakes too!

 

Dec 1. 2008

I expected to wake this morning to find December had arrived on a magic carpet of white snow, but the storm track kept the mess sufficiently north of us that instead we got . . . rain. Lots of rain.

I was hoping for snow, perversely.

I had to be in the office today -- working from home wasn't an option, so rain is ultimately a better result.

But Chris really wanted snow and his fondness for snow days and storms springs from his paternal DNA. I'd have liked to shake him awake this morning, only to tell him to go back to sleep.

Sorry big guy. Maybe next time.

Like me, Chris will peer out the window into the black night looking for signs of environmental apocalypse, or at the very least accumulating snow. Depending on the season he'll scan the sky for flashing of lightning, rain so heavy it blurs your vision, or snow that buried the barbeque.

Today, the sky was actually clearing a bit when I hopped on the 7:25a train, which was on time.

And so December arrived on a tarmac of grey, not a carpet of white.

Maybe next time.

- - -

We braved the lateral pelting rain and ice last night to go watch the perpetually short-staffed AA minor midget Rangers lose again to Brampton. They fell behind 3-0 after two and pulled within a goal before an awkward bounce off one of their own sealed a 4-2 win for the other guys.

The Rangers are in a rut. There's only one way out of a rut -- keep moving forward.

- - -

Historic political events continue to unfold in Ottawa. You should also continue to care.

Read the latest from overnight here.

And there is some really interesting analysis of the situation here and here. Required reading for political junkies, which many of you tell me over and over you are.

- - -

Things are tough all over. People are losing their jobs. The stock market has destroyed years of diligent savings for many, many ordinary people. Billions in corporate equity has vanished.

And high-end private country clubs have more people lining up for the exits than lining up to pay entrance fees and five-figure annual dues.

Read more here.

- - -

I'm sure you guys are like us and New York Giants football player Plaxico Burress. When we head out on the town we take all the things you need for a great night out. Spiffy clothes. A credit card. Some money. Oh. And a hand gun.

And then we shoot ourselves in the leg with our own gun.

And then we try to cover it up.

And then we spend the next day telling our friends that it's no big deal.

You honestly can't help but think this is all part of natural selection, and Plaxico Burress is the poster boy for survival (or lack thereof) of the smartest and fittest.

I am certain that Burress' upbringing and life experience is one I can't imagine. But the notion that rich athletes get to carry guns -- and it's becoming way too frequent to suggest these are one offs -- is pretty offensive.

It's an open question whether a hero from the last Super Bowl will play again in the NFL. Many already think the Giants have seen enough to make their own decision.

Read more here.

- - -

Ranger practice tonight. Some people are going downtown to shop. Others are staying home.