Jay Richards

Opening day for the Ice Palace Cup saw Jon's team the Fighting Loons lose their first two games. Although they lost, Jon had a fun time and the level of hockey is top notch. Both of the teams they played today were from Canada. One team based out of Regina Sask and the other team top players from Manitoba and Sask. It is by far some of the best 97 teams and players I have seen play. The scores were pretty lopsided at 8-0 and 8-1 but considering it is a first year team with the Loons and the Canadian teams play year round together, it was just fine. Tomorrow's two games should be a bit more evenly matched. No games on Sunday the way it is set up so will be nice to have Sunday at home.


Have been watching some of the other games and the #12 player this afternoon was something else.


Keeping an eye on the Tour of Gila.....former Fergus Fall Nordic skier Rolf Eisinger is having a fantastic race after three stages. You won't find an nicer family than the Eisingers. Rolf's mom e-mailed me after the first stage and Rold droppd me a note last night;

"Things went well today. It started out so hard!!! Lance was leading us up the climb after the break. The valley went well as we rode right behind lance and next to the slipstream team. it was awesome to have our team in the front in this field. It came down to a semi sprint and I think only 100 finished in the main group. This team is awesome this year!"

Rolf isn't known locally having not getting into cycling until college but he currently rides with Ciclismo Racing team and is sitting 32nd after three stages. 12 seconds behind Chris Horner, and just under 7 minutes behind Leipheimer. Good luck Rolf the rest of the race!!