Day Five

Monday, February 16th

Although it may be a holiday back in the US today, here in Canada, it is just another work day. Appropriate enough since after all the fun yesterday, it is back to work for the team today.  With our loss against the Wheat Kings, we are now playing our games outside of the actual arena at other locations, to forever toil in anonymity; well... at least to the end of this tournament or until we claw our way back into the championship.  Yes, there is still the possibility that we shall make it to the Colisee Pepsi once again.  The team needs to right itself and play to it's potential.  Although not the most talented team, it does possess grit and has fought back against all odds.  They need to find that and turn it on again.   After a loss in the morning against a much bigger and faster team, the coaches opted to have a practice this afternoon at a rink located next door to the Colisee.  A new facility, utilized by a local college for games, the coaches will set about to help the team refocus.  Prior to the practice, the team had it's first meal at the tournament teams cafeteria.  This is where the tournament teams can opt to have their meals.  The food is nothing to write home about, namely you; however, it is a great opportunity to see and interact with other teams primarily from other countries.  We didn't see too many North American teams but a great deal of teams from Europe and other areas.

Eating and socializing with players from other parts of the world

Coach Savoie states that he brings the Jr. Sharks here not for the food but for the opportunity to interact with teams from other parts of the world. The players are not only fed physically but socially as well.  The magic of pin trading breaks any and all language and cultural barriers.  I personally witnessed my own son approaching a player from Japan and communicated with him, his interest to trade pins. Without a word exchanged, a deal was consummated and finalized with a smile.  That broke the barrier and soon others from the same teams exchanged pins.  I think adults can certainly learn from these twelve year olds.
After lunch, the team got ready for an afternoon of practice to reacquaint themselves with what brought them success not that long ago. It was definitely a spirited practice.  With all the new and unfamiliar elements the players have experienced since arriving a few days ago, it was good to practice as a team together without any

Team Practice

outside distractions.  After an hour plus practice, the team members were either picked up by their billet families or were transported to the Colisee to meet up with them. For some of us, this will be the last day to see our player until we are united back home in California.  Most of the CA families will be heading home in the next day or so.  I, for one, am heading home tomorrow.  I am attempting to continue to do this blog through the eyes of other parents who will provide me with observations.  Let's see how it works...
Before I close out today's entry, I thought I'd mention the fact that this year will be the last the PeeWee tournament will be held at the Colisee Pepsi, formerly where the Quebec Nordiques played;

Quebecor Arena

where Owen Nolan started his career and where Mike Ricci made himself at home in front of the
opposition's crease.  The 57th Tournoi International De Hockey PeeWee will be played next door at the new 18,500 seat Quebecor Arena, still under construction.  I should also note that the locals pride themselves on many things local, among them a humble dish, known as poutine, the national food of Canada.  Yes, it's Canadian and yes, its available from British Columbia to Newfoundland and even in San Jose but tell a local that you tried it elsewhere?  "Oh no, you have not tried poutine unless it's in Quebec."  This potato concoction made from french fries, brown gravy and squeaky cheese curds (must be squeaky) has many debating what makes it great and does the best really come from this province?  Does it put other poutine wannabes to shame?  You have to decide that for yourself when you visit Quebec, a region rich in culture, history and stories.

Poutine from Chez Ashton