A good start

The Hamilton Heat U14 team began the on ice part of our tour in good fashion with an 11-0 win over a combined Jarna/Ulriksdal team at Solna Ice Hall tonight. Halli and Sarah shared the shut out, while Steffany led the scoring with 3 goals and was named the Heat player of the game by the organizers. We played 2 20 minute halfs, but managed to keep our legs moving until the end.

The parents in the stands were waving small Canadian flags, and many of these flags were given away to enthusiastic young Swedish ringette players who were there to watch the game. In return, they gave us impromptu lessons in Swedish! Christine Ritchie can name all the animals in a Swedish zoo.

After the game, the Heat players presented gift bags to the host players, and we gathered for a group photo. To our delight, many of the players and their coaches came back to the hotel to join us for dinner, and many e-mail addresses and Facebook names were exchanged.

Different language, different customs, but we all share a love of ringette. A great day in a beautiful country full of wonderful people.

Now, off to bed.