Canada vs. Germany - Feb 16, Torino
As an Olympic bonus, me, Frankie + Tony went to go see the Canada - Germany game.
I love these clear seats ... I read earlier that day in Gazetto Dello Sport, Italy's most respected daily sports journal, an article describing the Italy - Canada opening match with the phrase "Ma all'Isozaki e festa grande." ... which translates to "But at the Isozaki, its a big party", never mind the context of that particular phrase, Arata Isozaki is the famed Japanese architect that designed the Pallasport Olimpico. Its a beautiful new facility, and Italians have it in their DNA to know who architects are. Italians respect architects.
They don't trust politicians. (don't blame them)
They hate lawyers. (they've got a point)
They fear doctors. (I can see where they're coming from)
But for some reason, they celebrate architecture. And in a sports journal, in an article on a hockey game, there's a reference to the architect of the building that isn't lost on the population. Is it any wonder why I love that place so much? And I really dig these stadium seats!
So at the hockey game, we met up with fellow Soo-ite Vince Turco (Marty's father) ... who later on, generously invited us to hang out with Team Canada at their exclusive party for family and friends ...
Vince went onto babysitting duty that night, which gave me a chance to hang out with Mrs. Turco. Super sweet lady.
This team Canada party we went to was fully catered and was for the team, family + friends. We kept low key (as guests) and didn't take any pictures or get autographs, but towards the end we took some shots. Here's me and Frankie (on the couch behind us is Ryan Smyth + his dad, who's a super nice gentleman, btw. As are Jacques Martin's brother + brother-in-law, I chatted with those two while we were parked at the bar ... and again in the beer line at Canada - Switzerland ... surprise, surprise) At the very end of this night, when we were waiting for a cab, Frankie broke down and got a picture with Pat Quinn ... we chalked it up to the drinks.
Here's a picture of all of the people from Sault Ste. Marie, at the Team Canada Olympic after game party. Good representation.
PRO'S ITALIAN OLYMPIC EXCURSION