EXHIBITION HOCKEY Tuesday December 13, 2005

Left Hotel Dogana Vecchia, a wonderful old place with marble floors and high ceilings and hallways which go dark if you don’t walk fast enough and push the glowing button on the wall. A construction truck parked with flashing lights in the road blocked our exit, causing a fifteen minute delay as others tried to FIND the driver?? Driving to Sergio’s across town, (our bags were finally delivered there), we accidentally drove to a women’s prison, but our cell phone worked (thank you Roadpost!) we arrived on time for lunch at a an authentic trattoria; dopo/apres, the vital email and internet connection at Avila Studios. Paolo F phoned with tickets for the Italia/Canada Supermatch at Palasport Olimpico - Torino. At the press window, tickets in an envelope for us! The stadium brand-spanking new and not quite completed either!



We sat next to a group of Canadians here on a work visa, great to see the little red and white maple leaf flag waving in a baby’s hand. Very fast game! The Italians played agressively, a few penalties and power plays, but in the end goalee Corey Hirsch shut them out with only one goal to our 2. The stadium was so bright, there were 40 cheerleaders dancing around in unison in the stands, all young, all thin, all beaming. A Canadian flag on the back of someone across the stadium ran up the stairs as Brandon Reid scored; but when Italians got their goal massive cheering, stomping and thumping. It had been so long since I’d been to a live game, and its visceral appeal came back as I re-acquainted myself with the collective gasp. Gord said Sit down! In Europe when you whistle it’s like a boo!We were definitely outnumbered. Mike, an ex-pat in Italy took our photo with the team in the background. Now if he would only send it!