Melbourne Ice

The NHL may be over for this season, but that still leaves me with - guess what - AIHL!
Yes......while some may consider it crazy, Australia does indeed have an Ice Hockey League. And if Saturday's game is anything to go by - it's not so bad. Melbourne Ice is still top of the league after beating Newcastle on the weekend. It was a bit of a nailbiter though with the result being decided by penalty shoot-out. Happily I was able to witness a win at home and left quite content indeed to go out and enjoy a very pleasant Saturday evening of good food, wine, tunes and interesting people.

Canucks to Round 2!!

It was an exciting game at home in GM place today but the Canucks are through to round two of the NHL playoffs!! YAY!!! The stars came out strong and led early, but in the end even super performing Stars goalie Turco couldn't hold the Canucks out. They managed to win 4-1 with goals from (Henrik)Sedin, Linden, Pyatt and Smolinski.The game winner really was the goal early in the third by sentimental fave Linden. As the Canucks home page will testify the stats show Trevor knows what he’ doing in game 7s. He has played in all of Vancouver’s game sevens in their history (nine in all) and has six goals and six assists in those - a new record for the Canucks in the playoffs! Of course I can't forget to mention Louie who performed consistently yet again - making some stellar saves in this his first playoff series. What a star this guy is.

CBC is streaming the games free in Canada - but unfortunately all of us internationals are still stuck with just internet radio!! aaargh. I hope this changes soon. I have to say though - hearing the roar of the home crowd tonight when the Canucks were taking it home still gave me goosebumps, so it's better than nothing. What an exciting way to finish round one. Am looking forward to the next game Wednesday night (Thurs 12 noon Aust EST time) when they take on the Ducks to kick off the next round. Go Canucks Go!!!

and onto game 6

my beloved Canucks had a chance to secure a spot in the second round of the NHL playoffs on home ice tonight....but unfortunately it just wasn't to be. a desperate Stars team saved themselves from elimination in overtime with the only goal of the match, so it's back to Dallas for game 6 on Saturday. (how much do I wish I could actually see it and not just have to make do with live internet radio?? Don't even ask.... Australian TV really has to get its act together!!!)
GO CANUCKS GO!

Skiing & Hockey - Apex

I hadn't planned on going into the interior this trip, but when the opportunity to spend a weekend skiing at Apex resort came up, I very happily accepted. The lovely Rob was headed up with his hockey team for an outdoor tournament, but a few people had pulled out - leaving some space for Gary and I to tag along.
the serious business of playing poker

Despite the fact that I was essentially crashing a full on 'boys weekend', they were all very good about it and let me join in without any fuss. (of course I made sure to step out and give them ample 'drinking with the boys'/'chatting up women' time as well) ;)

Apex is a great little resort, perfect for playing around and getting my ski legs back before hitting Whistler. It is also perfectly placed in that it is only a short distance away from the Okanagan wine region. Obviously we were not going to pass up that opportunity, so took the first afternoon to visit Sumac Ridge and Greata Ranch wineries to sample the wares and pick up a few bottles. (A particular favourite I was happy to reacquaint myself with was the 25th anniversary Pipe from Sumac Ridge - a port style wine perfect with some tasty cheese for an after dinner treat)

When we weren't chasing wine or growing our confidence on the slopes, Gary and I braved the cold to join (coach) Deenu on the sidelines to cheer the guys on and watch them strut their stuff for a few games. (we also took the opportunity to be the heckle squad for Rob when he referred which was great fun.....although he didn't seem to agree) The team did really well and actually finished up 2007 tournament winners - well done guys!

Apex shootout tournament champions 2007 - yay!

(I will post some more photos of the slopes etc when I get them back)

Go Canucks Go!!!

After missing an entire season of hockey due to player strikes the year I lived here, I was delighted to be able to finally fulfil my desire of seeing the Canucks only a few days after arriving in Canada this time. Gary very very generously got us some fabulous tickets, right down by the action and we were treated to a Canucks win in penalty shoot out. It certainly made for a tense and exciting finish! I can't even describe just how great it was to finally see them at home in GM place - it certainly beats listening to the games on internet radio like I've been forced to do back in Australia.

Luongo (the best goalie in the league!)

my favourite Canadian boys at the game

Hockey Hockey Hockey

One of the perks of being back in Vancouver is of course - Ice Hockey! Apart from watching every Canucks game and world Juniors game on the box, there is also the opportunity for a bit of live action. A few days after getting in I got the chance to see the lovely Robbie and his team play as well as catch up with him a bit. A good way of getting me ready for what was yet to come!