Game Day #2

Today was the second day of games. The games started much later today because they didn't need to be finished in time for opening ceremonies. Laura was goal judging for the second game and I was skating the third game so we both took the opportunity to sleep in a little bit. Unfortunately, we both slept in a little too late and missed breakfast. After chilling in the room and relaxing, we went and grabbed lunch before having to catch the bus at 2:00 to go to the rink. Matt sat with us at lunch and we talked about some IIHF stuff. It was very interesting to talk with him about it and learn a little bit more about how the international stuff works.

The game Laura goal judged, China vs Japan, was super exciting. The arena was packed and the Chinese fans really get into it, especially when they play Japan. It is pretty obvious that China vs Japan is very similar to US vs Canada - both teams hate each other...a lot. The game went back and forth and Japan was up 2-1 with a minute to go but was a man down due to a penalty. With 20 seconds left, another penalty was called on Japan. During the delay, Japan covered the puck in the crease which is an automatic penalty shot. China missed the penalty shot but on the 2 man advantage (actually 3 because they pulled their goalie) they tied the game with 5 seconds left. The game went into overtime and then game winning shots, where Japan pulled out the win. It was a great game to watch and it was fun to see just how passionate the Chinese fans get when cheering for their team.

My game was also pretty exciting. I had Finland vs Canada. It was a back and forth game and was still 0-0 entering the 3rd period. At the start of the 3rd period, Finland got tired and lazy and started taking stupid penalties. Things quickly fell apart for them and the final score ended up being 5-0. After the game, we had to wait around at the rink until Stacey got out of the directors meeting. By the time we got back to the hotel it was 11:30 and none of us had any dinner. The hotel was nice enough to make some food for us and we all ate before heading up to our rooms. Tomorrow there are no games so we have the day off. We have a meeting in the morning then are going to Tiger Park in the afternoon. Tiger park is apparently like a six flags animal safari with lions, tigers and ligers. It should be pretty interesting, I know both Meg and Leah have said it was one of the coolest things they did while in Harbin.

I'll have some more pictures to post tomorrow, in the mean time I posted a ton of pictures and a few video clips of the opening ceremonies last night - www.picasaweb.google.com/connolly.kate - Enjoy!