Today is a two-game hockey day. Just like a tournament back home. An early rise at 630 AM made for a long day when our second game was at 7 PM. Our first game against Helsingborg was our most exciting game so far. With the opposition up 7-3 in the third, Crescent dug deep and came back to tie the game 7-7. With strong goaltending and intense forechecking we managed to fend off a PP in the last minute as well as scoring a shortie. Game two was a bit lopsided in our favor. 8 - 2 was the final with Crescent easing up on the gas a bit in the third. Malmo Redhawks were fantastic hosts finishing off the day with a traditional Swedish dinner of meatballs, potatoes, gravy, and the famous lingonberry sauce. What an incredible experience for all the boys, parents, and coaches. Smiles all around, sincere handshakes, and genuine embracing of parents from the Swedish hockey teams made the experience a trip of a lifetime.
Our last day in Gothenburg started with a sleep in and then farewell lunch at noon. Chicken alfredo pasta, meatloaf and roasted potatoes was on the menu. Dessert was chocolate brownies with fresh whipping cream. Everyone enjoyed lunch. After the meal Coach Joe and I handed out awards to all the boys as well as a custom Crescent pin representing Canada and Crescent together. Each award was carefully crafted to reflect the players humorous personalities. It was a lot of fun. The players in turn gave Coach Volpe and Coach Johnson a Malmö jersey signed by each player. What a great keepsake. At 2PM most of the group traveled to the Scandinavium Area for the Bronze medal went out for dinner after and returned for the Gold match between Sweden and the USA. What incredible games. A huge comeback for the Czechs over Finland to win 8-5 and at 730 PM the USA defeated Sweden 6-2 even though Sweden outplayed the USA for the majority of the game. The skill level was incredible...
After a comfortable three hour bus ride watching the countryside change in front of our eyes, we arrived in a snowy wonderland. Oslo had about ten centimeters of snow fall over the last couple of days making it even more special. What a beautiful city. The architecture was spectacular and it's development along the waterfront is extraordinary. Our visit to the Olympic ski jump site, Holmenkollen, was a highlight of the day as was the Oslo Opera House. Both are significant structures in own their unique way. After our guided tour we were given time to enjoy the downtown on our own before dinner at TGI Friday's. Shopping, shopping, shopping, eating, eating, eating! Another fantastic day in the books. Sees i morgen!
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