Let the games begin

Now I have never been that good at sport, too clumsy and uncoordinated for my liking. Therefore, instead of playing or even teaching I like to watch, I guess this is where my inner tomboy gets to come out and say hello. You have to admire people with athletic ability and prowess, I know I do and it doesn't hurt if they are easy on the eye either. So it is that time of year again - the start of ice hockey season, but before I get into that I want to tell you about another exciting sport to watch. This past Friday I went along to the re-opening of the BC Place stadium, which had been closed for renovations since the 2010 Winter Olympics closing ceremony at the end of February 2010. The game that would mark the grand re-opening was that of the BC Lions vs. Edmonton Eskimos, a Canadian Football match. Minus one very big hiccup with our seating, it was amazing to be back in a stadium of this size and stature. The BC Lions did not disappoint on this occasion and both teams put on a great show under the watchful eye of a newly completed retractable roof. If you have ever watched a CFL or even a NFL game, you will know that it is a very stop and start process. As a result, four 15-minute periods of play may seem to go on forever. It is an interesting sport nonetheless and definitely one to watch at least once in your lifetime.

However, since my arrival to Vancouver, the sport that has really nestled its way into my heart is that of ice hockey. I cannot help but admire the ability of the players to not only be able to skate, but to also handle a puck and have a strong physical presence at the same time. It is a talent most definitely worth admiring and one I plan on spending the foreseeable future paying very close attention to. The team that will captivate me once again is the Vancouver Canucks, who created many moments of jubilation and despair last season by coming agonisingly close to being Stanley Cup champions. I know I will be joining other Vancouverites to get behind the Canucks and see if they can take it one step further this season. Go Canucks Go!