So here's a more elaborate summary of our Friday activities:
We got up bright and early to a thermometer that must have been broken, because I couldn't imagine that the temperature it was reading could be accurate. Let's just say it was in the single digits - the low single digits. But hey, we had a delicious continental breakfast and were eager to hit the ice. FIH (Fargin' Ice Holes, for those of you that didn't read the earlier posts) was scheduled to play first, at 9:30am. We took the early van over, and the rest of the guys followed aout 15 minutes later.
This was no parking on the lake this year - I believe due to the thinner ice conditions than years past. (Although I did notice the number of "authorized staff vehicles" that were allowed on the ice seemed to increase during the day, and likewise seemed to be occupied by "staff" that also happened to be playing in the tournament.) So, Buddha and I, the acting chauffeurs for the group, dropped the guys and their bags off, then circled back to park the vans. We ended up hiking through the woods to get to the lake, but the walk really wasn't any longer than hiking to the shuttle pick up area.
To say it was cold this morning would be a gross inaccuracy. It was freakin' cold, folks. I mean, it was so cold that our lawyer had his hands in his own pockets. (Rich can't get me for slander - I didn't mention his name...oh wait...). Except when we were playing, we tried to reduce any exposed skin to a minimum. A far cry from Pompano Beach last year, huh? There were times, when the wind wasn't blowing and the sun came out from behind the clouds that it was almost comfortable. Almost.
So 9:30 rolls around and the first group of guys hit the ice against "Just The Tip In". Expectations were certainly high, and the boys looked like they were going to really take charge - even got the first goal of the game. But that's where the dream ended, as the rest of the game didn't go well for the guys on FIH. I don't know if I ever heard the exact score, but it was a lot to a little. Most of the team wasn't that far above our guys in skill, but they had one taller dude out there (Number 16) that must have accounted for half of their goals. Tough break for the FIH guys, to be sure.
11:00 came fast, and the guys of MFIH (that's More Fargin' Ice Holes - yeah, real creative, I know, but I was in a rush to get the teams registered back last July and needed to come up with some names) hit the ice against Scroticus. We've seen these guys every year that we've been here, but this is the first time we've faced them on the ice. As do many of the teams that come to this event, their jerseys are quite humorous, but definitely rated PG-13. Kids, turn away. We really thought we could win this game. We were even leading 3-2 at the half, but a few breakaways in the second half had them caught up and then some. We were making some headway into recovering the lead, but ran out of time, losing by one point. Very disappointing, because we felt like that was one we let slip away.
Oh well, on to lunch. Mostly brats (very good - cooked by the fire department) and some hydration in the form of our "free" Labatt beer we got with our registration fees. With some nutrition and fluids on board, we were ready for the afternoon. Unfortunately, FIH's afternoon game (against "Shut Your Five Hole) was a more frustrating repeat of the morning's game. It was a bit on the chippy side as well. Mac got a good one in as he sent some guys *ss over teakettle into the snowbank. The boys didn't get skunked, though, as Rob drew a penalty, awarding his team the only goal of the game. The MFIH game had considerably more favorable results. We faced off against the "Laughing Skulls" - another team that we have seen at the tourney before, but have never played. We ended up winning the game to claim our second collective victory on Wisconsin pond ice in the three years that we've come. I'd like to say it was a hard fought battle against a better team, but to tell you the truth, the Laughing Skulls were the easiest team any of us faced today. Indeed, the guys on FIH have drawn the tough rides so far in the tournament. Maybe their luck will change tomorrow.
After a quick shower, and for some, a quick dip in the hot tub, we headed out for the Old Stag Restaurant. This is a place that several of us went to last trip and had a phenomenal meal, so I knew I wanted to take the whole group back. Everything was delicious - I had the roast duck this time around, having given it heavy consideration that last time, too. Excellent.
The evening's entertainment came, as previously reported, at the Eagle River Recreation Association ice rink, more commonly referred to as the "Dome". The newbies were suitably impressed, and the home team won, 10-6, I think. We talked to the goalie about coming back to NC to play backup goalie for the Holes, but I don't think the contract negotiation is going well.
For some reason everyone was tired when we finally shuffled in to the hotel. Yours truly is, of course, up late, reporting to you faithful followers. I'm sure a certain "other" author on this blog is already asleep, but I just couldn't rest without feeling like I'd given you a real taste of our day. That's just how I roll.
Stay classy, San Diego.
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