Picture Matthew Manor
#3 Blog entry April 6th
It was an early morning for all of us as the coaching staff was meeting with players one on one to announce the World Championship roster starting at 6:30am this morning. It was a stressful process for all and I assume many players did not sleep very well last night.
We had our last game yesterday. White won 4-3 in shootout on a beautiful goal by Delaney Collins. Delaney also saved the game for White with only a few minutes left when she went down butterfly style to block a shot behind her goalie who had misjudged her time and space coming out of her net to play the puck.. White deserved the victory outplaying us in the game. Kim St-Pierre who was traded to the red team earlier in the day made several acrobatic saves to keep us in the game. In the end the experience on the white team got the best of our team. Red still won the series winning the first 2 games!
The selection process is tough emotionally. Individually, you are happy to be on the team and have the privilege to represent Canada at the World Championship, but at the same time, you are sad to see some of your best friends get released. I am very proud of my Montreal Stars teammates Manu Blais and Noémie Marin who played better and better as the camp went on, finding the confidence to make a difference on the ice. It was Noémie’s birthday yesterday and for the occasion, she scored a beautiful goal on a great set-up by Marie-Philip Poulin. I have the upmost admiration for Noémie who played half of the season despite a major knee injury requiring surgery after the season and six months of rehabilitation after.
The team selection must have been very difficult on the coaches as several players had great camps. The dept of the talent in Canada is incredible and we could send the two teams from camp to the World Championship and do very well against international competition. The young players are extremely talented, confident and poised with the puck. They are also fit athletes as they grow into our under 18 and under 22 National teams program.
I am feeling pretty tired and glad that we are having a day off today. I will miss my best friend Noémie on my team as we have the same routine to prepare for practices and games warming-up together.
We are currently on the bus to Ann Arbour, Michigan for two games against Team USA tomorrow and Friday night. It will be the first time we faceoff against them since our overtime win at the 4 Nations Cup last November. Team USA is still in selection camp so we might see a different line-up as they will have for the World Championship. Time to join my teammates for an on-board nap!
Caro
Follow us at:
http://hockeycanada56.prismx.net/index.php/ci_id/16980/la_id/1/ss_id/75000/nr_id/163764.htm