Reception and Game 2 vs Czech Republic - Dec. 28, 2013

Rita and John - Destiny Tours

Had to get going early today as our bus was going to pick us up at 10:30 am.  We were off to the official Destiny Tours reception.  We didn't know what to expect, but when we got to Swedbank Stadium (about a 3 minute walk from the Malmo Isstadium where our pool games are located), we were treated to a welcome, a meal (which we couldn't eat because we were still full from breakfast), and some fun entertainment.  It was pretty amazing to see 520 Canadians, most in red and white, filling this huge banquet hall built in to the side of a huge sports field.

Ron Asselstyne

After a number of welcoming speeches from the tour organizers, introductions of the group leaders, one being ex-NHL referee Ron Asselstyne, prizes for some who had been on 3 tours, and big prizes for the couple who were on their 6th tour, we were introduced to the main entertainment.  This was a fellow (Neil (didn't get his last name)) who rode on our bus dressed as an RCMP officer in red serge, carrying a wand that is like those used for security that he used to check some folks for "contraband".  He was pretty funny on the bus ride to the Stadium, giving a running commentary on whatever he felt like saying - one that stands out is when he mentioned we could see the national bird of Sweden - the crane - by looking at all the construction of high rise buildings in the area near our hotel.

Neil - the entertainer

He did a great job of warming up the crowd and getting us laughing.  He went through each of the provinces, making jokes about different areas.  The only Territory not represented in our crowd was Nunavut, so he had lots to talk about.  Every other province and Territory was represented in our crowd.  Lots of funny things to listen to.  Finally, after reminding us that we represented Canada, the same as the boys on the team (a reminder to be polite and not to get out of line), we ended with Oh Canada, and everyone was on their feet singing our anthem.

After that, we picked up our jackets (very nice ones, indeed) before heading over to the Malmo Isstadium to watch the US/Slovakia game.  It was a good game, but the US was just too strong for the Slovaks, and beat them pretty soundly.

Then, about an hour and a half wait for the Canada/Czech game.

Czech team getting ready

Big Canadian crowd

For this one, there were 2200 people announced in attendance.  About 2000 of them appeared to be Canadian, although there must have been less than that.  The place was red and white, and quite loud.

Paterson - Canadian goalie

It was a good game, with lots of back and forth play.  The Czechs played aggressively, and were very good at getting their sticks on the puck.  They scored first, which quieted the crowd for a short while.  However, the noise started back up, and when Canada scored, the place went crazy.  Enough to say that Canada never got a lead in the game, but did keep coming back after each Czech goal, and managed to tie the game to send it into overtime.  We had lots of chances, but their goalie played very well.  They had lots of chances, too.

Here we go.

In the shootout, Canada went first and scored.  They missed on their first shot.  Canada missed on their next two shots, and the Czechs scored on their second.  It was quite intense for their 3rd shot, and the Czech player made a great move and tucked it in the goal for the win.  Very quiet at that time.

The big face-off.

We waited for the Czech National Anthem, and then went outside to find our bus.  It was a somewhat quiet ride back to the hotel, but by the time we got there, most people seemed to have it out of their system.

We stopped into the mall grocery store to purchase some things to eat, and went back to our room for the rest of the evening.  It is an early start tomorrow.  The bus picks us up at 8:30 for an all-day tour of Copenhagen - yes, we booked to go on this one, too.