Czech

Quick wrap-up from the preliminary round of the Men's hockey tournament with Dave Thorvald and Toadler from upstairs.  Plus bold predictions for the quarter-final round and a wee bit of history tossed in.

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Day Seven and I am in Heaven, How about you?

A few quick notes after busy day of attending the RainCity / Bryght-sponsored Symposium at Vancouver's Take 5 coffeeshop.

The event linked up the Torino street-maniacs Krug, Scales and (the not sooo maniacal) Bman at the BC lodge in Turin, Italy.  Participants on the Western hemisphere included Gold Medalist Ross Rebagliati, plus photo-machine Roland Tanglao, boy-wonder Will Pate, very public Michael Tippet, photo queen Spiral Goddess, my buddy Bread and many more.

Well the public has spoken and they are crazy!  Well really, you never know what will happen in the Olympic tournament so I should keep my mouth shut but ...

Besides Canada (who i never pick against), I suggest that the Czechs are the team to beat. Two top goalies, forwards on fire and a better crop of defensemen than in years past.  Further, the Czechs play great as a team with a patient style which can explode at any minute for a couple of quick goals.

Russia (winners of this poll shown below) (oops, i accidentally thought the Russians, who were ahead through most of the poll, had won, sorry - Russia finished 2nd, Czechs third - see below for full details) are somewhat enigmatic darkhorses - they are disorganized like usual and don't always play with heart for their country (the old guard are resentful of the young players' money and lifestyle and vice versa).  That being said, with a crop of young guns taking over from the venerable stars, you could see some exciting performances if not a medal.