The new Twitter

Mrs. Ellis mentioned this in class today and, after many students begging her to show it to us, she did. I think it's amazing and really wish I had known about it yesterday so I could have included it in my debate. It would have fit perfectly. Enjoy!

Mr. Hockey

Wish I were that kid!
(Shorter version with better music)

Persevering Athlete

Every Olympic Games has one. An athlete with a touching story, someone who persevered and overcame tremendous obstacles or personal hardships. Someone who's story inspires the general non-athletic public. In my opinion, this year's compelling-athlete competed last night. Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette showed the world why she is an Olympic athlete as she performed brilliantly in the midst of an emotionally difficult time.

Read my reaction to her skate or watch the video and see it for yourself.
For more information, read these news articles: Skater's mother dies, Rochette fights through grief, Rochette rides wave of emotion

2010 Olympics

I want to be there on Feb. 12!

Olympic Hockey Roster

Canada's men's Olympic hockey roster came out today at noon ET. I was thrilled to see the names of some players that I'd hoped would make the final cut (including, Shea Weber and Duncan Keith - both former Kelowna Rockets players - as well as Brent Seabrook and Scott Niedermayer, all four from BC). I was less enthusiastic about some other names, but it seems like the coaches and executive director put a lot of thought and planning into making the final roster. I think there is a good blend of experienced older players and energetic younger ones and hopefully the team is a recipe for success. I'd love to see a repeat of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics where both our men's and women's hockey teams won gold!

Some team stats:
Captain - Scott Niedermayer (Anaheim Ducks)
Youngest player - Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings), 20
Oldest player - Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils), 37
Most experience - Scott Niedermayer is the only player to win all six of the major North American and International championships (Olympic gold, World Championship gold, World Junior Championship gold, World Cup, Stanely Cup, Memorial Cup)
Most Olympic experience - Martin Brodeur and Chris Pronger (Philadelphia Flyers) will be competing in their fourth Olympics while Jarome Iginla (Calgary Flames) will play in his third Olympics
Province most represented - Ontario with eight players

According to CBCSports.ca, "Canada will go for the country's seventh gold and 13th medal overall in men's hockey since 1924. In addition to the likes of Russia, Sweden, Finland and the United States, Canada is going up against recent history — the last team from a host country to win the men's tournament was the United States at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y."