The Upsons

Another beautiful day up at Whistler and everyone’s focus in on Game 2 this afternoon against Switzerland.  But first, start the day off with a famous Zog’s Dog, I of course opted for the jalapeno smokie.  Zog’s is a great “shack” right at the base of Whistler that has dogs, burgers and poutine with sausages, which I managed to hold back on.  I especially loved the “self serve” fried onion wok.

As I said, all eyes were on Game 2 against the Swiss.  There was lots of talk that it was 4 years ago to the day Canada was beaten by Switzerland in a 2-0 upset.  In that game Canada outshot Switzerland 49-18…this time it would be an eerily similar result of 45-20.  The game, however would thankfully have a different outcome.  As I headed out into the village to watch the start of the game there were so many fans, flags, and freaks it was amazing to see.  This one was my favourite – the dude wearing the score clock hat (helmet?) with working goal light.  Gotta get me one of those.

Everyone was feeling pretty confident with Canada up 2-0 in the second period so I headed over to Swiss House (or Maison de la Suisse) to gloat but just as I arrived they tied up the game so I headed back with my tail between my legs.

In the end our boys prevailed and I did return to Maison de la Suisse after and took a bite out of the world’s largest (only?) chocolate Inukshuk, made by Lindt.

I can’t imagine how insane things are going to be Sunday afternoon when Canada plays the US in Game 3.  In fact, the press started talking about the US game as soon as this one was finished.  Here’s an interesting article from CTV that explains why it actually might be a good thing if Canada loses to the US.  A bit of proactive damage control to our national pride perhaps?  Can’t wait for Sunday to watch this game.

At the Medals presentation that night I witnessed something that initially confused me.  As I watched the RCMP raise the flags for the 10k biathlon, I was perplexed why there were two flags on a single flag pole (there’s always 3 separate flags in a row for Gold, Silver, Bronze)

I realized that Norway and Belarus tied for Silver (to the thousandth of a second!), which is why their flags were together on the same pole.  This also answers the question of “do they make extra medals?”  They must, since they have to account for ties in Gold, Silver, or Bronze.  If I can ever get into the Canadian Mint pavilion I’ll be sure to ask this.  It is also worth noting that every Medals Ceremony I have gone to includes the Norwegian national anthem -- I really should have taken them in my Olympics pool

Then the night ended with a performance from Canadian DJ Dedmau5, who is famous for performing in a bit of a “costume”, as you’ll see in this clip.  You’ll also see right at the end of this clip some of the Norwegian Horn Heads that are always around the village.

All in all, it was a different vibe in Medals Plaza to have an artist like this performing instead of the more traditional “rock” fare we’ve had so far.  Who knew we could have an Olympic rave-like atmosphere at Whistler.

Finally, I’ll share this story with you that gives a good overview of how unique it is up here at Whistler vs. Vancouver.

Tags: Deadmau5, Hockey, Victory Ceremony, Whistler
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