Tourney Weekend...No wives...*gulp*

So its that time of year again, the USA Hockey/LaBatt's Blue Adult hockey Classic in Lake Placid, NY. Home of the Miracle on Ice and all the lore that goes with it. The same core group of guys goes every year and we have a blast. Usually my Jiminey Cricket (Maggie) attends with me. She enjoys the quaint Adirondack town and the small shops and hates the cold. She keeps me in check at times and pulls me home when needed.

This year is different, she is staying home, as are most of the wives. I like to think she is doing it because she trusts me. I think it has more to do with Saturday being Hockey Day in Canada than anything else. I'll spend all day glued to the games on TV, the celebration from our northern neighbors of the game I love so much, and playing 2 games that day.

The highlight of the tournament every year is when I step on the ice in the 1980 Rink. The same place Herb Brooks coached those young underdogs to the height of hockey. We have yet to procure Gold since, but that last time was enough to last. This being an Olympic year and 30 years later, it'll be with some reverence that I take the ice this year. I might even pause to reflect and request permission from the USA Hockey gods to take their ice.

So a game tonight at 7pm (4 pm for you left coasters), 2 tomorrow (1:45pm and 6pm), this is my yearly hockey weekend. I can't wait, and for those of you curious, you can check out how we're doing at http://www.usahockey.com//Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=PL_04_20_01&ID=274680.

They update it regularly I think. We are Overtime Hockey, in the Silver division.

Good luck, and here we all come Herbie!