Thanks, Guys!!!

Nicholsons at the Bronze Medal Game.

If the crowd could've willed the puck into the net, we would've had the collective energy to do it.  Fans were out in full force for last nights Bronze Medal Game, Canada versus Norway.  It was a really nerve wracking game, going into the third period with no score.  The third period goal by Adam Dixon made it look like the game was starting to go our way...  then a rash of penalties, a crowd at the net, and a penalty shot by Norway tied it up.  With four seconds left in the third period, Norway scored to pull ahead 2-1 and win the bronze.

I'm sure there will be a lot of talk about what could've gone better for Team Canada in the last two games after such a sweep in the round robin - I will leave that to the experts.  A few things I do know for sure:

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  this sport has come a long way - equipment, support, exposure, being a part of Hockey Canada, being recognized for the athletes they are - a far cry from the early days of the sport;
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  Veteran players - Herve, Shawn, Todd, Jean... - paved the way for the bright future that the current young guns face.  Talking to some of the younger players, they know that these men, along with those who have since retired (some faces of which we saw in the crowd this week), have built this sport with blood, sweat, tears, and pure passion.  Guys - it's your responsibility to carry on - keep visiting schools, keep doing demos, keep sharing your experiences;
• 
  
  It will be a bright future - the up-and-coming players have the right stuff - good luck in 2014;
• 
  
  Sledge hockey has developed a fan-base of non-family and friends followers - this is awesome!!!

Even though you didn't reach your desired outcome this time, Boys, it sure was a lot of fun watching you play!

 

Shifting gears, Lauren Woolstencroft won her 5th Gold Medal today becoming the most decorated female athlete in a single Winter Paralympic Games.  The Wheelchair Curling team won Gold today, also, bringing our total to 9 Gold, 5 Silver, and 4 Bronze.  The Paralympic elements lit up Coal Harbour today...

Nordic skier Colette Burgonje won the Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award today - to be presented at the closing ceremonies tomorrow evening in Whistler.  The Award recognizes elite athletes with a disability that have demonstrated an exceptional level of determination to overcome their adversities through sport and the Paralympic Games.  Todd was nominated for this award twice during his career.  Our friend Lonnie Hannah from Team U.S.A. sled hockey won the award in 2006 in Torino, Italy.

  

Even though the Games are now over, please stay tuned to this blog in the next few days for more news...

Jenn~