Wrapping up and getting ready for the 36hrs of door to door travel

With the days coming to a close there were many things still to see and do. Some would turn out to be impossible since it rained today, but luckily we had already been to the beach. And with Brian having to fly out 3 hrs before the rest of us, we have to leave that much earlier. So this leg of the trip will be a 36hr door to door hop, skip and a jump all the way to Taipei.

Yesterday we went to Sandspit and had a day at the only full time amusement park on PEI. Go-karts, rollercoaster and mini golf were on the menu along with a few other smaller rides. All 11 guys were on the Go-kart track together and that made for a very interesting race with many miscommunications and a few bumps and crashes.

Then it was off to do some shopping and try to have some local food, clam strips. Some of the boys weren't too adventurous and opted for Subway, but those that went for the local catch of the day were treated to a delicious meal. It was then back to Sandspit for more golf and finishing off the day with a final goodbye to grandma and a walk along the shore to look for sea glass. This is a new trend and some great gems can be found if you are lucky.

Today was a day to finalize the packing, pick up some more hockey gear and eat the famous PEI lobster. We will wrap out the evening with some horseback riding and a meal with more friends and family.

Basin Head and East Point

Since coming back to PEI I have noticed that electronics world is really far behind here. It is like they are living in their own little bubble. I guess it is not so much the things that you can get but the services that are available.

For example, trying to upload pictures from the homestead is impossible, or takes three days to get it done, hence the lack of colourful photos. Then there is the cell phone service. It disappears just about anywhere inside or behind walls dirt mounds and gofer holes. When we arrive in East Point I was quickly told the my phone would not work there as we had past in to the "black hole" when we drove or the hill.

If you know PEI you know it is basically flat but service is so horrible that when we had travelled over the hill, 200m away, service was impossible and your phone would roam until it died. Needless to say we had a great day at the beach; even the three that decided to be really Asian and play with their phones while hiding under a jacket. We had first gone to Basin Head, a very popular beach due to the small walking bridge and wharf. Even though there is a sign that states 'Jumping from the bridge or platform is strictly prohibited', there are swarms of people waiting for their chance.

So why did we go there, of course to jump from the wharf. So off we went 6 Taiwanese young men and one afro Islander to leap into the cold east ocean. Truly it is very safe as the current moves slowly out to a sand bar and there are 4 lifeguards on duty at all times. All you need to be able to do is jump, float and walk because the sandbar stops you from floating out to Newfoundland. Everyone really like it and repeated the feat a few times.

Then it was off to East Point to see a light house that over 125 years old. It is still in operation but has now been automated so there is no need for a watchman anymore. There are a few interesting stories about the Light House but the one that had the biggest reaction was the fact the horse hair is used as insulation.

It wasn't the longest day that we have had but I noticed that they were all worn out. They all were asleep on the drive back...except Kevin.

Photos to come when I make it back to the up to date world.

Exhibition Game and First Day of Travel

On Saturday a game against the Rip Tide was arranged. The Rip Tide is a spring league team that are coached and trained by the Andrew's Hockey Growth Programs. They are usually the top level or most dedicated hockey players on PEI. Up until this year, they were the only spring hockey team on PEI so they would travel to play games.

In the past they had been to Boston, Ottawa, Sweden and other places to play in tournaments. Graduates from this team are often drafted into the OHL, WHL, and QMJHL. (Major Jr. Hockey Leagues) and some will even continue their careers in the NHL like Brad Richards or on Team Canada in the case for Brandon Gormely (U18).

I think we were all expecting a very tough match and maybe even a heavy beating. Fortuately for us we had made some huge improvements in many hockey areas, mostly in conditioning and skating and the final score was 4-2 for them. We were controlling the puck pressure for the first 5 mins and the Rip Tide was not able to get the puck out of their end. Some parents of the Rip Tide late told me that they were actually worried about the result and were shocked at the level of our team.

This Rip Tide team is made up of players born in 96-97, so we had some players older and some younger, but our core was the same as them. Jack scored both goals and one was a slap shot over the right shoulder from top of the circle, a great shot!

This morning we went to Brudenell and were in the canoes and kayaks for about 2 hrs. Then it was off to the Land of Anne for a 30km bike ride. I was able to attend the water exercise but they were with the tour guides for the bike ride.

After the bike ride it was off to have dinner with some family friends and have a bonfire next to the ocean. Unfortunately my camera was at home. I did manage to take some pictures of the canoeing and kayaking. However, they don't seem to want to upload so stay tuned for the update.

Video's from the weeks

This is a video of the gym that they were training in for two hours a day for the past 5 days.

Danny's penalty shot from the Skills Competition

Ricky's penalty shot from the Skills Competition

Tony's Birthday and a visit from the Mayor

Today was a special day for our boy Tony, he turned 14. So the boys purchased a nice gift for him and I was able to find a Taiwanese restaurant and get some take out. Also a large ice-cream cake was in order. It is amazing the number of Asians (mostly Chinese) that have moved here since I left.

Eralier in the day the Mayor of Charlottetown Clifford Lee dropped in to visit the camp as Andrew Hockey Growth Programs is in it 30th year. A photo was taken with a few of the other international players. One from Japan, Norway, Switzerland and a few of our boys that were not training. He had already heard about the boys and cancelled a meeting to come see them.

Also featured in the picture are Josh Andrews and Doug Shepherd.

Day Nine-Eleven; Inspriation from NHL players

The synthetic ice and off ice trainings have been really exhausting for the boys. So much so that it has been getting harder get them up in the morning, get them to be on time and to get them to really push themselves.

So today when two players showed up late for their skate, I decided it was time to lay down a little punishment and everyone had to go on an extra 20min run at a time when they would normally be about to rest.

After this Kris MacPhee, the Director of Off-ice Programs, spoke to the boys along with Mark Flood (New York Islanders organization) and Randy Cameron (Detroit Red Wings organization) about the determination and sweat that it takes to be successful; not only for hockey, but in everyday life. He tried to make them understand that when you are tired, you have to mentally try more and physically push yourself. If you train harder when you are tired then in pressure situations you will be more victorious.

This seemed to spark them and they had more jump in their training today.

Last night we went to visit my cousin for a BBQ and there the boys meet Buffalo Sabers scout and ex-NHL play Al Macadam. My cousin is married to his son who is also a trainer and teacher. Jon Macadam (cousin’s husband) trains NHL and university level hockey players. They both were extremely interested in the boys and there hockey ability.

After the BBQ we were joined by some volleyball players for a game of beach volleyball. Tommy L is actually quite good out there. This really made the legs more tired and I think was the reason they also over slept.

Day Eight--Synthetic Ice and Hockey Haven

Day 8 was the first day of the synthetic ice and off ice conditioning training. That is one full hour on the energy draining synthetic ice two hours in the gym and then one more hour of open ice to ourselves.

The synthetic ice has 33% more resistance and 30min is equivalent to one hour on the real ice. The focus is on shooting, strength building and in tight control. While in the gym they will be exposed to core strengthening and endurance training.

These will be long days, with the first group starting at 8:30 and getting off the ice at 10:30pm. Very little time to get into trouble, but I am sure they will find a way to squeeze that in!

Day Seven-- Starting to lose count of the days

After training for the past 6 days on an average of 6 hrs a day the boys were really wiped out and were too tired to make the skate down to meet their parents on the web camera in front of the Province House. So we took a relaxing day instead and did a little touring later in the afternoon. Prince Edward Island is the location where Confederation took place. We toured around the water front and then headed back to our rooms for a little pizza and video games.

For those that don't know, Canada was finally joined together went all the leaders of various areas (of the British ruled area) came to PEI to finalized Confederation. The Province House was the location of this meeting. Most areas of the Province House are still in use today.

Another interesting story is in (I believe) 1999 there was a pipe bomb exploded at the front entrance to the Province House. At the time, a friend of mine was the first person in the scene to help the injured pedestrians. He used my sister’s jacket to cover the wound of one person. The rescuer was my sister’s boyfriend and my roommate at university.

Day Six (con't)--Harbor Hippo

After the final game of the week we (inline) skated to the water front to board the Harbor Hippo, a converted amphibious army vehical used to tour around the city and into the city harbor.

After the Hippo the boys skated back to the apartments to cook up spaghetti and make some posters for the web camera meeting in the morning.

Here are some pictures from the Hippo.

As you see the ride was a little to comfortable for some.

Here is a short video of the Hippo entering the water.

Day Five and Six--Wrapping Up

After just over one week on PEI the boys have finished the first week of training. All in all it was a big success and there were some major improvements in most of the players.

They all made new friends and as the coaches at Andrew’s have learn some of the friends made here could turn into to life long buddies. Some even end up being big time hockey stars like the name on the hockey jersey to the right.

I hope they will all be able to have another chance to get back here as many of the parents and player enjoyed being able to meet and play with hockey players from Taiwan.

I was able to only take three group photos as some games were over lapping.

(more videos to come)

Day Four--Hump Day

This is probaly the most difficult day to get through. It is the middle of the week, the legs are really getting tired and mentally the players are feeling drained. So here at Andrews they bring in the much hated Phantom Sinper.

The identity of the Phantom Sniper is never revealed but I have been able to pry out of them the names of past snipers such as Sidney Crosby and Brad Richards. Unfortunately for the Phantom, he is not well liked and often buckles to the pressure. (video to come)

Later in the evening I was able to take some video of the game for the Magic Hand and Art of Scoring group. Here is a highlight of Kevin scoring and celebrating. In this game Brian was named as the top defensive player.

Later in the evening the boys were treated to a great home cooked meal of Sweet and Sour meatballs, westren Chinese food.

Day Three--Jumping into the heat

Finally we had our first real sunny day.

Perhaps it was the sunshine, but it quickly became obvious that all the players were getting used to eachother and they we starting to blend together much more. The Taiwanese boys seemed to be the center of attraction as most players in their groups wanted to learn some Mandarine.

Today I was able to follow around Group C they were in the classroom to see a video on the proper/most efficient skating technique. They then were able to see themselves on video from the morning skate and do a self critique and be critiqued by the coaches.

After lunch and a little down time it was time to test physical fitness. Push ups, sit ups, vertical jump, height and weight were all taken today. I have to say that all the Taiwanese boys could stand to do much more work on strength.

In their game today, Jack got first star and Jerr was third. However do to all the running about I wasn't unable to see all the games.

Day Two-- The pain begins

So today was the first real day of camp and it came with many sucesses. In each of the games (4) all the players performed well and every one won their games. In the PeeWee Division, Tommy Chen was 2nd Star, Andrew Chu was top defensive player and many more had goals and assist in their respective games.

All the boys were extremely worn out by the end of the day but I am certain the energy will be high again tomorrow.

The thing that impressed me most is how all the boys are getting along with the new friends that they are making. Hearing them teaching Chinese words (not the best ones) and hanging out with the boys. Even celebrating as a group or encouraging others after a good play. Those are the moments that have been the most impressive thus far.

The buzz is around the rink to and everyone knows about the 'Chinese Boys' and there has been a lot of interest in the hockey scene in Taiwan.

Day One-Orientation

After 17.5 hrs of flying, 7 hrs of layovers, 3 airplanes and 4 hrs in a van we had finally arrived on PEI crossing the longest bridge in the world, the Confedertion Bridge.

The total tirp seemed quite flawless as no one was sick, lost, hurt or complained about anything. The only scare happend when one of the player thought he lost his passport. That would have been an interesting conversation with both immigration and the parents.

Today is Day One of the hockey camp and I think all and players are anxious to get on the ice. The complex here on PEI has two sheets of ice as well as to miniture synthethic ice surfaces and a hockey spacific off ice trianing center. This is something that none of these players have ever seen and I am certain they will be blown away.

Do to the rainy weather we haven't been able to do the stuff as planned so instead the boys spent a few hours in the swimming pool in the Cari Center. A great spot to blow off some excess energy and for some of the boys try and meet some of the local girls!

National Roller Hockey Championships

We just returned from the sunny Chang Hwa in the southern part of Taiwan. With scorching heat baring down on all the participants the games were slow in the day time and took a faster more excite pace in the evenings.

Our Jr High team invoked some revenge on Saturday night winning 2-1 over a team that we lost to 5-1 in the previous year. This win qualified us for the final 4 and the opportunity to get out of the heat and rest the heat stricken bodies.

Day two wasn't as kind to the team. In the semi final 3 players, 2 from the top line, went down to injury. All the players worked hard and has chances but the opponent was too strong on this day.

With the loss in the semi we had to heal and rebound for the bronze medal game. However, after falling behind 2-0 and asking for a stick measurement, which was determined illegal, but no penalty was called, it was apparent the game was going to be another up hill battle. And battle they did. We pulled the goalie with a minute left in the 3rd period (there are 4 periods in IIHF Roller hockey) and brought the score to 3-1 and gained some momentum. The heat and lack of concentration was too much though and the game ended 5-1.

A great result though for a team that will have 11/12 returning next year. Well done to everyone!

Andrews Hockey Camp 2009

On July 3rd I will be taking 11 players from my hockey club to Prince Edward Island for 2 weeks of hockey camp and a week of travel and fun.

This blog is primarily for communication between parents and players in Taiwan.

I will be updating it periodically from now until we leave and this while in Canada give daily updates.

right: (Chinese Taipei Men National team. 2008 Challenge Cup of Asia Champions)