Every day, twice a day

So I don't have any pictures for this update, although I might try and take some over the next couple of days. This week however has been all about training camp. We are currently in the middle of doing a week of two a day workouts before our first exhibition game this weekend against Rouan.

As for the two a days, the first workout is at 11:30 and typically is done by 1:00. It's an off-ice workout where we lift weights, run sprints, do some light jogging, lots of core strength, and if the coach is feeling generous and we have worked hard, a little soccer at the end. Since the weather has been beautiful this week, we have been working outdoors which has been pleasant.

The second workout is on the ice where we practice from 8:15 to 9:45. In case I haven't mentioned it, our coach is Russian and subscribes to the theory that lots of skating should be done in practice. And do we ever skate. The team looks like it will be hard working bunch, maybe a little bit short on talent, but hardworking. Everyone wants to compete and do well, which is what you want.

Anyway, it's almost time to head to the rink. Time for another workout!

French Bread

If there is one thing that I can say the French do much much better then Canada, it's baking bread and other delightful pastries. I can tell you this much, Tim Horton's donuts are no match to a good pain au chocolate.

During the past week I have felt obliged to check out the local bakeries in Asnieres to find out who might be my regular baker for the year. Since I am currently in pre-season camp for the team, I see no reason why my baker's should not be in camp (competing for the chance to feed me) as well.

As much as I love pain au chocolate, a fresh baguette is also quite the treat. It's a rare treat in Canada, but in France, if you see a lineup outside a bakery, it means that there is no bread left and fresh stuff is in the oven. Such was the scene I came accross today, so what did I do, I stood in line with the French and a fresh bagutte was my treat.

Fresh baguette and an apple. A perfect afternoon snack!

David & Mindy Video

As I'm hoping to be adding videos to the blog this year, I created a little something for my wonderful wife Mindy. Enjoy!

First Day. Ahhh...Paris

So anyone who has moved from one continent to another can totally relate to the culture shock and adjustments that have to be made. Different food, jet-lag, and different technology all play a part in the process.

I'm currently having a little difficulty accessing my hotmail account here, so for anyone who has sent me a message, please be patient while I figure out this little issue.

Moving on to more interesting topics, my new Finnish friends decided that to help me get accustomed to France, we were to embarque last night on an expedition to the tourist zone of Paris (Eiffel Tower, Champs d'Elysses, etc) with the intent of getting some dinner. In the end, it was quite the adventure.

The team provides a car to the imports on the team that looks exactly like the car from Back to Future and sounds like a lawnmower. Driving in France is a alot different then in Canada and I was glad to let Mika do the driving. Lanes are either simply a suggestion or non existent and we only just escaped certain death on the traffic circle at the Arc de Triomphe. After finding a parking spot where we hoped we would not get ticketted, we went out for a great french meal at...The Great Canadian Pub. A Moosehead beer with a cheeseburger, salad and fresh cut fries was a great introduction to French cusine.

The team car. It's almost like a Ferrari...almost

Filling the car with gas was a team effort.

Dinner at the Great Canadian Pub.

Arrival in Asnieres!!!

Finally!!! After many months of planning, I have touched down in France. For those of you who have never travelled to Europe from Edmonton, it can be quite a trek. A nice little four hour plane ride from Edmonton to Toronto, followed by sitting in a plane on the runway in Toronto while Air Canada figures out if we have the right cargo on board, a nice little seven hour cruise accross the Atlantic....and I have arrived.

So needless to say, I'm a little jet lagged. It's almost six at night and my body thinks its 10:00 am. Should be a fun night (think I'll sleep much???).

Moved into the team accomadations where I will be living at least for the first month of the season until my beautiful wife joins me in on the eastern side of the little pond. Met a couple of my new teammates as well (The Fins - Tommi and Mikka). Mikka's girlfriend (Annika) is also here with us. We broke bread together and Annika volunteered to do the dishes for the boys. The Frat House has been established!!!

More to come later.

Saint

The sum of my possesions for the next 10 months.

My HUGE room in the team digs.

Four weeks plus a day.

So we have finally figured out our flights to Paris and I will be leaving on August 19th to Paris. Unfortunatly Mindy will be be coming over about four weeks after that in September once our palace has been properly outfitted for a princess of her status.

So given that we are rapidly approaching the date of departure (at least for me), it was time to take off to our cabin at Gull Lake for a weekend of waterskiing, tubing and good food surrounded by even better friends.

I had a fantastic week of training last week and am feel like my fitness level is being pushed higher daily. I'll see if I can dig up some pictures for my next post.

I am a Beaver!!!

Actually a Castor. I just figured I should provide the english translation. I figured that I should post something about the team and where I will be playing during the upcoming season. Again, I feel like this is only filler until I actually depart for Asnieres in just over a month.

The Asnieres Hockey Club Castors is a D2 team in the French league that's only about 10,000 leagues below the NHL. It is considered semi-professional as all the players typically work outside of playing hockey. The team is allowed to carry four imports during the season (players that are not from France) with a limit of two from outside the European Union. For the upcoming season, the team has signed a two players from Finland (a goalie and a defensemen) as well as another Canadian from Quebec who will be relied on for offence as he is the only import forward. I round out the import quota as a Canadian defensemen.

Anyway, here is picture of the team logo as well as one of the rink.

The logo poorly taken from the team website

Looks like a beauty!!!