- The Vees have touched down in Saskatchewan after a travel day Thursday. The trip started at 7am at the SOEC, which included two buses and two flights, before checking in at the team hotel 6pm local time. The Vees flew out of Kelowna just past 10am, had an hour and change layover in Calgary, before landing in Saskatoon just after 3pm (central time). The team was greeted by RBC Cup staff at the airport (Casey is our team host; former Langley resident!), then it was on the team bus and out to the ‘Boldt.
- What’s Humboldt all about? Here’s a rundown on the city via Wikipedia: “Named after the German explorer, Alexander von Humboldt, Humboldt began as a telegraph station located on the Carlton Trail, a wagon route used in the early days of Canada as a route from Fort Garry (Winnipeg) to Fort Edmonton. The name “Humboldt” was approved in 1875 for the site in the North West Territories along the Canadian Pacific Telegraph Line at which a repair station was built (8 km south-west of the present city site). Built in 1878, the Humboldt Telegraph Station played an integral part in communications for the developing west.After being established as a city, Humboldt became an important location in Saskatchewan known as the Heart of the Sure Crop District for its reliable growing weather, which led the town to become a centre for farming equipment and supply businesses.”
- EZ Rock AM 800 Morning Show host Allan Gee chatted with the Mayor of Humboldt, Malcolm Eaton earlier this week. Here’s a sample.
- Enough with the history lesson, the team will be tackling some video tonight, as they break down their first opponent in the Soo Thunderbirds. It’s tough but not impossible to prepare for your opposition at the RBC Cup. This day and age there is video from every league on every team and the Vees have dug up some clips on the T-Birds. The coaches will breakdown the opponent: who to watch for, offensive & defensive tendencies.
- I’ve been asked about what the team is doing to prepare and I don’t think it’s any different from before. The Vees attitude will be that every game in the tournament, from start to finish, will need to be treated like a game seven. Tournaments are dangerous, with “one n’ down” games anything can happen; a hot goalie, a bad bounce here and there and boom! You’re in trouble.This team thrives on being prepared and having themselves ready. At this point it’s about self-reflection, making sure your game is where it needs to be.
- The Vees will be on the ice tomorrow morning for a 10:30am practice, their first chance to familiarize themselves with their new home. It’s crucial to get an early read on the rink and it’s quirks. Good opportunity to shake out the travel legs and sharpen up before a Saturday afternoon tilt with the T-Birds.
- Tomorrow morning is also an opportunity for myself to snoop around the rink and trouble shoot any broadcast problems. With a big tournament, space is limited and our broadcast “pad” will be on the concourse at one of the blue-lines. I’m told it will be a nice setup with piping and draping to give a broadcast booth feel.
- Speaking of broadcasts, I’ve been tinkering with a few ideas for the RBC Cup. I can tell you one thing, I won’t be hurting for interviews, as I will have plenty of guests on our intermissions. Every Vees game will be on EZ ROCK AM 800 and if you’re out of the listening area, you can listen online HERE
- If you have any requests on what or who you want to hear from, leave a comment below or shoot me an email: fraserrodgers@gmail.com
