ONE PIC SAYS IT ALL!!

Full debrief of final and subsequent celebrations to follow soon.. thanks to everyone for following the blog.... here we come INDIA!!

Semi-Final Prep

Hey Everyone,
After our last pool match against Mexico, the schedule makers have given us 3 days to prepare for our semi-final match. Since we lost out on goal difference and finished second in the pool we are facing the top in the other pool, Argentina. This is a huge tilt against our rivals from South America and we have put in a great deal of preparation over the last few days. It is a must-win contest for both sides and we intend to come out aggressive and play a quality brand of Canadian hockey that will get us the WIN. A nice break from hockey was arranged last night - a visit to the Canadian Embassy here in Santiago. It was in an absolutely beautiful spot, up in the hills on the outskirts of town, with breathtaking views across Santiago. (See post below for pic) Guys filled up on a never-ending selection of appetizers and exotic juices whilst chatting with some fellow Canadians. In the end we are all getting super pumped about the game tomorrow and are feeling confident and energized. Everyone better stay tuned!!!

Internet Temporarily Down

Hey Everyone,
Sorry for the delay in blog entries, internet in the hotel has been on the fritz for the last two days. There are four teams worth of athletes attempting to connect at any one time and it seems the luck hasn't been on this bloggers side. Here is an awesome pic of the Santiago skyline from the Canadian Embassy which we visited last night.

Day 4 – Vs. Mexico

Hey Everyone!

Today we had our final pool game against the fast and unpredictable Mexican team. Knowing that we had to win decisively in order to finish at the top of our pool, the coaching staff implemented a simple attacking style game plan. The Mexicans drew first blood in the 11^th minute from a penalty corner. Soon after, we tied the game up and took the lead for the remainder of the game. A very frustrating game for us finished with a 7-3 score line, with Tupper getting three, Shorty and Wayne scoring two goals a piece. After the disappointing effort, we had a meal at the field and returned to the hotel for a bit of downtime followed by a meeting and dinner in the evening. Guys were anxious to hear the result of the Chile – Brazil game, which would determine our fate for the Semi Finals. The team learned that Chile had beaten Brazil 9-0; we finish second in the pool and a date with Argentina in the Semi’s is set. The team now has two days to refocus and prepare for the crucial rematch against Argentina.

Stay Tuned!

Day 3 - Post Chile

Hey Everyone
The team had a well needed day off after a gutsy 3 - 3 draw with the Chileans yesterday evening. We came out flat and they got two quick ones on us in the first five, but we did well to fight back twice before Shorty finished off a corner routine with only 2 minutes to go to ensure a share of the points. The eventful day was capped off by visits to the hospital for Tupper before the game and Connor after the game both with cases of severe food poisoning. Our staff is doing an amazing job to try and keep everyone in game shape. We are looking forward to tomorrow's game against the Mexicans. Stay Tuned!!

Opening Ceremonies

Hey Everyone,
Just got a couple pics from the opening ceremonies which were held immediately after our first match against Brazil. Guys were in awe at the amount of identical, well-trained German shepherds they were able to get together in one place. Here is a quick taste.

And the Piece de Resistance.

Picture Time

Quick thanks to Yan Huckendubler for providing some of the pictures for the blog. All the game shots are his, here is another one he took at the opening banquet / press event.