I've entered minor hockey teams in almost 40 tournaments over my son's career, from hockey hotspots such as Clifford (my hometown) to Mississauga, Ont. We've gone international in Niagara Falls, NY, and Ann Arbor, Mich.
But this year's plan sets a personal record for logistics and cost.
It's a winter road trip to Nashville, Tenn., to play in an Advanced Tournaments event. (Hopefully, we'll be the only team from north of the 49th. Not like a few years ago when my son's squad went to Niagara Falls and played a bunch of Canadian teams.)
We've chartered a bus (cha-ching, $7,000 please) decked out in University of Western Ontario colours and are bracing for the 11-hour ride. And that's not counting the idle time as the thorough US customs agents do their thing. (Note to American friends: No terrorists ever entered from Canada. Especially on a chartered bus filled with smelly hockey gear.)
We're planning to take in an NHL game between the Predators and Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.
Ironically, most nights fans can buy tickets on game day, but not this time. A Preds official told me today this game is likely to be one of Nashville's rare sell-outs.
On that count - a rockin' full house for an NHL game - we'll feel like we're in Canada.
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