Lorna Schultz Nicholson

Okay, so I’ve attended two torch ceremonies in the past few days and what a way to get the excitement geared up for the Olympics.
My first one was in Chestermere, Alberta on January 19th. I was invited to attend the Chestermere Library to talk about my book, HOME ICE. So kids, all dressed in winter clothes and many wearing their team hockey jackets, visited my after the Torch went throught Chestermere. I want to say thanks to everyone who came in to chat to me. What fun! I got to talk about hockey and my books and, yes, the Olympics!!!!
Then yesterday, I drove into Banff to watch my good friend Karen Percy-Lowe run with the Olympic Torch. The entire evening event was outstanding! Karen spoke as did hockey player Ryan Smyth. I managed to find Ryan’s wife, Stacey, in the crowd to say hello and they had just flown in for the day, with their three young children. She said Ryan was really thrilled to be back in Banff as he doesn’t get home all that often. (He is in LA now playing for the Kings and…their little guy who is 18 months didn’t want to wear mitts or a hat!! LOL) I have featured Ryan in my book, HOME ICE, because he was invited to the Orientation camp in August. No, Ryan, didn’t make Canada’s Olympic Team this time but…I’m thrilled that I featured him and proud that my book talks about all 46 players invited to the camp because a guy like Ryan deserves to be recognized. Karen Percy-Lowe spoke with great heart about the community of Banff and growing up in such a wonderful community that supported her Olympic endeavours. The other highlight of the event was when they brought out other Banffites who had in some way contributed to the Olympics and they were escorted by youngsters from the community, some in their little skating dresses. So cute.
All in all, a fantastic event. I went with my sis-in-law, Linda and her friend Barb and we proudly wore Hockey Canada jerseys. They also had some great music!
After the outdoor event was over, I headed over to the Banff Springs for a little after-party and I think the general mood was that the event had been a huge success. I ran into an old friend, Bruce Henry, and he “used” to be a ski coach, although he did say he was still doing a “little” coaching. He now calls himself “The Old Banff Coach.” And he’s not that old.
Folks, just being at these Torch ceremonies makes me realize that…the Olympics are close!!
I promise to blog.
I can’t wait for the Games to begin.

I’m home from Saskatoon, just flew in a few hours ago. I can finally get internet and thought I would blog and just say how proud I am of Canada. Yes, the loss last night stung but being in that arena for the game made me a proud Canadian. The Saskatchewan fans stayed right until the very end. They even broke out singing O Canada when they draped the silver (as a true Canadian hockey fan I hate silver) medals around the boys necks. They didn’t boo the Americans but clapped as they also received their medals. Sport is about the hi’s and the lo’s and, let’s face it, we Canadian hockey fans have more hi’s than we do lo’s. I feel for the boys. They cried real tears of sorrow, of loss, and there was an overwhelming sadness for sure. But, I’m sure they’ve all woken up this morning and faced the day with a bit of a smile. It’s a tough one but we were still proud Canadians last night. Onwards.
Next is the Olympics.
I will be blogging from the Olympics. I tried to blog through-out the World Juniors but had a heck of time with my internet connection in the hotel. So sorry about that. How many of you watched the game last night???

Wow!!! In true New Years Eve fashion, Canada and the US went head to head in a battle that thrilled fans right down to the last few seconds. Canada trailed with eight minutes left and then popped in two goals to tie the game. The trailing was because of sloppy turn-overs and…a power play that wasn’t working. (The US scored two short-handed goals with Canada’s umbrella PP.) But then they turned on the heat, delighting the Saskatoon fans. The game went to a five minute overtime where not a goal was scored. So…on to a shoot-out. Canada went first and scored but then so did the US. Canada’s goal was a bit of a lucky break as the US goalie thought he had it but then it trickled past the line. Same thing happened with the second shooters. Canada’s third shooter sunk it in and the US shooter, well, he tried for the five-hole and shot it high and at the pads.
I’m off today for Saskatoon and will be there for the semis and the finals.