Lots of Hockey

It's Friday evening at 10:50 pm and were just getting back from our third game in three days!!! The level of play is really amazing here. Yesterday we were really tried in our game and lost 3-2. Tonight we played a better team, lost the game but played much better hockey. It has been action packed days every day since we arrived. This morning we had a practice from 9-10:30, back to the hotel for a quick show and lunch and then traveled about an hour out of the city to a very poor region. We visited co-operative run by donation from many of the embassy's here in the Argentina. There was also a school with about 30 5-6 year olds which the players played with and showed them how to play hockey. We then gave out some gifts and candy to the children. The co-operative makes and sells T-Shirts and clothing items sold in the city to help support the school. It was an amazing experience for the team, and certainly make you realize just how lucky we are. From the school we travel to the club we played tonight. I could tell how intimidated the team was when we walked through the gates of the club and were welcomed by tons of people of all ages playing rugby and hockey at this beautiful club. The players tonight ranged from 16-18 years old. Many of them have been paying together since they were 8 years old. They were all very fast and has great stick skills. The style of play here is very different from the US with great close stick skills. I am hoping this inspires the players to practice even more!!!!

The team is very sore, so tomorrow they can sleep in a little before we go to the Range for a demonstration of traditional ranching, and a BBQ.

Every night has been late as Argentina doesn't seem to sleep until after 2pm.

Signing off for now.