...just going through my checklists of things to bring, do, take with me, who to notify....yet however many lists I make, I always think I've forgotten something. And I always do -- something silly (like deodorant), but always....something.
Goalie Bag is packed, luggage is packed, I guess the last thing to pack will be this laptop. Equipment, clothes, camera, microphone, headphones, camera....lotsa crap.
I can't quite describe this feeling of anticipation....right now every team going to the either Nationals or Westerns share the same thing -- we're all full of optimism and no one has lost a game as of yet. We're all excited and probably just a little bit nervous -- but its a good nervous -- a nervous confidence. We're out to go get some "hardware" -- leave it all on the floor and WIN! And in the process, we'll have some adventures, have some great times, share some great stories, hopefully EAT a lot of great food, meet some interesting people....it'll be awesome and it all starts in just a couple of hours.
Or....has it already started? Didn't it start almost a year ago....winning your division to earn the right to even attend? planning and fundraising for this very trip? hours upon hours of practices? hundreds upon thousands of shots taken on net? passes made? shots blocked and saved?? Isn't this event just the culmination of a year (or more) of all the effort that got you here to this very place.
(....okay, so I grabbed a beer while I was packing, but hear me out -- i'm not drunk, just a little..philisophical..)
No one can forsee the outcome or predict the results of what will occur this past week and culminate next Saturday. But what we all know for sure is that each and every one of us participating this week is already successfully in their own right -- having achieved the right to play by beating out numerous other teams and players -- in order to play at the highest level of competition this sport can offer here and now.
So to all of you heading out to Vancouver, remember to take some time out from all the competitiveness & gamesmanship to appreciate just BEING there, be proud and thankful -- there are plenty of players who would love to switch places with you.....regardless of who wins or doesn't win.
Gotta go charge some batteries...catch me in Vancouver!!
Goalie Bag is packed, luggage is packed, I guess the last thing to pack will be this laptop. Equipment, clothes, camera, microphone, headphones, camera....lotsa crap.
I can't quite describe this feeling of anticipation....right now every team going to the either Nationals or Westerns share the same thing -- we're all full of optimism and no one has lost a game as of yet. We're all excited and probably just a little bit nervous -- but its a good nervous -- a nervous confidence. We're out to go get some "hardware" -- leave it all on the floor and WIN! And in the process, we'll have some adventures, have some great times, share some great stories, hopefully EAT a lot of great food, meet some interesting people....it'll be awesome and it all starts in just a couple of hours.
Or....has it already started? Didn't it start almost a year ago....winning your division to earn the right to even attend? planning and fundraising for this very trip? hours upon hours of practices? hundreds upon thousands of shots taken on net? passes made? shots blocked and saved?? Isn't this event just the culmination of a year (or more) of all the effort that got you here to this very place.
(....okay, so I grabbed a beer while I was packing, but hear me out -- i'm not drunk, just a little..philisophical..)
No one can forsee the outcome or predict the results of what will occur this past week and culminate next Saturday. But what we all know for sure is that each and every one of us participating this week is already successfully in their own right -- having achieved the right to play by beating out numerous other teams and players -- in order to play at the highest level of competition this sport can offer here and now.
So to all of you heading out to Vancouver, remember to take some time out from all the competitiveness & gamesmanship to appreciate just BEING there, be proud and thankful -- there are plenty of players who would love to switch places with you.....regardless of who wins or doesn't win.
Gotta go charge some batteries...catch me in Vancouver!!
