It's been one of those times when I've decided to renew my interest in blogging.  Hockey has wrapped up, mostly because I've got a bad knee and skating is difficult...running is out of the question and I am left wondering what I am to do with myself. 

Well...I've turned back to a hobby I had when I was at high school, and as dorkie as it seems, I'm enjoying it immensely.  I'm speaking of course of playing Magic: the Gathering.  At this stage of my life this seems very odd, but hugely enjoyable, mostly because it gives me another outlet to think and plan, and scheme.  Some of my old friends from my previous playing days have crawled back out of the woodwork, and I've connected with a few new people as well, making for a very enjoyable mix of old and new.  I'll keep you guys posted on how this shapes up in the next little while and where this new adventure leads me.

Thanks for reading.

Jr. C East Ottawa v. Rockland, Gm.5

So, I've been a referee for 16 seasons. In my time I have lots of big games...but most as a linesman. However, last night I had something different. I was the referee at an elimination game...and one team was knocked out. That is a first for me...and it was a game to remember.

I arrived at the rink, plenty early as is the norm for me, and started to get ready. However, before the game had even begun I had a member of the league come to me and explain that I would have my hands full as the teams had been very chippy in the previous game. East Ottawa was down 3-1 in the series, but were at home, and expecting a lively home rink to help push them to try and push the series to another game. Any good hockey person knows the combination of desperation, a lively crowd, and a good level of animosity makes for the best hockey...but is a nightmare for the referee as you are never quite sure what you are going to see.

The game started and it was a fast and very hard affair. However, what really stood out was that 2 minutes into the game, the East Ottawa fans showed up...ALL of them Ottawa U students and straight from a Keg Party. The were noisy, drunken, and very belligerent. Perfect. East Ottawa clearly responded to the roar of the crowd and grabbed an early lead and were up 2-1 after the first.

The 2nd was a different story. The teams got a little undisciplined, took some more penalties, and they took their tool. However, Rockland capitalized and by the end of the 2nd were up 4-2 making for an interesting and lively third.

The air was starting to get the thick as the crowd smoked their "wacky Tabaccy" and continued to drink...and the teams came out and went back and forth. Neither team managed to squeeze until teh 10 minute mark when East Ottawa managed to pot a 3rd goal to make it 4-3. The crowd roared and loved every second of it. The last 10 minutes was very tense as East Ottawa pushed to score another, and Rockland did everything they could to keep it out. It came down to the last minute and with the goalie out, East Ottawa tried desperately to score the equalizer. However, at the final buzzer, no such luck, and Rockland held on to the win. The crowd was clearly deflated, but the Rockland fans loved seeing their team put away their foes on East Ottawa ice. All in all, it was a very good and entertaining game and the fans got their money's worth.

However, a Junior C is never without an incident...and on the way out of the rink not fewer than 4 police cruisers could be seen dealing with the Rowdy crowd. I was left to my own devices and headed off with out delay and was happy to be done the game and very pleased with the game as a whole.

Thanks folks...gotta love the playoffs!

Bruce

The Mongoose is hard at work!!

The hockey season keeps on trucking...playoffs abound...and I'm in the midde of it.

However, I have another issue on my mind and not hockey...because there IS life after hockey. My girfriend and I have been together an astounding 6 years! Good heavens! We have survived long distance reationships, countless "changes in the plan", and have even purchased a home together. What's the next step? Well, isn't it obvious? You guessed it, we're getting married. I'm very excited about the idea of marrying this fantastic girl...but the process of getting married is far larger than I had ever imagined.

This weekend we went to Ottawa Wedding show...now Katie went first...and I followed a couple of hours later (so she could look at the dresses!) and browsed around. I was astounded at just how expesive EVERYTHING was! Maybe I'm naive...but good LORD...photographers, wedding cake, even the invitations cost a small fortune! There's checklists, options, budgeting, avaiability, and hidden costs with every detail. Now folks, this may come as a surprise to you all, but I don't like it when things are unneccessarily difficult...I ike simple things...heck...I'm a guy...but this process is going to drive me crazy. We'll see if I can make it to the wedding date! Hopefully.

In other news, one of my classes performed their play on Friday...the others go on Tuesday AM...so I'm crossing my fingers and hoping everything goes smoothly.

I'm going to head off...hockey somewhere needs the help of the Mongoose...so I will done my secret identity and hit the rinks!! To the Mongoose Mobile!

Another weekend of playoffs...and more messes

Gang, when we last left off I was railing about playoff fiasco's...and sure enough it has struck all over again.

This past weekend we were in the heat of the playoff season with every game being crucial. I had a Crucial Game 5 in a Midget AA series...a Jr. C game 3 in Embrun...a deciding AAA game, and another AAA game where a player went head first into the boards trying to make his hit that he gave himself a potential spinal (oh...and a 40 minute delay). I hope the player is ok...no one ever wants to see an injury...but it was a pressure packed weekend for sure.

However, these were all competitive teams with significantly more discipline than their houseleague comrades. This weekend we had not 1, but 2, 9.6 calls. For those not into the Hockey Canada Rulebook lingo, that means the officials were physically abused or harrassed. I'm sorry...did I just say 2!! Yup...you got it! It is just indicative of the lack of composure and discipline of players that they are willing to do anything NEARING this, let alone actually to sock an official. Further, we had a full line brawl and several other suspendable offences. It's amazing that there are any players left to play!!

My point in all this is that we all watch the NHL and see the level of physicality that is used at that level during playoffs. The NHL is a world of professional hockey playing machines, predicated on entertainment, and fueled by money and TV ratings...very different from minor OR junior hockey for sure. However, the expectation is that the officials in our rinks are going to relent in the penalty calls and "let the teams sort it out". There are times when this strategy can work and the hockey is entertaining and engaging...but in most cases it results in frustration and anger because the players SAY that they want it, but don't understand how this is a 2 way street and that the other team will be pushing the enveloppe just as hard. As a result, both teams feel like the other is getting away with "dirty play" (the word used by a coach this weekend to describe his game). This is no good. Once again the NHL does little to advance minor hockey, to develop the social skills of teamwork, respect, and fun that it is supposed come from organized sport, and leave children, parents, officials, and administrators thoroughly exhausted.

While playoffs can be fun, we need to step back for a second and concentrate on what really makes hockey great...is it winning at all costs? To what end? I think hockey has more going for it...but this so often lost and obscured by playoffs that we lose sight.

Just my two cents...but what do I know.

Bruce

Feb 2010- ohh playoffs

So, hockey season is in the process of winding down, but that of course means we need to make it through playoffs. I can't keep all the leagues straight, but let me assure you it is pretty well all a big fiasco.

Here's my problem with playoffs. I understand competitive teams have a lot riding on playoffs. Really...I do...but here's my question for teams/players/coaches/parents/fans. Who do you think is reffing your game? Oh right...the same guys who reffed your league all season long. You didn't like them and complained bitterly about them...and now you expect everything to go smoothly? Surely you jest. So, the solution is to go and get me...word on the street is that I'm good...that I have a pretty good sense of what to call...and all the rest...but yet I show and you STILL scream like I just kicked your dog!! C'mon. Give me a break.

Now houseleague...that's even worse. I can positively assure you that you are getting officials with less experience...so why are you shocked when things go sideways? And why are you even more perplexed when I show up? Do you even know why you're mad? No...I figured not.

So folks...for playoffs...do everyone a favour...and just CHILL OUT! It'll be ok...I promise...but you just need to stop yelling, think for 5 seconds...and then maybe let me do my job. Trust me...most of us figure it out if you give us a chance.

Later,

Bruce

Back in action

wow...its been a long time since I posted...

Let's bring this up to speed in short order. I'm back from my year abroad in sunny Glasgow and loved every minute. I back in Canada and now working as a supply teacher. Its nice to be putting my education to use, but it is difficult to find a full time position. I tutor some students at one local school in some math, I volunteer at a second, and will work anywhere that will call me. Here's to hoping that I can land more work in 2008!!

I also am back in the swing of things as a referee. Hockey hasn't changed a bit depite being away for the last year. The players and faces have all changed, but it is still full of ridiculousness and people who take hockey way too seriously...but it does help to pay the bills...and rumour has it I'm pretty good...so I find myself pretty busy.

I hope everyone has had a nice holiday season and is getting back into the swing as well. I'll try to keep this more up to date, because you just never know who might be interested in keeping up with busy live.

Take care,

Bruce

What is new with me?

What’s new with me you ask?

It’s been close to two months since I last posted up on this blog. It’s not for a lack of things going on in my life…perhaps it’s the opposite…because let me assure you life has been very hectic. I’ll do my best to bring you all up to speed.

February-

The hockey season continued unabated. I started finding myself working the games at Braehead, the big rink in Glasgow where the Paisley Pirates have moved to. I suppose as the local linesman I made sense, but I got sick of spending so many weekends there. I spent 7 straight weekends at the Pirates games…fun as it was I would have appreciated a change in venue.

I started my nursery placement and it was a lot of fun. They were busy days…playing with 40, 3 and 4 year olds can be more than a little draining let me assure you. However, the teachers were all very supportive of my efforts and seemed enthusiastic to help me. I got a nice review from them, so that appreciated. The best story from the 9 days in placement was the little boy who suffered from a learning disability ( he had developmental delay and could hardly speak). He took an immediate liking to me because I was a man…to be honest most of the boys liked having me around. However, this little boy liked me so much that he decided that he wanted to hang on my shoulders…which was fine…until he pooped his pants. Yeah…the wee one pooped his pants…he was only 3 after all…but it was a bit of shock to my system.

On the plus side Dave Humphrys stopped by “sunny” Glasgow for a few days. I think he appreciated being in a modern society after his trip to Africa climbing mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. I met him in the pouring rain on Tuesday night (the 27th) and had to leave him to his own devices largely because I was also in placement. However, I think he had a good time and I did my best to help him enjoy.

March-
Dave stayed until the 5th of March and we celebrated the weekend by heading out to Stavca, a Russian themed bar on Sauciehall street. Let me assure you, I don’t usually head out and so this was a special occasion. It ended up with us wandering around the residence, well “augmented” and settling down for a midnight snack in the flat of some of the girls. Dave fell asleep…so Ed and I left him there…silly fool! He was woken up several hours later by some of the girls who did not recognize the giant sleeping on their couch…and Dave, being well “augmented”, could only respond “ummm…Bruce’s Friend…apartment?” The girls were nice and sent him in the right direction…priceless.

Hockey started to wind down. The pro games were almost over for the season, which suited me fine, but the last three in March saw me showing the ropes to my replacement. Young Scotty Dalgleish is only 17 years old and has only been reffing for a year and half but he has been picked to work the Elite league next season out of Edinburgh. Well, he was getting a taste of what the “show” was all about and I was supposed to show him the ropes…in Canada we call this “babysitting” although that isn’t exactly fair to Scotty. He’ll be fine, but it sort of left me wondering why I was being charged with such a task. I’ll do it…I don’t much mind…but surely the logical choice would have been the guy he’ll be working with next season.

I started my last placement with my P3 class. I’m at the same school as the nursery was at…just across the road. That’s a good deal for me because it’s a nice school and the train runs straight there. I walked in to the school and asked initially to which class I was supposed to be in…and nobody really seemed to know. They called the office and after three calls they finally got the answer. Swell. The class is nice although I will have a harder time planning lessons. In my class are several students who have significant learning difficulties including an Autistic boy, another who suffered brain damage as an infant, a dyslexic girl, and other issues. However, the teacher seems nice and prepared to help me do well at this. Now it’s just up to me to do my work and to be a good teacher.

Last but not least, my parents came to visit me. I felt bad that I couldn’t spend more time with them, but I did enjoy seeing them while they were here. I think they enjoyed the time in Scotland because on their last visit they had avoided Glasgow. So, a few nice meals with them and some news from home and they too had to return back to Canada. A little sad, but I’ll be home soon.

April-

April started with us getting off school. We have a two week break around Easter and so I took the opportunity to do a little travelling. Ed and I went to Dublin on the 2nd and spent a few days in Ireland. The weather was a amazing and I loved the city. I would certainly go back again. We saw most of the major attractions in town and walked all over the city. I liked the National Museum of Ireland who had a very interesting exhibit on the Irish Rebellion of 1916. I also liked the Temple Bar district where you were able to experience authentic Irish music and pub culture without the sense that you were being trampled. It was very nice.
On the 5th Ed and I flew to Paris and experienced all that France has to offer. We visited Vimy Ridge on the Friday, which was spectacular because the weather was fabulous, the 90th anniversary was fast approaching, and the place was a hive of activity. The voyage to Vimy was ok…I rented a car and that worked out ok, but the ride home was an adventure. It took me 2 hours to negotiate the last 15km of highway and city street to return the car. It got a little wild highlighted by me breaking the law with U-turns, taking bus lanes, illegal turns, and some daring manoeuvres. However, once Vimy was taken care of we turned to the Metro as our primary form of transportation and got everywhere we wanted. The Louvre, Musee D’orsay, the Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe, and pretty much everything else eventually found themselves into my camera sights. My personal highlight was visiting Napoleon’s crypt housed at l’hotel des Invalides. For someone who lost the war Napoleon has the single grandest crypt I have ever seen. All his generals surround his coffin…which is 5 coffins one inside the other and housed in a Cathedral gilded with 12kg of gold leaf. Kind of Pompous if you ask me…but that’s ok…I didn’t wage a war across Europe either.

After Paris I returned to Glasgow long enough to sleep for 6 hours and then I was back on a plane…but this time back to Canada for a short visit. My visit was to Fredericton where I visited Katie. It was a nice visit and the change of pace was good…a good deal less hectic. I needed the respite and a chance to spend a little quality time back in Canada.
So…I’m back to Glasgow…and 6 weeks of teaching. The end is in sight…it seems hard to imagine that in about 9 weeks I’ll be back in Canada for good, but I’m looking forward to it. Scotland has been great and there will be a few last adventures before I’m done…but I’ll be happy to set foot in Canada and stay there. It just seems hard that when I return I’ll be a trained teacher and looking for work…it seems surreal.

Anyway...that's all for now. I'll try to do better on my posts so that you can all be kept up to date.

So long from Scotland,

Bruce

These are some of the photos taken on my travels.