We made it one step closer to the Coupe de France last night with our win over Strasbourg in the Alsace region 5-2. This was the second straight game I did not play as I am nursing a shoulder injury that occurred in our league game in Amiens a week ago. I had scored to tie it 2-2 then right at the end of the period I took a crosscheck high in my back and it really messed up my shoulder. X-rays were good, and all the tests ruled out any muscle damage. So for the time being I am still in quite a bit of pain and still cannot shoot the puck yet.
So last night with our huge semi final game in Strasbourg, I jumped at the opportunity to join my teammates on the road, in any capacity I could help. Turns out we did not have any ice time in the morning for game day practice, so I was able to help out by setting up a workout for the team, comprised of ladders, hurdles and agility slats. This was a replacement for the practice so I had to make that clear because some of the guys do not enjoy our Speed Agility Quickness (SAQ) training, but it was imperative that we get our muscles activated and firing, while getting a good sweat in the process (as we would, had we skated).
Just as I was getting on the bus later that day as we headed to the rink as a team, I was told that I would be doing the "colour commentating" on the radio for our game. I thought, "well, I have done it twice before in University, and had lots of fun with it, but that was in English." I agreed anyways and served as the special guest commentator on Alpes 1. It was pretty funny actually because they did not have a set system where one would do the "play-by-play" and the other do the "commentary," so the whole game they both sort of just battled their way for control of the microphone, while I just laughed and waited for them to ask me questions. They were getting so negative, and started criticizing some of our players as we trailed 2-1, I finally had to step in and say something. Though it was all in French, I will paraphrase "Ok, well I think it is about time with shift away from this negative energy here and start giving our team some positive vibes and the support we need to win this game."
We scored 2 quick goals to take the lead 3-2. So it was all positive energy right? For sure :)
Whatever, I think I helped our team in the best way I could since I could not play, I got them ready with a workout in the morning, then I defended the players they were criticizing on the radio, then the surge of positive energy from myself/the radio guys, plus all of our listeners on Alpes 1. Positive energy is very powerful. Ok, maybe I am stretching it a little bit here haha, but whatever, just let me believe that I helped my team because being injured and watching without being able to help the guys on the ice, has to be one of the toughest things in hockey. Needless to say, the evening was interesting being on the radio, in a way it took my mind off of the final outcome desired and made me focus more on the process of getting there. And it was in FRENCH!!!
Usually I get a few movies on my iPod touch before a long road trip, and this trip was no different, I had 3 new flicks and was armed to go. However, I also brought along with me one of my Christmas presents that my mom sent over. It was Theo Fleury's new book "Playing with Fire." I started reading Monday night on the bus as we departed for Strasbourg, but then I could not put the damn book down! I rarely read books but this was just took a hold of me. Then as the day was getting stressful leading up to the game, I kept going strong and crushed 265 pages over the 24 hours. I have only about 30 pages left. Shocking, reading can actually be very fun and keeps your mind active.
Alrighty, so we are going to the Finals of the Coupe de France in a single elimination game against Rouen to be played in Paris Bercy in front of an estimated 13,000 people. I was a spectator the last two seasons there and I feel that will give me an advantage now as a player. What an opportunity this is, I am so excited and will be just living in the moment every step of the way. No nerves, no stress, I am just going to absorb all of this great experience and have fun with it. But I think we have the secret weapon..........shhhhhhhhh........... positive energy ;)
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