First Game.....

We had our first game today against Switzerland. Overall, it was a good game. We won 11-3 I believe. Yours truly had 2 goals and 2 assists. I should have had a couple more, but I couldn’t quite fall into a rhythm. It takes time I know, and I definitely wasn’t the only one. Our shots weren’t quite falling until the second half when Matt (one of the Americans) got a hot stick and popped a couple in. Dan, one of the captains, had a great day with 6 goals and 3 assists. He’s got good vision coming around the back of the net and he found me a bunch of times sliding off my man.

I did a tonne of running as I was playing midfield and rotating in through attack when the alternate mid line was running. It felt good though, good to be in the thick of things for sure. I even knocked someone down. I thought it was a pretty good hit. A loose ball, the guy looked at me as he was going for it, then for whatever reason, put his head down. So I took two strides from the side, dropped my shoulder and dropped him. It felt amazing, but it’ll probably be only hit I get all tourney. It does happen, every once in a while.

I also had my first experience with the ol’ post game ice bath. And let me tell you, it is goshdarn cold, but you feel like a million bucks after. A little pick me up for the legs. And a certain cuppage of a particular region keeps the boys and the whole body actually, that little bit warmer.  And just to clarify, an ice bath is basically the bathtub filled with water as cold as it comes out of the tap and then filled with ice. Boy, it’s delightful.

Last night was the opening ceremonies. I think they would have been really cool if they had tightened up the whole schedule. Instead, we were at the stadium for like 6 hours. They walked in all of the teams, and then sort of introduced all the higher ups of the European Championships. Then they had a band play, Red 17. They were okay, apparently they play the theme song for the tournament. Yes, the European Lacrosse Championships have a theme song.  They even played a cover of teenage dream which coincidentally, I had been singing non stop since Monday along with Marc and Nye. We shared a moment as we sang along. After the band played an oddly long set, we watched the Netherlands play Germany. It was a pretty good game. I think Germany is an overall better team, but the Netherlands goalie was outstanding. He’s insane. I think he played D1 in the states and he made some unreal saves. He definitely kept them in it, and gave them a chance, but their comeback fell short 9-8.

I also forgot to mention that the women’s Euros are happening at the same time. The Latvian girls were hanging out pretty close to us and I definitely wasn’t complaining.

Anyways, big game tomorrow against Italy. I’m going to chill out, watch some soccer,  I mean football, and hit the sack.There is currently thunder and lightening. There's something so calming and cozy about a storm like this so I feel like I'll sleep well tonight!

Iain

PS. If anybody is interested in catching some of the games online, the link is below! Pretty cool way, to spend a few hours. I’m number 24;)

http://www.247.tv/lacrosse/european-championships-lacrosse-2012/

Song of the Day:

Michicant- Bon Iver

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XScQyx7jqU

This is the song I listened to on the way to the field today. It's such a beautiful song and it helped calm the nerves a little bit. In a strange way, it also pumped me up. It's also the first Bon Iver song I'm putting on the blog. Prepare for many more though. They are amazing! 

Photos of the Day:

Jamie holding our flag like a boss. Yes we wore our kilts to the ceremonies. Although, who ever designed our polos made an interesting decision on the size of the necks. It's funny, everyone is curious as to what we where under our kilts. They had a tv camera and a microphone and they interviewed Peter and Matt and the last question they asked related to that subject. The answer "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" didn't get us very far.

The Olympic stadium where they held the opening ceremonies. It was a pretty surreal experience walking through the archway onto the track and the field. Just knowing how many great athletes had traipsed across those same cobblestones is something Ill never Forget.



 A couple of the other teams. Switzerland and Israel. I think Israel is actually quite good as their team is made up almost entirely of North Americans. I even saw a guy wearing a McGill lacrosse jacket.


 
Just my tournament pass.



 The Netherlands/ Germany game. A beautiful day to play and the field looked amazing. Too bad the rest of the tournament is being held at another site.



 A gorgeous night walking out of the stadium. I've decided that I love Amsterdam. They are some beautifully picturesque areas.

The stadium.

Amsterdam- Day 1

Last night was our first night in Amsterdam. Our Hotel is pretty cool. It’s older, in European Fashion, with tight staircases that end up almost vertical near the top floor. I’m rooming with Thunder. He’s a pretty cool guy, to be sure. Super nice and just a great guy. 

We woke up this morning for breakfast in the bar downstairs. Contrary to what you may be thinking, it was not a breakfast-and-a-pint kind of morning. It was pretty decent though- cereal, hard boiled eggs, ham, cheese, bread, coffee, orange juice… the usual. After that we had our first walk through style practice. Basically we walked to a field in our helmets and gloves and walked through some of our systems. Unfortunately it was on a super lumpy field, so my ankles were put to the test a little bit. Post walk through was a quick lunch with Thunder and some of the guys. We went to a nearby supermarket and got ourselves some buns and some sandwich meat. Thunder opted for the fresh strawberries as well and that was just a fantastic decision. 

We then had a scrimmage practice with Team Finland. We did some offence versus defense and some man-up versus man-down followed by a full field scrimmage for about 20 minutes or so. There’s been some definite improvement although it becomes apparent that guys get a bit jumpy when we get into real game situations. Overall, it was a good effort, but a few too many dropped balls and mental mistakes.

On a side note though, how cool is that. I played against the Finnish national lacrosse team. Lets just take a moment to think about that.

Moments over. But seriously, it was cool. They even had a guy who looked like a Viking, a legit Viking. He had shoulder length brown/black hair with a big mustache, that grew into a goatee. He was also massive meaning I tried to avoid him whenever I was stuck out on D (Yes, Dad I actually played some defense. We went over it a lot in practice with the offensive midfielders having to play on the back end). A couple guys also had dreads, making them look very [insert word here].

All in all, it’s getting easier to play with the team. I think everyone is getting more comfortable so we do look better and better as long as everyone focuses and sticks to the play book despite the fact that the playbook has numerous (and by numerous I mean thousands) of plays.

I’m having a great time, getting really excited to start the tournament on Thursday against the Swiss. Remember the Titans is also on TV, which automatically raises my overall level of jacked upness to a much increased level.

Off to dinner! I promise I’ll try and start writing a little more frequently. 

Just Leo, Corey, and Reginald chilling in the corner of my room.

I forgot to get a converter for the Netherlands, so I had to borrow Thunder's and use my UK converter to convert my North American charging cords in order to use the Dutch converter. In other words, a converter on converter.

Song of the Day:
Roadside- Rise Against
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLmTJpnqxj4  

Welcome to Amsterdam

I'm in Amsterdam!

We flew in this evening from Manchester after a day of training. Like I said before, when these Scots practice, they practice all day. We had two sessions and then we travelled. It was a bit chaotic at the airport as EasyJet is quite strict with their baggage allowances. We had paid for extra luggage, but we could only have 32kg over two bags. I was pretty tight, but a couple guys actually went over. It was a little comical watching guys scramble to re pack things in the middle of the airport. Surprisingly though, we all got on the plane and all our bags came through. A van then met us at the Amsterdam airport to pick up our luggage. We then had to take a bus to a station near hotel which was then a short walk away. I didn't mind though, it was a beautiful night. 

We also had our first scrimmage game against UK Lacrosse. They were a pick up team of sorts as most of the guys were training with the old enemy, but they had a couple pretty good players including a former Scotland midfielder who just became a doctor. I'm not sure what the score was as it wasn't really about that. We tried to get in all our systems and plays which definitely got better as the game went on. It took some time for guys to get the kinks out and fall into some sort of goove. It was a lot of fun though, good to run around and get into game intensive situations.

Anyways, bed time for me!

Iain

Pictures of the Day

 Our flight attire. Look at me cam whoring like a boss.
 This is what the night looked like as we rolled into Amsterdam. (at 10pm, can you believe it?!). It's also the guys lining up to toss the luggage and gear into the van.
 Some bros,hanging out in the bar in the hotel waiting for our rooms to be sorted. That is in all seriousness, a burger king crown

A windmill in The Netherlands!

Song of the Day:
Have it All- Jeremy Kay
Studio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKOupz_XlBQ
Acoustic:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co6DF5yW8Y4

Lacrosse and Kilts

Hey Everyone,

It’s been a long couple of days. I couldn’t get any Wi-Fi last night and I was travelling over the night previous which is why it’s been a couple of days without an entry.

I left on Thursday night and arrived on Friday morning at 11:40. It was an Air Canada flight which wasn’t actually as bad as some of the stories I’ve heard. I even got my lacrosse bag on without paying for a second piece of luggage. That was pretty special. I was up late the night before so I was pretty exhausted and I passed out about 5 minutes into the flight. I woke up about an hour later and watched 21 Jump Street. It is probably the funniest movie. I loved it. I was trying not to obnoxiously laugh super loud and disturb everyone. After that was over I met the girl sitting next to me. She actually goes to UBC Okanagan, which was kind of neat.  I was definitely trying to sell her on Vancouver (she lives in the Okanagan). She was really nice though, pretty cool. After I landed in London, I hopped on the underground to London Euston Station. I had about an hour and a half to wait after I got there. I grabbed a Panini from the station and got some cookies from Millies. As Jack and Sam know, those cookies are absolutely top notch. I got four of the chocolate chip Toffee and my goodness they were tasty. For whatever reason though, the Brits are all about paninis. Seriously, everywhere you go, you can pick up a Panini. Last time I was here, I just about lived off of them.

The train ride to Manchester took about 2 hours. I slept literally the whole way which was a little bit awkward when I almost fell on the guy sitting next to me. That would have really sucked cause he was a giant stud. All suited up with his laptop, ipod touch, Iphone, and blackberry on the table in front of him. Styling and important!

Rory picked me up from the Manchester train station. He’s one of the team captains and a real beauty. I stayed at his place last night. I slept on the floor on an air mattress as one of the other Canadians had gotten there before me and had snagged the spare bedroom. No matter, I was dead to the world at about 10 and slept for about 12 hours. Before that though, I went out for dinner at a local pub with two of the Americans on the team, the coach, and one of the other team captains. They’re all great guys so it was nice to catch up with them.

Today was the first day of training. We went from 1:00-3:00 and 3:30- 5:30. It took a while to loosen up after the day of travelling, but I managed to fall into some sort of groove. The training itself went all right. It’s a little different from what I’m used to though. For example, coming from Canada, it feels a bit unnatural to have to use both hands all the time. My lefty was only a little bit terrible. It’s good to get used to playing with the rest of the team though.

We also had the opening ceremonies, which involved dinner, a few drinks, and the official team stuff. Scotland lacrosse is full of traditions which is something that I love about the whole experience. I’ll explain in detail when I get home, but it’s really neat. There’s also a detailed fine system which some other lacrosse people will probably be familiar with. It involves fines for the usual stuff like being late, wearing the wrong colour apparel, etc. But there are also some interesting penalties. Lets just say, I better not be caught wearing anything under my kilt.

Anyways, I am exhausted and I am off to bed. Thanks again for reading, I appreciate it that some of you have taken the time to do so!

Iain

P.S I just want to say congratulations to my sister, Sydney. She graduated on Thursday with a Bachelor of Arts degree and First Class Honours from SFU. Way to go! I also want to wish my dad a happy Father’s Day tomorrow. Dad, thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I can’t wait to see you in a week!

Pictures of the Day:

 They actually had this at the London train station. I wasn't sure I wanted a sausage from a place called Banger Bros, which is why I opted for the panini. However, in hindsight, that would have been something to write home about.

The board at the Euston train station. I sort of had to chill out until they had designated a platform for my train. They only update it like 20 minutes before your departure time which is something I find odd. How can you not know where a giant train is supposed to go especially when it's usually been sitting there for longer than 20 minutes anyway. 

Songs of the Day: 

I Won't Give Up- Super mainstream, but Sam through it on my ipod and it's super catchy.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdN5GyTl8K0

The Girl- City and Colour

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZqnqH9s1jk

Getting My Pack On

So I've begun packing for my little adventure. I do leave tomorrow after all. My flight leaves at 6:30, meaning I have to be at the airport at 4 or 4:30. Just a little info for the dozens of you that I know want to see me off.

I'm having a little bit of trouble packing for this trip. I'm not entirely sure what I need. Obviously the basics, like boxers (superman pair included), a few pairs of compressions shorts, kilt (yes, kilt), numerous pairs of socks with the underlying focus on calf highs. But in terms of legit clothing, how much will I actually wear? I got the list yesterday of all the scotland apparel that I get. I am pretty stoked about it, but the problem is, I won't get it all until I get there so I feel like I've seriously under packed. I am gone for 3 weeks you know.

All complaining aside, I am starting to get really excited for this. I mean, I've never done anything like this before, so I'm not totally sure what to expect at least on the lacrosse side of things. I'm a little bit nervous, but I think it's probably a good thing in this case. Keeps me on my toes or so they say.

I feel like I'm just rambling about myself now, which makes me a little uncomfortable. How do people do that on a regular basis? Couldn't tell you.

Pictures of the Day:
That would be my attempt at packing. My sister is thrilled that I'm taking over the living room. Do you think I have enough tape?

This picture is completely unrelated.... to this trip anyway. But I'm so excited about it, I thought I'd share it anyway. It's my new ukulele. It came in the mail two days ago and boy am I excited, let me tell you. It's beautiful, sounds amazing.

Song of the Day:

Hey Ya- Obadiah Parker (Acoustic Cover)-
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c745E7T_Wvg

Okay, so here goes.

I have never blogged before, so this whole process is pretty new to me. Anyways, I'd like to explain why I thought it would be such a good idea to become part of the population that loves to share their views about everything. Fortunately for you guys, my posts won't be overly opinionated. Just cool (I hope). About an adventure that I am about to set out on.

Last year, I travelled to Edinburgh, Scotland to take part in the tryout process for the Scottish national lacrosse team. Unfortunately I wasn't actually able to play which was quite frustrating on a few different levels. Mainly though, it is impossible for people, even Vancouverites, to understand how much it rains in Scotland even in August. Seriously, I was completely drenched every day we were playing. And all this because of my glass ankles, which always seem to become an issue at the most inopportune times. Anyways, I met the coaching staff and most of the team, and despite not being able to play, it was just an amazing experience. I sent the coach a little bit of film once I got back and was named to the shortened roster of 36 in September. I went out again to Glasgow this past February to participate in the last series of tryouts. I was named to the final roster shortly after which in a round about way, has lead me to this post. On Thursday, I will be travelling back to Europe to compete at the European Lacrosse Championships in Amsterdam as part of Team Scotland.

Participating in such a journey has been a rather expensive endeavour, but I think quite worth it (obviously). However, Scotland has received several individual sponsors, one of which has been kind enough to back me and toss a little bit in my direction. I realize that I am so lucky to be in this position and just so privileged. In exchange, one of the things I have promised to do is write this blog! A shout out to those people of course. My gratitude is certainly undying.

So basically, I'll be posting periodically until I leave and then hopefully everyday whilst I'm away. Kind of explain what I've been doing, what the team has been up to, and to share some cool stories. I'll probably post a couple pictures as well, just to keep things interesting. I'm doing this to keep my sponsor updated, my family informed, and for myself, really. Hopefully you all find it interesting to keep up with what I'm doing. Feel free to leave me some feedback. Thanks for reading!

Iain

Song of the Day: Miracle- Matisyahu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UkjgMQ-Byw

Photo of the Day:  My new Scotland helmet. Once I meet up with the team, I will of course get the team decals and stickers and everything, but still I think it's pretty special. I picked that bad boy up in Pt. Roberts today. Always a bit interesting bringing stuff across the border, but the cute shy factor works again- no duty!

The link for the tournament is:
http://www.ec12lacrosse.com/en