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.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
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
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!!!
Monday, June 30, 2008
The training continues...
I think I might need to get a little more creative in what I write about for the next six weeks before we leave for Paris, but for now, a training update!!! I know, don't get too excited.
So I've worked out my final training schedule for the next six weeks before I leave. Early morning Bootcamp with Randy and the Kiwis will continue to be the main staple, followed up with one a week sessions on the bike with Dave and lifting afterwards. I'm still skating with my regular Tuesday skate but will also now have practice ice available with a team I was supposed to coach that goings to Japan in August.
So your question is who is Randy and the Kiwis. And what about this Dave character. Well, Randy and the Kiwis are not a bad rock bad for one. Randy is a triathlete who runs a Bootcamp program where strength, cardio, and sprints are the main parts of the program. The Kiwis are 5 guys from the New Zealand Air Force that train with us. It's pretty intense and we work pretty hard. Dave is the guru of the bike. He's about 6'4" and screams constantly for more effort. I usually feel pretty spent after 45 minutes with him.
Ok, so pretty boring, but I'll try and make things more interesting as the preparations continue.
So I've worked out my final training schedule for the next six weeks before I leave. Early morning Bootcamp with Randy and the Kiwis will continue to be the main staple, followed up with one a week sessions on the bike with Dave and lifting afterwards. I'm still skating with my regular Tuesday skate but will also now have practice ice available with a team I was supposed to coach that goings to Japan in August.
So your question is who is Randy and the Kiwis. And what about this Dave character. Well, Randy and the Kiwis are not a bad rock bad for one. Randy is a triathlete who runs a Bootcamp program where strength, cardio, and sprints are the main parts of the program. The Kiwis are 5 guys from the New Zealand Air Force that train with us. It's pretty intense and we work pretty hard. Dave is the guru of the bike. He's about 6'4" and screams constantly for more effort. I usually feel pretty spent after 45 minutes with him.
Ok, so pretty boring, but I'll try and make things more interesting as the preparations continue.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
New Skates, Sticks, Gloves
Over the last week, as the preparations continue to go over to France, I've purchased some new skates (Graf 703), and tried out some new sticks and gloves. Equipment is a pretty important part of the game for each individual player so customizing and breaking in each piece is an important part of the process.
I skated with some of the regulars I skate with every Tuesday mixed in with a couple players from the WHL and the Chinook League (AAA Senior). It was a pretty good skate and despite the new equipment, I felt pretty good.
The off-season training is continuing to go well as I continue to build strength and muscle mass.
I know it's a little boring right now, but I need the practice if I'm going to be doing this during the season. I'll post about more developments soon.
I skated with some of the regulars I skate with every Tuesday mixed in with a couple players from the WHL and the Chinook League (AAA Senior). It was a pretty good skate and despite the new equipment, I felt pretty good.
The off-season training is continuing to go well as I continue to build strength and muscle mass.
I know it's a little boring right now, but I need the practice if I'm going to be doing this during the season. I'll post about more developments soon.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Signing for big money
Okay, so I'm not really signing for the millions I wish I was, but I did sign my contract to play for the Asnieres Hockey Club Castors (Beavers) today. Only seven weeks until I leave for camp and there is so much to do still.
Oh, I guess I should welcome you to my chronicles of playing hockey in France.
Anyway, the contract has been signed and it's seven weeks until the plane leaves. I'm currently training five days a week while finishing up my work at my "real" job. We'll see how it goes, but the first step has been taken. I'll post again soon as the 12 month journey continues.
Saint
Oh, I guess I should welcome you to my chronicles of playing hockey in France.
Anyway, the contract has been signed and it's seven weeks until the plane leaves. I'm currently training five days a week while finishing up my work at my "real" job. We'll see how it goes, but the first step has been taken. I'll post again soon as the 12 month journey continues.
Saint
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