Getting Me Through March

This time of year blows chunks. Too cold and wet to bike. Snow sports are over. Too early to paddle as most water up north is still in a semi-solid state. So I watch hockey. College hockey. The women's season came to an abrupt end when the Badgers handed the Bulldogs their asses on a silver platter. The Badgers have been bringing their A-game since day one of the season and with class, so I really can't hate them for it. That and they're not those deplorable rodents from Minneapolis.

The UMD Men's team stepped up their game late in the season and shocked us all by winning the WCHA title. They're on the NCAA track and last night's game against the Ivy League snobbery, Princeton, contained THE most exciting 30 seconds of hockey I have ever seen in my life. Even if you don't like hockey, you'll be on the edge of your seat.

Here's the set up:

• Third (and final for you non-hockey folks) period and UMD is down two goals.
• UMD pulls the goalie to add an extra attacker.
• Princeton earns a penalty in that last minute setting up a 6 on 4 scenario.
• Watch the last 40 seconds. It's unreal. (Sorry for the crap video, it's all I could find. UMD in white jerseys.)
  

Hopefully they'll do it again tonight against Miami U so that I can have another week of hockey to look forward to in this crap time of year where playing outside is not a reality.

And So It Begins...

Canoecopia was last week and what a week it was. I added a couple of talks to my roster which added stress. Stress that wasn't really necessary-- meaning I had nothing to stress about. People were spending money and the money was pretty close to what they spent last year. The paddlesports industry breathed a collective sigh of relief. I had a great team working for me that was a keen reminder that the industry can be fun and productive at the same time.

Here's a super sweet video from Byran Smith & Lise Anne Beyries that captured some highlights of the weekend. Keep a lookout for Kokatat's Customer Service Superstar, Matt Porter, as he highlights Kokatat's new Nomad footwear. See if you catch the "pun".


Canoecopia 2009 from Werner Paddles on Vimeo.

Um, Hello... Lake? I'd like to paddle soon.

Sweet shot of ice cover on the Lake today from NOAA.

The good news is that it's been a good year for ice. This is a good set up for healthy lake levels as evaporation in the winter from lack of ice cover really takes its toll.

Bad news? The new dragon boat paddle that I get to test drive from Kialoa Paddles might not see water for a while.