Final Day

Today should be fun. It will be long.... but fun. We're all off to get in line so that we can get into the lounge to watch the men's final. I think it goes without saying that the game will be great and the atmosphere in the building will be electric - again.

After the game, we head over to BC Place to take in the closing ceremonies. We've all been hearing lots on TV about who will perform, who will be there, etc. Yesterday I even read that Obama may be there to take it in... We shall see.

I'll take lots of pictures today and spend some time when I get home to add them for you all to see.

Cheers!

A-MA-ZING!!!!!

I'm not even going to attempt to be all cool and collected in this post...

Today's game was unreal. It was such an honor for me to be on the ice with such amazing and dedicated athletes pouring out their hears and souls for themselves, their family and friends, and for their respective countries. Those girls all played hard for all 60 minutes, leaving nothing behind. In hockey, we like to call it 'emptying the tank' - and both teams certainly did.















Skating out onto the ice tonight was the loudest experience of my life. I admit, my heart was in my throat, my legs were a bit shaky, and I could not stop smiling. Such pride. :) Once the puck dropped though, I was just fine and had the time of my life.

When the game was over, we left the ice to let the teams have their moment and eventually receive their medals. We were able to get a seat front and centre at the glass next to the Zamboni entrance. It was a thrill to watch the team receive their medals from such a close vantage point and to be able to watch the flags raised while 'Oh Canada' played.

When we returned to the hotel, we had an officials reception with all the male and female officials.... AND, GET THIS..... THE STANLEY CUP. Not the replica, the real thing. We were allowed to touch it, lift it, photograph it... I lifted it over my head! I had to... :) I do not have pictures of this on my camera, but will post them once my teammates have a chance to share.

At the reception, the officials who worked the bronze game were presented with a bronze medal from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), and we were presented with an IIHF gold medal.

All in all, a phenomenal day. Certainly one to remember.

To my friends at TD, I had the shield in my back pocket...

To my OWHA family, I had our OWHA pin in my back pocket as well...!

On a side note... a special 'shout out' to all the students at Westmount Public School in Peterborough!!! :)

T Minus 19 Hours

What a cool day today was. Considering the news I received yesterday, I slept amazingly well. I did my best to keep it low key...

After breakfast, we had a group meeting to go over some final logistics (i.e. how to get into the men's finals, a get together with the male officials, etc - important stuff!!!). The crew working the gold game tomorrow afternoon also sat down together with our supervisor to discuss tomorrow's big game. One of my favorite quotes from this discussion was "a moving puck is your best friend".

After our meeting, I did a light workout, relaxed and went to a restaurant on Granville Avenue with family to watch the Canada vs Russia game.

I had a few really cool phone calls today as well. One from the President of TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice (where I work), from my family, and a couple of media calls from my home town in Peterborough. Check out the article for the Peterborough Examiner at the link below:
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2464932

So, I feel really ready for tomorrow. Although the game is huge, my approach will be to treat it as any other game. I know I'll still find opportunities to take it all in and enjoy though...

I've thought a great deal today about how fortunate I am to get to skate tomorrow. I have not got here on my own. We have an amazing program at home that has provided tremendous guidance, mentorship and support. Tomorrow, I will skate for my family, my friends and my fellow OWHA officials. Thanks to you all!

Golden

We just got our assignments... I will be lining the gold game on Thursday with Kelli Roulston (O'Brien) from the US. Aina Hove from Norway will be reffing. I can't speak, can barely type, and am absolutely ecstatic with this news.

:)

A North American Tilt and A Semi Final

It's been a few days since I last wrote a post. Been an exciting couple of days. The other officials and I wandered to Canada Hockey Place on Sunday to take in the Canada vs USA men's game. What a great experience! The atmosphere was electric... unfortunately the game didn't turn out the way most in the building were hoping, but it was still amazing. The walk back to our hotel along Granville was equally exciting. The streets were closed to traffic and full of people clad in red and white. You wouldn't have known that Canada actually lost the game.

Yesterday, I had one of my best on-ice experiences ever! I lined the USA vs SWE semi-final game at Canada Hockey Place. Although it was yet another rather lop-sided affair, it was still a great skate and felt like a competitive game. I forced myself to remember the magnitude of the game - that these women were playing for an opportunity to compete for an Olympic Gold medal. I did not want to loose sight of this fact, I wanted to take it all in and enjoy it, as it may have been my last international game.

We're off today and tomorrow with the medal games scheduled for Thursday. We're heading to the Hockey House and we'll find out our assignments later today.

A Trip to Whistler

There were no games on the women's side today, so us refs all headed up to Whistler to tour around a bit. When we first arrived, we saw the figure skating pairs champions, Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao, in the parking lot. They were gracious enough to let me have my picture taken with them... I couldn't convince him to lift me up though! :)

- Pictures from Whistler

We were lucky that it was a clear and sunny day. The view was spectacular at the top, and as we rode across the new Peak To Peak gondola. I've took several pictures, but I don't think I was able to truly capture how high we really were in the gondola.

There are two games tomorrow, first SUI vs CHN at 2:35, then RUS vs SVK at 7:05. Kerri is working the late game.

My next assignment is on Monday - the USA vs SWE semi-final. Mary Anne is also working this one. Kerri will be working again on Monday as well lining a game between the two winning teams from tomorrow's games.

So, off the ice for two more days. I'll hit the gym for a couple of light workouts, try to get to Canada Hockey Place to take in a men's game or two (aiming for the CAN vs US game on Sunday), and continue to take in this amazing experience.

I'll continue to keep you posted...

Pictures

I've created a couple of albums on my Facebook account. Apparently, you can access them via a public link. Check them out if you wish:

- Opening Ceremonies

- Olympic Game Shots

Enjoy...

USA vs Finland

Today's game went great. The US won 6-0, but it felt closer as the Fins seemed to play better and better as the game progressed. My partners today were Aina Hove from Norway, who reffed, and Zuzanna Arazimova from the Czech Republic on the lines. I thought we worked great together, and we had a lot of fun - plus, we had the first ever penalty shot at the Olympics. All our games here are supervised, and we'll receive our feedback tomorrow.

The IIHF website has already posted an article and photos at:
http://www.iihf.com/de/channels10/olympics-2010/news/news/article/american-women-overpower-finns.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=3508&cHash=0be250b962

I'm sticking around the rink for a couple of more hours to watch a portion of Mary Anne's game. She has China vs Russia. I think it will be a good close game. She's working with Megan Hishmeh from the US and Anna Majapuro from Finland.

Tomorrow is a day off, so we're all scrambling to get tickets to other events. Our accreditation does get us into games on the men's side as well, but we're all hoping to see some non-hockey related Olympic activity... :)

USA vs Russia Game

Yesterday's game was good. The US team won 13-0. Although it was extremely lopsided it was still a good skate for us. The US scored the majority of their goals during the second period and as a result it took 40 minutes to play the period. I've pasted a couple of pictures from the game in below.

We also received our game assignments for the next two days. Kerri is on the ice later today at 7:05 to line Slovakia vs Swiss. I will be on the ice tomorrow at 2:35 for USA vs Finland. And, MA will be calling China vs Russia on Thursday at 7:05.

P.S. For those using the comment boxes to discuss my pants.... they seem okay in these pictures! BTW, they're the same pants you've seen me in for the past 4 years... :)

Pictures from Finland vs Russia

The IIHF website has posted pictures from our game on Sunday. Check them out at:

http://www.iihf.com/de/channels10/olympics-2010/pictures/page/0/game/FIN%20-%20RUS.html

One Game Down...

My first Olympic game was an absolute thrill! The game would have been special regardless, but the fact that it was with Kerri and Mary Anne (also from the OWHA) helped to make it more so. Overall, our game felt fast and intense and gave us opportunities to show our 'stuff'. :) It was also very cool to have my partner and nephew there to share in the experience.

The male officials also arrived yesterday, including the contingent from the NHL. They have been very gracious and are taking steps to ensure that all officials (i.e. non-NHL and us girls) are all included. Bill (not Dan...) McCreary even asked for some fashion advice today... :)

My next game is tomorrow afternoon. USA vs Russia... I think it is going to be on NBC. I'll be able to have some family at that game as well.

I took in the Canada Switzerland game today. Met the drummer from Bare Naked Ladies. And am now off to my in-laws for a family dinner.

Assignments & Protests

First round of games start today. Kerri, MA and I are not on the ice until tomorrow. We're all working together in the Finland vs Russia game at 4:30 PST (7:30 EST). I am also working on the 16th - Russia vs USA at 2:30 PST (5:30 EST). I doubt that tomorrow's game is televised, but the game on the 16th may be on NBC since its the US team.

For the game on the 16th, I will be working with Nicole Hertrich from Germany and Anika Floden from Sweden.

As more games get assigned, I'll continue to provide updates on what Kerri, MA and I are assigned to. These details are also available on the IIHF website at: http://results.iihf.com/og2010/IHW400000_58__1_0.pdf

On a more social note, I went shopping this morning and then into the TD Bank with a couple of other girls. We went to the Olympic store at the Bay - the lineup to get in was huge, be we were lucky that our accreditation allowed us to jump the queue. As we were leaving we saw one of the protests go by. When we were in the bank, the protesters threw two newspaper boxes through the windows.... Must admit, it was a bit frightening!

P.S. Special hello to my nieces MB and CB who I see just signed up to follow!!!!

Opening Ceremonies

The Opening Ceremonies tonight were incredible. If you watched on TV, then you already know that quite a spectacle was shown. Performances by Natalie Furtado, Bryan Adams, KD Lang (which was my favorite performance) and Sara McLaughlin... all were great. The show itself was representative off all parts of Canada... It was unbelievable to see.

The athletes march was and torch lighting were inspiring, breathtaking and emotional.

Here are a handfull of pictures I took... I took many, many more of course. I know I am not doing this event justice but I hope these provide some flavor for what I was able to experience tonight.

Mary Anne Gage, Heather Richardson and Kerri Rumble

Spirit

I arrived in Vancouver yesterday afternoon with Kerri and Mary Anne (the other 2 Canadian officials). Everything went smoothly at the airport. There are so many volunteers pointing everyone in the right direction - they even have people in the baggage claim area to turn all the luggage up on it's side with handles up to make it easier. After some minor confusion over transportation we were whisked downtown to our hotel.

What struck me right away was how the city has been rebranded. Everything at the airport is now blue, green and white - and these colours seem to spill out all over the city. I had a glimpse of Canada Hockey Place (nee GM Place), and it is the same. It has effectively been de-Canuk'ed and de-NHL'ed. Everywhere you look, people are wearing Canadian apparel. You can really start to feel the spirit.

On the agenda for today; breakfast with the girls, officials meeting where we will get our assignments for the next few days, a workout and..... (drumroll please...) the opening ceremonies. I cannot wait. As I sit here writing this, we are also watching the torch relay is winding its way through the city. I have been brought to the verge of tears as I watched Rolly Fox (Terry Fox's father) and Walter Gretzky interviewed and then carry the torch. Both men have such pride, not only in their son's, but in our country.

Its quite a day here in Vancouver... a very special feeling. I'm sure the feeling is filtering across the rest of the country...

2 More Sleeps...

Just two more sleeps and I leave for Vancouver. The past week or so has been an absolute blur between fitting in a few more games, finishing up work and packing. I am now officially 'out of the office' and focused on getting completely packed.

I did want to take a moment in this post to reach out and say hello to all my fellow TD'ers! I am very fortunate to work for such a great organization, and I've always been lucky to report into some really wonderful individuals who have allowed me flexibility to pursue this dream. So to my TD friends, thank you for the wonderful comments that you posted on the TD intranet over the past couple of days. Its been both emotional and inspirational reading them. I hope you enjoy this blog and please feel free to post comments and ask questions.

I'm off work tomorrow to complete my packing and then I fly out Thursday morning. I'm hopeful we get to attend the Opening Ceremonies on Friday, but we will not know our firm schedule until we get out there...

3 of us from the OWHA

For me, one of the best aspects of getting to travel and compete as an official has been getting to know some really great people along the way. Although we are ultimately competing with one another to be able to skate on the last day of the tournament (i.e. in the medal games), we are also teammates and must be able to work well with one another when we're on the ice. As I'm sure you can imagine, this creates a very interesting dynamic.

The key for me was to internalize the competitiveness and only compete against myself. To focus less on competing with others and focus more on being the absolute best I can possibly be. Sounds a little corny, I know, but I believe it has made me a much better teammate and ultimately have a whole lot more fun getting to know my fellow officials.

So, about those other officials - my teammates. I've met some really amazing people along the way. Obviously, I am very fortunate to have been selected to go to Vancouver, but what makes it even more special is that I will be travelling there with two other amazing gals from the OWHA program - Mary Anne Gage and Kerri Rumble. All three of us have basically come up through the ranks together in Ontario. We've become great friends over the years, and because we are going to Vancouver together, for me, it will make the entire experience that much more special.

To learn a little more about us, check out some of the articles at the following links:

• Article on me from the Peterborough Examiner
• Article on Mary Anne Gage by the Hamilton Spectator
• Olympic Officials article on Canada.com
• IIHF website posting
• CWHL posting (scroll all the way to the bottom)

Note: King City Times also wrote an article on Kerri, however their articles do not appear to be archived online.... check out the post immediately below.

Article on Kerri Rumble

Feeling Real

Well... all of a sudden, it feels very real....

This past week, I received my flight information, Olympic accreditation and a package of goodies from Hockey Canada. Of course I've known since October that I'm going to Vancouver, and have been taking steps for a very long time to prepare... but all of a sudden it all feels a whole lot more real.

I will be leaving on February 11th and returning March 1st. Between now and then, I'll skate as many high calibre games as possible, remain intimately acquainted with my spin bike, maintain strength and core, and study study study the IIHF rules and procedures.

Today, I'm off to line Team China versus a PWHL team. It will be great practise as we will be using International rules and procedures - should be fun. Then, I have ice time tonight so I can practice the ice testing we will no doubt be subject to in Vancouver - that should be a little less fun!!

Later skaters.... :)

ESPN Article: 13 Simple Rules For Hockey Parents Everywhere

A colleague forwarded me the article at the attached link. It's a bit long, but in my opinion worth the read if you are a hockey parent, fan, or referee. Or if you have kids involved in any other sport...

Article: 13 Simple Rules for Hockey Parents Everywhere

My favorite rules from the article are #3, #6 and #10. I've copied them in below for your quick perusal if you don't have the time to go through all 13 rules in the article.

3. Hockey is a very, very, very, very difficult game to play. You are probably terrible at it. It takes high skill and lots of courage, so lay off your kid. Don't berate them. Be patient and encourage them to play. Some kids need more time to learn how to ride the bike, but, in the end, everyone rides a bike about the same way.

6. Do not fret over penalties not called during games and don't waste long-term heart power screaming at the referees. My observational research reveals the power-play percentage for every Mite hockey game ever played is .0000089 percent; for Squirts, .071 percent. I prefer referees to call zero penalties.

10. Teach your kids not to celebrate too much after a goal if your team is winning or losing by a lot. And by all means, tell them celebrate with the team. After they score, tell them not to skate away from their teammates like soccer players. Find the person who passed you the puck and tell him or her, "Great pass." We have immediate group hugs in hockey following a short, instinctive reaction from the goal scorer. I am proud of my boy for a lot of things, but I am most proud at how excited he gets when a teammate scores a goal. He is Alex Ovechkin in this regard.

Hope you enjoyed...

Answering Questions

When the fact that I referee hockey comes up in conversation, there are a few questions that people usually ask me. I thought I'd try to satisfy the curiosity of any readers by addressing the most common one's here....

1. Did you play? Yes. I started playing organized hockey when I was 12 after figure skating for 10 years. Of course I had a hockey stick in my hand much earlier and spent many an hour playing at home on our driveway and on the frozen swamp on our farm. I played up to the collegiate level and also played in what used to be called the NWHL (Nationals Women's Hockey League).

2. Why ref??? Simple really... I was tired, came to the conclusion that my playing career had peaked and I needed to spend more of my time focusing on my career. Reffing offered me the opportunity to stay involved in hockey on my terms and, most importantly, keep skating.

3. How did you get chosen to go to the Olympics? Sprinkle in some hard work, a dose of good fortune and a lot of amazing support. There really is no set recipe. As a member of the Ontario Women's Hockey Association and living in Toronto, there is a tremendous amount of hockey that provided an amazing training ground. On top of the volume of games, the OWHA has a strong Supervisors program and I have received a great deal of coaching along the way. Without the mentorship of many of our Supervisors, I know I would not be travelling to Vancouver next month.

Getting Started

Hi everyone! It was mentioned to me a few weeks ago that I should write a blog to keep family and friends updated on my experiences in Vancouver at the 2010 Winter Olympics... My initial response was "follow me on Facebook", but much to my surprise there are still many of you out there who have yet to start creeping.

In the coming weeks I'll try to let you know what steps I'm taking to continue to prepare... and when I get to the games, I'll update based on my hockey and non-hockey experiences. If you have other thoughts or ideas of what you would like to see and read, please let me know.

So here goes.... enjoy!