We are a Pretty Good Hockey Team

It is shocking how the team with the smallest budget in the league is somehow competing with, and knocking off the best teams in France. For the second time this season, we beat Rouen. This time it was at home, so our fans got a taste of what it is like to beat the team that usually comes into our building and dismantles our defense and walks away with an easy 2 points. Previously beating them in a regular season match up, our game yesterday was the first of two games in the 1/4 of La Coupe de la Ligue.

We were short staffed yet again, with only 5 D and our coach being suspended for 3 games from the controversial OT loss against Strasbourg, in which beer cans littered the ice. We went into the game with a different mindset than we would normally have playing one of the top teams in the league, we knew we could beat them. We never trailed this whole game, and our Captain Jan Plch paced our attack with 2 goals and 1 assist en route to a 5-3 win. The win brings us that much closer to the semi finals, and just so everyone is clear on how this works I will briefly explain. Now in the quarter finals, we play a home and home series against Rouen, the winner of their pool. With only two games, goals for and goals against becomes the first tie breaker. Since we beat Rouen by 2 goals, they must beat us by 3 goals to win the series, if they beat us by only 1 goal, we still win and if they beat us by 2 goals, we go into a 10 minute overtime period and if necessary a shootout. If we just win, then you don't have to worry about any of that stuff.

Yesterday, in the last minute of the game, I was wondering why they were not pulling their goalie, but as I reflect now, it was a lower risk for them to keep the goalie in and not give up an empty net goal, than try to score another goal. It was very refreshing to have this win for our home fans, they have been incredible this year and they pay good money to see us knock off those great teams.

Since the game was a 5pm start due to the holiday, we had plenty of time to go out for dinner. Most of the team gathered at Les Babouches for a great Couscous meal. I personally went for the Couscous Royal Traditionnel (mouton, poulet, merguez). This is the same restaurant I ate at with my father when he was here last year. It is a pretty classy place, and it prompted him to write an article about it in the Windsor Star, just how different things are with a hockey team in France. Whereas in Canada you would most likely be heading out for pizza and beer, maybe some cheap wings, and not indulging in the great French cuisine and toasting a Bordeaux wine while reflecting on the great win only a few hours earlier.

I seem to write about food very often, and for those who know me, you know I love to eat. Our meal was great, but if I had to rank my favorite french dishes, I would still have Raclette and Tartiflette at the top. It must be my infatuation for cheese!!!!!

Next game is in Chamonix, I am anticipating a big win and a great Tartiflette. Stay tuned!