Post #1
The Warrior men's hockey team has invited me to accompany them on their European tour.
We will be traveling in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. It was difficult deciding what to pack but I think I have all I'll need.
Stay tuned for more reports on our activities.
Post # 2
Moving a hockey team is an ordeal at the best of times.
We are moving the Warriors all the way to Europe.
We couldn't do it without Trevor's help but now we are on our own.
Here is the happy group, on the bus to Pearson.
Post # 3
It was a full day after an overnight flight to Munich, Germany. Our guide took us to Garmisch, the site of skiing events in a past Olympic Games.
There are wonderful hiking trails in the area. Our guide used this opportunity to wake us up with some nature after the long flight.
After a pleasing snack on the ay back to the bus, we headed to Bolzano, Italy. Here we had a lovely group dinner in our hotel.
Hockey gets underway tomorrow with an on-ice practice.
Post # 4
It was another full day over here in Bolzano, Italy. We started with an early breakfast, then an amazing ride up a mountain, 
past lovely vineyards to Ritten Arena for an on-ice practice. On a personal note, I will never complain about our CIF arena, ever again. The Ritten Arena is the coldest building I have ever been in. I know I did not pack appropriately for this.
After a group lunch, we all headed to the city of Verona. It was a lovely warm day. We had a local guide give us a 90-minute walking tour. Among the highlights was a look at the actual balcony where Juliet stood while speaking to Romeo. Very tragic. You all know the ending. Our boys participated in a quaint local tradition with the statue of Juliet.
Another amazing landmark is Verona's ancient arena which, interestingly, is still used for concerts and performances. Unfortunately, our Keigan Goetz (New Hamburg/Halfiax Mooseheads, QMJHL) got into a bit of trouble with some locals, but that was soon cleared up (see photo to the right ;)
After the guided tour. We were all given some free time before the bus returned us to our hotel. A very satisfying day.
Tomorrow Game one!
Post # 5
My excellent hockey adventure blog was suspended for a few days while the hard-working Athletics Department staff enjoyed their last long weekend of summer. Now, I'm back.
We have been keeping busy over here on our European tour. Since my last report, we have played two games. Game 1 was against Rittner Buam in the coldest arena ever! Their fan base is large and noisy. Beer was flowing freely. It was quite an event. Though we did lose this game, it gave our boys a good warm-up for the level of opposition they would face for the remainder of the trip.
Before game 2, we had some cultural activities such as castles and churches. It was all very interesting.
Game 2 was against EHC Freiburg. The boys played extremely well. Trevor Martin (Ardrossan/Calgary Hitmen, WHL) was solid in goal, holding these pros to two goals. It was a great game.
Today we are in Zurich, Switzerland and game 3 is later tonight.
Post # 6
The third and final game of the series was played last night. It was, by far, the most exciting game for the fans. We played EVZ Academy, a group of young and very talented players.
They got out to a 3 - 1 lead by the third period but we tied it up in regulation. There was no change after a 5-minute overtime period so we went to a shootout. It took 7 attempts for us to win the game. Zac Coulter (Owen Sound/Elmira Sugar Kings, GOJHL) had a hat-trick and scored in the shootout round.
Hey Trevor, we had to get creative with the drying of the equipment. We used the warm sun in the parking lot. But, prepare yourself! The equipment will need a bit of work when we get home.
Post # 7
Today was our last full day in Germany. We finally had some free time. Most of us went into Munich to shop.
Later in the day, we visited the BMW factory. It allowed me to pick out my next car. (As soon as I win the lottery!).
Afterward, we had a lovely group dinner. The day ended with the boys visiting a local brewery for a tour. The women did more shopping.
Tomorrow, we have an early checkout and we will be homeward bound.
