It's been awhile since my last entry and since then we have worked a few NHL games. We had to work a game on Friday between the 7th and 8th place teams in the qualification round that concluded all of our scheduled games. Since it was Friday night the place was jumping and downtown was as loud as usual. The police shut down all the liquor stores in the downtown area at 7pm in hopes to stop any rowdy outbreaks by the young people. Saturday was another quiet day, I was asked on Friday to work the Bronze Medal game, since it's the only Olympic's that I will probably work, I jumped at the chance. It was a pretty good game and I saw Kipper get the win and the Bronze Medal. The ride home was very quiet and uneventful but the downtown was loud. Sunday the whole country would be watching as Canada was playing the USA it was going to be a barnburner. The security was tight this day and we had to get special passes to get into the building as only the people scheduled for the game were allowed into the area. Once the crowd started to arrive the noise got louder and louder and we knew that we were going to have a hard time to hear each other in the booth even though we are beside each other. Today the police shut down the liquor stores at 2pm and that didn't go over well. The game went along as planned until the last 24 seconds when the US scored to even the score and force the game into overtime. I was working the "time on ice" for the US and I had a good view of the winning goal as the play was deep in their zone, they had the long change so I was able to watch the final goal and listen to the place go wild. We were asked to stay in our position until after the Medal's were presented so we saw the excitement of the Canadian team and the disappointment of the US team and I can understand each of the feelings. I was happy with the outcome as each and every Canadian was and especially for Jerome with an assist on the winning goal. The after game parties went on for hours and I'm sure that many people missed work the next day. The police reported that there was only a few problems downtown and that in general everything went extremely well. After I returned to Burnaby we watched the closing ceremonies on TV and thought that they could have been better. We were leaving Vancouver the following morning, we left for the ferry at 5:30am and arrived in Victoria about 8:30. This time we were taking a Westjet flight as there was a problem with the private plane, so we had to make other arrangements. We arrived home about 6:30 on Monday and it was great to be home.
The Vancouver Olympic's has been a once in a lifetime experience and one I'll remember forever. I had the privilege of working 16 games plus the opportunity to work both the bronze and gold medal men's hockey games. We toured most of Vancouver and I found it to be a beautiful city as is the UBC campus. While we were touring and not working we ran into friends from Calgary as well as other parts of the country. I talked to the keeper of the Stanley Cup, he goes with it everywhere (a job that most men would love). I saw a number of hockey people in the building and around town as well as many other celebrities.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday Feb. 25
It was a quiet day on Tuesday as we had the late game at CHP in the Qualification round and Slovakia won that game.Everyone was on pins and needles as they mentioned that when we got home there would be an email telling us if we were fortunate to get any of the medal games. The majority of people working were able to retrieve their email's except you know who. During the first period the email was send out and during the first intermission most of the people knew if they were working one of the four games. I have no idea how they made their decision and I can say that I was happier than most. The ride home was uneventful and the downtown was subdued as Team Canada had played earlier and won against Germany.
We had the short change again from the night before and we were back on the train before 9am for our two games. The first game was USA and Switzerland and the US won 2-0 and they were scoreless after 2 periods and everyone knows that anything can happen in the last 2o minutes and just about did. After lunch (if you want to call it that) we had Team Canada vs USSR. The noise and the excitment in the building was unbelievable. Again right behind were the Team Canada brass and in the box about 20 feet away were the USSR brass that the GM is the great goaltender from the 1972 series. I don't know if they pay or if the NHLPA or the league pays but their is a large number of hockey people thet seem to come out of the woodwork for this Olympics. They have a large box at the one end of the rink and I have seen 4 or 5 GM's plus they interview many former players on the giant screen above center ice. What game it was and who would have guessed that we would be leading by 4 gaols then 5 and winning so easily. The crowd started to chant Ov, Ov and he was realy frustrated and pissed off. Of course the crowd was loud and I'm sure it was just as loud in your home or bar or wherever you watched it. We had a tough time hearing ourself talk but it was Ok with us. Surprisingly the crowds were small on the way home but downtown was busy and loud and late. I would think that a few people missed work because they were ill. I know that everyone at SAIT was at work and I just hope that the elevators or at least one of them is working. My adventure is coming to a close in a few days and then I have to go back to the real world get back to work. I only have two games left and the first is a qualifacation game on Friday for 7th place between the 7th and 8th place teams. The other game is Sunday and it is the Final game and event of the Olympic's other than the closing ceremonies. There were only two members of the crew that I was on and I was fortunate to get the big game and I still don't understand the selection process as anyone of the 18 ladies or men that I worked with could have and probably should have been selected.
It was a quiet day on Tuesday as we had the late game at CHP in the Qualification round and Slovakia won that game.Everyone was on pins and needles as they mentioned that when we got home there would be an email telling us if we were fortunate to get any of the medal games. The majority of people working were able to retrieve their email's except you know who. During the first period the email was send out and during the first intermission most of the people knew if they were working one of the four games. I have no idea how they made their decision and I can say that I was happier than most. The ride home was uneventful and the downtown was subdued as Team Canada had played earlier and won against Germany.
We had the short change again from the night before and we were back on the train before 9am for our two games. The first game was USA and Switzerland and the US won 2-0 and they were scoreless after 2 periods and everyone knows that anything can happen in the last 2o minutes and just about did. After lunch (if you want to call it that) we had Team Canada vs USSR. The noise and the excitment in the building was unbelievable. Again right behind were the Team Canada brass and in the box about 20 feet away were the USSR brass that the GM is the great goaltender from the 1972 series. I don't know if they pay or if the NHLPA or the league pays but their is a large number of hockey people thet seem to come out of the woodwork for this Olympics. They have a large box at the one end of the rink and I have seen 4 or 5 GM's plus they interview many former players on the giant screen above center ice. What game it was and who would have guessed that we would be leading by 4 gaols then 5 and winning so easily. The crowd started to chant Ov, Ov and he was realy frustrated and pissed off. Of course the crowd was loud and I'm sure it was just as loud in your home or bar or wherever you watched it. We had a tough time hearing ourself talk but it was Ok with us. Surprisingly the crowds were small on the way home but downtown was busy and loud and late. I would think that a few people missed work because they were ill. I know that everyone at SAIT was at work and I just hope that the elevators or at least one of them is working. My adventure is coming to a close in a few days and then I have to go back to the real world get back to work. I only have two games left and the first is a qualifacation game on Friday for 7th place between the 7th and 8th place teams. The other game is Sunday and it is the Final game and event of the Olympic's other than the closing ceremonies. There were only two members of the crew that I was on and I was fortunate to get the big game and I still don't understand the selection process as anyone of the 18 ladies or men that I worked with could have and probably should have been selected.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Super Sunday!!
It's finally here- the big day and what a day it was. The first game was Russia vs Czech and it was a pretty good game. I was doing the face-offs so I was on the other side of the arena from my usual post but still on Level 5 and at center ice. Russia won and of course the big play was the hit on Jaromir Jagr by Ovechkin and it was a beauty. The crowd went wild and the electricity in the building was unbelievable before, during and after the hit. Of course the big game was next with all of Canada watching and I heard today that it was the most watched TV sports ever in Canada with over 21 million people watching and I was there. You all know the result and we all have our opinions of what went wrong but the general feeling out here is that the goal-tending has to be better and we heard that Lu will play tonite. I thought that we controlled most of the game but once again we take stupid penalties that's the game. During the second period we heard some noise beside us and there no more than 5 seats over was Ovechkin sitting down. He lasted about 15 minutes and then the guy that bought the ticket game back and asked for his seat back. After the game we joked with the guy about whom he kicked out. Everyone that is or was somebody in hockey is here, it's just amazing to see all the people. The Great one was in the house and the place went nuts when they saw him as they did for Burnaby Joe Sakic. The trip home was not as bad as the nite before because it was an earlier time but it still took a while
and they closed the liquor stores at 7pm. They are afraid of the youth misbehaving like they did a few years ago. The weather has been great and the rain is supposed to arrive today so we'll have to wait and see. I know most of us have been watching the Olympic's on TV and seen all the people in the nice baby blue outfits while that's the same one I have plus a couple of T-shirts.
We went to UBC for the qualification round in ladies and I can tell you that China beat Slovakia with a goal late in the game to win and the second game was Switzerland vs Russia and the Swiss won in a shootout. The crowds really get into the games and it's great to see. Today we have the last game at 9pm and it follows the Canada vs Germany game. One thing that I have noticed is that all the men's teams are ready to go and lined up with 20 minutes to go for the warm up time and that Team Canada does come out until the 16 minute mark or less (just like the NHL) so I don't know if tht will change or not. I don't have many proof reader out here with me and I know everybody will understand if I make a mistake or more. It was another interesting ride home with Waldorf and Stadler and more stories. I have pictures of them as well as many other that I will take to work when and if I ever return. It's less than a week until the complete adventure is over and it's hardd to believe.
It's finally here- the big day and what a day it was. The first game was Russia vs Czech and it was a pretty good game. I was doing the face-offs so I was on the other side of the arena from my usual post but still on Level 5 and at center ice. Russia won and of course the big play was the hit on Jaromir Jagr by Ovechkin and it was a beauty. The crowd went wild and the electricity in the building was unbelievable before, during and after the hit. Of course the big game was next with all of Canada watching and I heard today that it was the most watched TV sports ever in Canada with over 21 million people watching and I was there. You all know the result and we all have our opinions of what went wrong but the general feeling out here is that the goal-tending has to be better and we heard that Lu will play tonite. I thought that we controlled most of the game but once again we take stupid penalties that's the game. During the second period we heard some noise beside us and there no more than 5 seats over was Ovechkin sitting down. He lasted about 15 minutes and then the guy that bought the ticket game back and asked for his seat back. After the game we joked with the guy about whom he kicked out. Everyone that is or was somebody in hockey is here, it's just amazing to see all the people. The Great one was in the house and the place went nuts when they saw him as they did for Burnaby Joe Sakic. The trip home was not as bad as the nite before because it was an earlier time but it still took a while
and they closed the liquor stores at 7pm. They are afraid of the youth misbehaving like they did a few years ago. The weather has been great and the rain is supposed to arrive today so we'll have to wait and see. I know most of us have been watching the Olympic's on TV and seen all the people in the nice baby blue outfits while that's the same one I have plus a couple of T-shirts.
We went to UBC for the qualification round in ladies and I can tell you that China beat Slovakia with a goal late in the game to win and the second game was Switzerland vs Russia and the Swiss won in a shootout. The crowds really get into the games and it's great to see. Today we have the last game at 9pm and it follows the Canada vs Germany game. One thing that I have noticed is that all the men's teams are ready to go and lined up with 20 minutes to go for the warm up time and that Team Canada does come out until the 16 minute mark or less (just like the NHL) so I don't know if tht will change or not. I don't have many proof reader out here with me and I know everybody will understand if I make a mistake or more. It was another interesting ride home with Waldorf and Stadler and more stories. I have pictures of them as well as many other that I will take to work when and if I ever return. It's less than a week until the complete adventure is over and it's hardd to believe.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday Feb. 22
On Saturday we toured around Vancouver and spent a long time at Stanley Park. Vancouver is a beautiful city and the weather is just outstanding. I was looking for wreck beach but no luck and maybe it's still too cold for the nature lovers. Saturday night we did the Germany vs Belarus game and it wasn't that bad of a game with the main difference with these players is that they stay out on the shifts far too long. Downtown was just crazy and they closed the Stadium Skytrain station from below and everyone had to go up to the next level and the line up was 2 blocks long. A sercurity guard told us to walk to the Bay and catch it there and that was the wrong thing to do. Once we walked the 4 or 5 blocks the line up was just as long or longer and extremely loud. Everyone was in great spirits and as we were in line there was a young lady who seem to be afraid so we told her to stay between Don and me and she would not be crushed. They closed the liguor stores in the downtown area (both private and BC owned) at 7pm on both Friday and Saturday evening to stop all the rowdiness but I think that they ran out of booze so they had to close. I'm sure we were the only ones not drunk (also the young lady) and everyone was having a great time. The one thing that really bugs me is the language of the young people and especially the young ladies. `We finally arrived home after 1am and had to be on the Skytrain at 8:30 the next morning so the sleep was short as we were heading into Super Sunday and what a day of hockey that was going to be. Next post we'll talk about the two games we did and the who's who we met and saw.
On Saturday we toured around Vancouver and spent a long time at Stanley Park. Vancouver is a beautiful city and the weather is just outstanding. I was looking for wreck beach but no luck and maybe it's still too cold for the nature lovers. Saturday night we did the Germany vs Belarus game and it wasn't that bad of a game with the main difference with these players is that they stay out on the shifts far too long. Downtown was just crazy and they closed the Stadium Skytrain station from below and everyone had to go up to the next level and the line up was 2 blocks long. A sercurity guard told us to walk to the Bay and catch it there and that was the wrong thing to do. Once we walked the 4 or 5 blocks the line up was just as long or longer and extremely loud. Everyone was in great spirits and as we were in line there was a young lady who seem to be afraid so we told her to stay between Don and me and she would not be crushed. They closed the liguor stores in the downtown area (both private and BC owned) at 7pm on both Friday and Saturday evening to stop all the rowdiness but I think that they ran out of booze so they had to close. I'm sure we were the only ones not drunk (also the young lady) and everyone was having a great time. The one thing that really bugs me is the language of the young people and especially the young ladies. `We finally arrived home after 1am and had to be on the Skytrain at 8:30 the next morning so the sleep was short as we were heading into Super Sunday and what a day of hockey that was going to be. Next post we'll talk about the two games we did and the who's who we met and saw.
Friday, February 19, 2010
February 19th.
Today we went to the O zone in Richmond and the Heineken House and had a blast. They sell a bunch of Dutch products and have all the winter sports in virtual reality and you can try any of them from snowboarding to bobsleigh and downhill racing and of course the most popular was beer drinking and I didn't do any as I had to rest after my snowboarding event. Again we took the sky train and the weather here is very warm and while I was standing around waiting for the other people I saw a bee working on the flowers and the guy down the street cutting the lawn and it's only February. The people here are watering the flowers and grass and the foundtain's are all in full operation. Saaturday we have the late game and then on Super Sunday we have Czech's vs Russia and US vs Canada and then maybe we'll try and watch Finland and Sweden.
I have to start my making a correction to the last post. I mentioned that we were riding with Wilbur and Stadler when we all know that it is Waldorf and Stadler. On the way to our game on Wednesday evening we ran into Lanny MacDonald and his son and had a short visit as they were off to Molson's Hockey House and were running a little late. The security to get into Canada Hockey Place is really something. Once you get into the area you have to walk a fair distance up over the road and back down and along the road until the back down (door 9) , then you into the building. Once we got in we go down to the parking level only to find our room locked a game still on. We then ask someone where the work area check in is and we were told we were supposed to check into at the security gate we came in. So off we went back to the security gate going over the road and then all the way back. By now I'm tired and ready for a nap as we continue our journey. We go for dinner and tonite we have stir fry or ravioli and soup. The process for a meal is really something and it seems to work against anyone working. When you work a 2pm game we have to be there 11/2 - 2 hours prior to shift. They have lunch at 1:30 - 4pm and we have to be in position at 1hour before face off so we miss lunch and it normally is not worth much. Dinner is the same and it is not much either but I'm at the Olympic Games and it's great. We did the Czech vs Slovakia game and it was a great game and I think all the players are NHLplayers and they are very proud to play for their country. We ride the sky train to the stadium and the system is running to full capacity and it operates without a driver. We have about a mile walk to get into the arena as they don't allow you to get off at the Stadium stop because of security so we have to get off at the Scienc Center and walk along the sea wall. Speaking of the sea wall someone is piling all the rocks into different designs and it is really something to see.
On Thursday we had the US vs Norway and the US won with a few goals late in the game. I work on the 5th level and right on Center Ice and they did an interview Brian Burke the US general manager about 5 feet from my locations. The crowds are great the people really get into the action and they dress up with the team colors. I'm really glad that no one is over charging the people here as you can buy a coke in the machine for only $4.50 and they take Visa. We then had Canada vs Switzerland and you all know the final score on this one. It reminded me of the Saddledome as everything was red with both team colors are red and white and very loud. Team Canada brass sit in a booth right behind us and they were very quiet. We rode the elevator down with Steve Yzerman and he didn't look very happy. Of course some guy who had one or more too many beers asked him for a photo and he said sure. He didn't want to but he knew he had to and of course the guy asked him a thousand questions and he coundn't wait to get out. When we leave the arena we exit at gate 10 and walk up to the stadium station (we just can't get in there).Today we went to the O zone in Richmond and the Heineken House and had a blast. They sell a bunch of Dutch products and have all the winter sports in virtual reality and you can try any of them from snowboarding to bobsleigh and downhill racing and of course the most popular was beer drinking and I didn't do any as I had to rest after my snowboarding event. Again we took the sky train and the weather here is very warm and while I was standing around waiting for the other people I saw a bee working on the flowers and the guy down the street cutting the lawn and it's only February. The people here are watering the flowers and grass and the foundtain's are all in full operation. Saaturday we have the late game and then on Super Sunday we have Czech's vs Russia and US vs Canada and then maybe we'll try and watch Finland and Sweden.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Feb.17
It's been a couple of days since my last blog so we'll play catch up. Monday we were downtwon again, this time not as busy as Sunday but still busy and the atmosphere is the same and everyone is in a great mood with our first Gold Medal. Started off by running into to some friends and former athletes from Calgary John and Diane Jones Konihowski and after s short visit we were standing at the entrance to the Zip line and the sign said form here is a 5 hour wait for a 30 second ride. We then thought that lunch and a beer would be in order so we found a place called Joey's ( not the fish place) and it was great and all the guys would love the service. After lunch we walked all over the downtown area again looking for the Alberta Place and finally found it and the line up was also long so we headed down the street to "Dix Pub" and found some stools at the bar and watched the Moguls on the giant screen and another silver medal. It was very loud as I think that all the snow boarders that weren't on the hill were at Dix's. The beer and there seemed to be a few which later turned to rum tasted very good (just like home) and when we left everyone was getting ready to go to the medal presentations at BCPlace ($22 per ticket) and it was B.C night so it was going to be loud. Again we wandered the streets and watched all the people and be this time there was a lot more and the place was jumping. We found a little bar with no one in it and had a drink but when the music started and the YMCA music started we left thinking why there was one's in the place. Finally we got home safe and sound and I think it was very late.
Tuesday - Game day
We have 2 games today in Womens hockey and the first is USA and Russia and I don't remember ever hearing a large crowd cheering for the Russian's. The game itself wasn't much as the US won 13-0 and the crowd was over 5000 and the atmosphere was great. I felt sorry for 3 of the girls on the Russian team as they never played 1 shift as I was the guy keeping track of the Russian team time on Ice. The plus side for the 3 young ladies is that they ended the evening even while the other team members were all in the minus side of the scale. The second game was Finland and China and I found the game very exciting ( yes I said exciting) as well as entertaining. The chinese were outshot 45-5(I wouldn't have given the last shot) and the score was 2-1 for Finland. The Chinese goalie was terrific and the team plays just like an old NHL team(I wonder where they practice all year) as they played a great clutch and grab game and they blocked tons of shots. All the team were blocking shots from the stars to the defense and all the players played and this is what the OLympic is supposed to be about. This was another day out at UBC and we start with the men today and only one more day at UBC. I have to talk about our trips to UBC . As many of you know I'm staying in Burnaby with my buddy Don (so far he hasn't got us kicked out). We get picked up every day we go to UBC and I have to say that I have finally found the original Wilbur and Stadler. Since I have been at Sait (4years) I always thought that I was working with Wilbur and Stadler but I now know the real guys. They work on the Canucks crew and one of them even was on Coach's Corner with Don Cherry a couple of weeks ago and they are great. From the time we get into the car going until we get back home I laugh non stop. They have a million stories and for those that care I'm the youngest person in the car so these guys have stories and stories and I just listen. I think that if I stayed here awhile longer I could learn how to BS and I'll have to talk to Joe about that. They treat the pucks here like they are a gold brick so anybody that thinks of a puck will not be getting one. We are staying with friends in Burnaby and they a great hosts. Lorridawn is Alsask and has been a lifelong friend of Shirley and has the same personally and Tim just can't do enough for us. Now it's to the Men's with the Czechs vs Slovakia and then tomorrow we Canada vs US and Russia and Czech.
More in a couple of days
It's been a couple of days since my last blog so we'll play catch up. Monday we were downtwon again, this time not as busy as Sunday but still busy and the atmosphere is the same and everyone is in a great mood with our first Gold Medal. Started off by running into to some friends and former athletes from Calgary John and Diane Jones Konihowski and after s short visit we were standing at the entrance to the Zip line and the sign said form here is a 5 hour wait for a 30 second ride. We then thought that lunch and a beer would be in order so we found a place called Joey's ( not the fish place) and it was great and all the guys would love the service. After lunch we walked all over the downtown area again looking for the Alberta Place and finally found it and the line up was also long so we headed down the street to "Dix Pub" and found some stools at the bar and watched the Moguls on the giant screen and another silver medal. It was very loud as I think that all the snow boarders that weren't on the hill were at Dix's. The beer and there seemed to be a few which later turned to rum tasted very good (just like home) and when we left everyone was getting ready to go to the medal presentations at BCPlace ($22 per ticket) and it was B.C night so it was going to be loud. Again we wandered the streets and watched all the people and be this time there was a lot more and the place was jumping. We found a little bar with no one in it and had a drink but when the music started and the YMCA music started we left thinking why there was one's in the place. Finally we got home safe and sound and I think it was very late.
Tuesday - Game day
We have 2 games today in Womens hockey and the first is USA and Russia and I don't remember ever hearing a large crowd cheering for the Russian's. The game itself wasn't much as the US won 13-0 and the crowd was over 5000 and the atmosphere was great. I felt sorry for 3 of the girls on the Russian team as they never played 1 shift as I was the guy keeping track of the Russian team time on Ice. The plus side for the 3 young ladies is that they ended the evening even while the other team members were all in the minus side of the scale. The second game was Finland and China and I found the game very exciting ( yes I said exciting) as well as entertaining. The chinese were outshot 45-5(I wouldn't have given the last shot) and the score was 2-1 for Finland. The Chinese goalie was terrific and the team plays just like an old NHL team(I wonder where they practice all year) as they played a great clutch and grab game and they blocked tons of shots. All the team were blocking shots from the stars to the defense and all the players played and this is what the OLympic is supposed to be about. This was another day out at UBC and we start with the men today and only one more day at UBC. I have to talk about our trips to UBC . As many of you know I'm staying in Burnaby with my buddy Don (so far he hasn't got us kicked out). We get picked up every day we go to UBC and I have to say that I have finally found the original Wilbur and Stadler. Since I have been at Sait (4years) I always thought that I was working with Wilbur and Stadler but I now know the real guys. They work on the Canucks crew and one of them even was on Coach's Corner with Don Cherry a couple of weeks ago and they are great. From the time we get into the car going until we get back home I laugh non stop. They have a million stories and for those that care I'm the youngest person in the car so these guys have stories and stories and I just listen. I think that if I stayed here awhile longer I could learn how to BS and I'll have to talk to Joe about that. They treat the pucks here like they are a gold brick so anybody that thinks of a puck will not be getting one. We are staying with friends in Burnaby and they a great hosts. Lorridawn is Alsask and has been a lifelong friend of Shirley and has the same personally and Tim just can't do enough for us. Now it's to the Men's with the Czechs vs Slovakia and then tomorrow we Canada vs US and Russia and Czech.
More in a couple of days
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday February 15
Wow - Sunday was a special day for all of Canada and it was really something if you were downtown. We arrived downtown around 11am and it was busy and as the day continued so did the volume of people. Went to the Bay and couldn't believe the line up to get into the store. They have divided the main floor into 2 sections with one half being just Canadian and the other half is just the other main hockey playing countries. The line up for the Canadian section was the complete length of the store and we were told that the wait would be up to 2 hrs. We passed but went back later and waited to spent our money about 10 - 15 minutes and then it's either cash or Visa only.It like the Bay has had 2 christmas seasons in 3 months and I can't imagine how much money they are making. The streets are crowded just like our Stampede midway on the busiest Saturday night ever and this is every street in the main part of downtown and it's just wall to wall people. The pin traders are here and there is a bunch of them, there is street preformers of all ages. there is a zip line that goes over the main area that you may see on the TV broadcast and it looks like fun but you have to go up about 4 or 5 flights of stairs to get to it and the stairs are packed with people just waiting to go and it last about 30 - 45 seconds. Went down and saw the caldrum and they have it fenced off but I heard this morning that they are either going to remove the fence or at least move it back so people can get closer. Spent the rest of the day walking and enjoying all the surroundings and the people. I have ran into some friends from Calgary who now live in Vancouver and a couple who are just here for the games as well as some NHL people who are also working the games. Today we'll probably go back downtown and see if
can get into Alberta House as we tried on Friday but it wasn't open and then it was going to be for a private party and the other people area would be small so we'll try today. Tomorrow I have 2 games (Women's) at UBC and then on Wednesday we have our first men's game followed by 2 games on Thursday so we are going to be busy as well as exciting.
Wow - Sunday was a special day for all of Canada and it was really something if you were downtown. We arrived downtown around 11am and it was busy and as the day continued so did the volume of people. Went to the Bay and couldn't believe the line up to get into the store. They have divided the main floor into 2 sections with one half being just Canadian and the other half is just the other main hockey playing countries. The line up for the Canadian section was the complete length of the store and we were told that the wait would be up to 2 hrs. We passed but went back later and waited to spent our money about 10 - 15 minutes and then it's either cash or Visa only.It like the Bay has had 2 christmas seasons in 3 months and I can't imagine how much money they are making. The streets are crowded just like our Stampede midway on the busiest Saturday night ever and this is every street in the main part of downtown and it's just wall to wall people. The pin traders are here and there is a bunch of them, there is street preformers of all ages. there is a zip line that goes over the main area that you may see on the TV broadcast and it looks like fun but you have to go up about 4 or 5 flights of stairs to get to it and the stairs are packed with people just waiting to go and it last about 30 - 45 seconds. Went down and saw the caldrum and they have it fenced off but I heard this morning that they are either going to remove the fence or at least move it back so people can get closer. Spent the rest of the day walking and enjoying all the surroundings and the people. I have ran into some friends from Calgary who now live in Vancouver and a couple who are just here for the games as well as some NHL people who are also working the games. Today we'll probably go back downtown and see if
can get into Alberta House as we tried on Friday but it wasn't open and then it was going to be for a private party and the other people area would be small so we'll try today. Tomorrow I have 2 games (Women's) at UBC and then on Wednesday we have our first men's game followed by 2 games on Thursday so we are going to be busy as well as exciting.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Feb.13
Thursday was a long day which started at 7am andwent til 11-12pm and it was all training. First we were at UBC from 9 - 12 then 2 - 4:30 at CHP and then back to UBC for 5:00 pm for a training game. The game was of Midget girls and it was to make sure all the systems worked and we knew how to operate the computers and score clocks. It was the first time that I actually saw much of the campus of UBC and what a beautiful place and I saw only a portion of it. Friday was a litlle slower pace and not as long as Thursday. We toured downtown for a few hours and saw it first hand all the security around CHP and BC Place. There was 3 helicopters overhead and several policemen and police vehicles all over the place where the roads were closed and I think that many of the road closures were due to the torch run and the protesters. We then watched the opening ceremonies on TV and it was really something and with us seeing the rehearsal performance and now having it explained was really neat. The only difference was that on the rehearsal one they never mentioned any of the names of the people involved with the flag or the lighting of the caldron and I thought they made great selections.
Saturday. Game ON
Finally we start and my first Olympic game is Sweden and Switzerland and Sweden win 3-0 and they had 5222 people in the stands. The Swedish women were always in control although the Switz had several good chances. Security again was present and it takes a few minutes to gain entery to the Thunderbird arena. I was quite excited about working my first Olympic game and I can't wait untl Wednesday when I will work in the CHP which is Canada Hockey Place (normally GMPlace). It's funny how the politics work in the Olympic's as there is over 900 GM vehicles complete with Vancouver 2010 logo's all over them and yet they have to change the name of the hockey arena. On Thursday I have Russia verus Czech and then Canada/USA which should be a great day at the rink. My schedule changed a little as one of the fellows on our crew had a tragedy in his family with the death of his 21 year old son. I have the next 2 days off and then start on 4 days with 2 games a day at both UBC and CHP.
Thursday was a long day which started at 7am andwent til 11-12pm and it was all training. First we were at UBC from 9 - 12 then 2 - 4:30 at CHP and then back to UBC for 5:00 pm for a training game. The game was of Midget girls and it was to make sure all the systems worked and we knew how to operate the computers and score clocks. It was the first time that I actually saw much of the campus of UBC and what a beautiful place and I saw only a portion of it. Friday was a litlle slower pace and not as long as Thursday. We toured downtown for a few hours and saw it first hand all the security around CHP and BC Place. There was 3 helicopters overhead and several policemen and police vehicles all over the place where the roads were closed and I think that many of the road closures were due to the torch run and the protesters. We then watched the opening ceremonies on TV and it was really something and with us seeing the rehearsal performance and now having it explained was really neat. The only difference was that on the rehearsal one they never mentioned any of the names of the people involved with the flag or the lighting of the caldron and I thought they made great selections.
Saturday. Game ON
Finally we start and my first Olympic game is Sweden and Switzerland and Sweden win 3-0 and they had 5222 people in the stands. The Swedish women were always in control although the Switz had several good chances. Security again was present and it takes a few minutes to gain entery to the Thunderbird arena. I was quite excited about working my first Olympic game and I can't wait untl Wednesday when I will work in the CHP which is Canada Hockey Place (normally GMPlace). It's funny how the politics work in the Olympic's as there is over 900 GM vehicles complete with Vancouver 2010 logo's all over them and yet they have to change the name of the hockey arena. On Thursday I have Russia verus Czech and then Canada/USA which should be a great day at the rink. My schedule changed a little as one of the fellows on our crew had a tragedy in his family with the death of his 21 year old son. I have the next 2 days off and then start on 4 days with 2 games a day at both UBC and CHP.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Arrival
I arrrived on Tuesday about 12:30 pacific time and it was a very exciting trip. We left Calgary at 9:45 and arrived in Victoria 1hr and 45 minutes later as we couldn't go anywhere near Vancouver, so we had to go north and then in to Victoria about 20 - 25 minutes longer than planned.This was in a private Citation Jet that seats 7 and you feel like a rock star. After we landed we were driven to the Harbour and had to go security before catching the Harbor Air prop. plane for downtown Vancouver. Once we arrived we were taken to the PNE for accreditation and uniform and then we caught the bus for downtown to pick up our tickets for the opening ceremonies rehearsal which was tonight (Feb 10) and then back to PNE for pick up to the house where we are staying. This took less than 21/2 hrs as we were back bye 3pm.
Today we headed downtown about 2pm and wandered around looking at different things to do this week end and I'll tell everyone that it is raining all day long and the flowers are starting to blum. Went to the rehearsal of the opening ceremonies and I thought it was pretty good and I would certainly say that you should watch them on Friday. Tomorrow we start at 7:30Am and go until 10:30 or 11 PM as we have a training (computer) and a game to do and I can tell everyone that "The Shots" will be right on as usual and my computer work will also be right on. We also have to learn how to get to UBC on public transit and that will be interesting but I'm sure we manage.
Today we headed downtown about 2pm and wandered around looking at different things to do this week end and I'll tell everyone that it is raining all day long and the flowers are starting to blum. Went to the rehearsal of the opening ceremonies and I thought it was pretty good and I would certainly say that you should watch them on Friday. Tomorrow we start at 7:30Am and go until 10:30 or 11 PM as we have a training (computer) and a game to do and I can tell everyone that "The Shots" will be right on as usual and my computer work will also be right on. We also have to learn how to get to UBC on public transit and that will be interesting but I'm sure we manage.
The adventure begins with arrival on a private jet to Victoria and then a quick drive to the harbour and then a flight on Harbour Air and landing in downtown Vancouver. Left Calgary at 9:45 and arrive in Vanc. at 12:30 pacific time. We were sent north of Vancouver on our way to Victoria and the flight took 1:45 instead of the 1:18 scheduled (security). It was quiet a feeling to have only 6 passengers and 2 crew members and no security lines at the departure. Once we were in Victoria and got our transfers we then had security of about 30 minutes while we we waiting for our plane. Once we arrived in Vancouver and got picked up we then headed to get the accreditation and uniforms. It's all baby blue (I look good) and have to wear it every time we work but the pants will be hot. After the accreditation and uniforms we headed bye bus downtown to get our tickets for the dress rehearsal
Friday, February 5, 2010
Feb.5 Received my final schedule today and I will work 12 games and I'm on standby duty for 3 other games. First game is Game 1 of the Women's hockey and my last game is game 47 on Feb.26th. We will find out about the metals game assignments during the last few games. We have a full day on the 11th from 9am (UBC) until 12pm and we have meeting at CHP(Canada Hockey Place) formerly GM place inbetween noon and 5:30 then return to UBC all on public transportation. Final plans aren't set for our departure but we will be leaving here on Tuesday the 9th. Will write again when everything is final.
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