A big day for the Raiders!!!!

Today was all hockey.... all day (in addition to eating and taste testing Czech beer on behalf of Garth!), the Raiders had an awesome day pulling out two big wins, putting us in the gold medal match tomorrow. We started the day beating Croatia 7-3. Game sheets for all games will be available tomorrow so scorers (and guests of the penalty box) will be posted then. (We got far too many points today for me to have a clue who got them all!) The Raiders were cheered on at an early morning 7:45 game and they played the way we know they can.

After a lengthy celebration in the dressing room, the gang headed out for lunch and then back to the rink for a 2:00 game against Belgium. Winning the game 7-3, the boys were ahead 3-1 only to have Belgium tie it up at 3-3. Our final 4 goals came in the third period much to the fans relief.

Both Stef (game 1) and Jeff (game 2) played great and faced some tough shots. Our flag bearers for game 2 were Julie, Maria and Emily. The girls did a great job skating our flags around the ice and proudly displayed them at centre ice during the national anthem.

By the sounds of it most of the boys are enjoying the billeting experience. Some more so than others...Jeremy and Derek weren't too impressed by the can of soup they had for dinner last night but others were served great spreads.

Following our second big win and celebration, we hopped on the bus to head to the pro game - called extra league...Sparta vs Pardubice with Dominik Hasek in net. It was pretty exciting with fan mania...we weren't sure whether to watch the game or the stands. Both teams uniforms (as well as the refs) were loaded up with corporate sponsors ...they looked like race car drivers. We aren't sure how they could see the puck around all the logos painted on the ice but it was an experience. It was so exciting that the crowd noise frequently woke up those of us who had cat naps during the game. When you are as tired as we are, you can sleep anywhere! Two lucky raiders, Nat and Lucas were guests of Dominik at the game and sat in the executive box and got to meet him after the game. Will get details and post for you.

On the bus again to the tournament welcome party...arrived around 9 pm and all the teams were there. Our kids handed out lots of Raiders bracelets and pins before heading back with their billets again. Unfortunately the billet team has an early morning game so some of our kids are going to be up and at it early. We play the gold medal match at 12, followed by the closing ceremonies of the tourney. It should be a great day for the boys...send a little prayer to the hockey gods tonight for the Raiders success.

Thats it for tonight....we are pretty tired and I am sitting in the parents room with those around me reliving the events of the day. I could close my eyes and we could be at Kelseys on a regular saturday night! Pictures from today will follow tomorrow. Night all...for those parents and siblings not with us, we miss you!