Day 11 – Banská Bystrica – Game vs. EUHL Selects 1
Today was solely dedicated to our game against the EUHL Selects. This game was a big deal not only for us but also for them. We found that out quickly as we were handed lanyards for the players and later in the night we discovered they had put out posters and ads in the papers for this game. I was pretty pumped up all day long seeing that this was going to be my last appearance out here and that a lot of my friends and family back home were going to be watching. We went out for warmups and I saw them setting up some kind of a machine behind the boards behind my net. it turns out they had a light show and when we were introduced fire came out of these machines. FIRE. I don’t know if I was more nervous not to trip or not to set myself on fire. Worst case scenario would be both. Thankfully, all went smoothly other than being called Andrea. For real? The game started and I felt better than I had in a long time. I knew that all I had to do for my part was keep my team in the game and that is exactly what I did. I am not sure how many saves I had but it had to be around 10-15. It sucked getting off the ice knowing I wouldn’t be going back in. Especially since I was playing so well. I guess it is good to go out on a high note. We ended up winning one heck of a hockey game 3-2 in the shootout. After the game we had a dinner with the EUHL Selects and the went out to a sports bar with them afterwards. That is one of the things I love about hockey. No matter how much you hate each other on the ice, as soon as the final buzzer goes, you end up drinking with your opponent and watching the World Junior Classic until 2 AM. So much fun. Tomorrow we are back in Vienna for a little down time before our game tomorrow against a different EUHL Selects team who apparently are better than the team we played last night. Sorry for the late post but there was a mixup with our bus driver and all of my stuff was left on the bus overnight.
Link to the game video: http://www.huste.tv/c/4xFkJD
What a thrill it was to watch the game online and to see the exciting finale!! And in your case, going out on a high note is the “icing on the cake.” Had to be great fun having a beer afterwards with the opposition. Was there a language barrier, or did they all have English or are you now fluent in Slovak? Did you talk the game, school, politics, girls, or perhaps all of the aforementioned??
Well, you’re down to the last few days, Andrew, all good things come to an end. This was certainly a trip of a lifetime, doing something you love with like-minded people. I have a feeling you might get back again, especially to Bled……..perhaps skiing, as I believe it is a ski destination. Perhaps Grandma could traipse along……wouldn’t that be fun!!!! Ha-Ha, don’t be alarmed…..just kidding (maybe)
Hey Andrea it was really an exciting finish to the game with a great shoot out. Yes you had some great saves. What a great time having beers with the opposing team. That’s how it should be. I know this was a wonderful trip for you, one that you will always remember. I sure hope you can get back to Bled some day. Were there any college or Pro Scouts watching you guys, if so, did you meet any of them. Well we can’t wait to see you in a few days. Take care buddy, play tough. P.s. You do look a little like Henrik Lundquist.
Watched the game again on the site you gave us above Seen more action and I heard your name 3 times It so nice like you said in hockey the guys still get together and mingle after the game Are you picking up on some of the language Hope you still have a lot of fun in the next fewdays Going there again would be a dream but sking I cannot do That’s ok you seen things and met people with the different cultures Must be very interesting to you Do the team members just speak slovanian to you or do they know the English language? Have fun I know you loved the outcome of the game
Love the action shot pictures! Sounds like the ceremony was very exciting to be going through fire. How cool to hear that you were in the paper and on posters. You will not be forgotten over there. We are missing you back home and so proud of how you have been playing!!!!!!!!!#1 So how is it understanding the languages? Good luck in your next game. Go USA !!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you buddy
Andrew, thanks for sending the close up snap shots, they realy bring out you in action. Loved being able to see the whole game and look foreward the the next one today.
Hockey scouts or not— this whole experience is a marvelous addition to your already impresive resume and I’m certain that ACHA D3 SELECTS committee will make available to those interested, information and pictures, film of the whole trip.
One benefit will be with you forever and that is this life transforming experience will impact your future in many ways still to be determined. I know you will make the most of these final days even if you may not play.
Stay safe, proud and privileged to be your grandpa Larry.