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There are times when one misses hockey, out here in the Asianic wilds, and watching the Canadian Olympic team get spanked by tiny Nordic nations in a crowded bar hardly scratches that itch. Do you see how I'm making overarching racial classifications here? Asianic? Nordic? That comes from too much nationalism and too little hockey. Hitler should've watched more hockey.

Now I'm happy that I'm not at home to watch the Leafs suck and Tim yell and throw chicken wings everywhere when they lose. If there was ever a year to avoid Toronto, it's this one. But I was exceptionally happy when I found out about the Anyang Halla and learned that they were taking on some Japanese team in the Asia League Ice Hockey playoffs and that I would get to go. For six bucks! Playoff hockey! I sound like a frat boy! Holy bangbusters!

Here are some pictures of Korean hockey. They are black and white because I wanted the occasion to look historic and also because my camera sucks. But you can sorta get the general idea, right? Korean guys are playing hockey on ice. There were also some gigantic (by comparison) Europeans on each team, somewhat like the foreign ringers in basketball games. O, the glories of a shrinking world!

We yelled disparaging comments at the Japanese goalie, and Dave vowed to shotgun a beer for every goal Korea scored. After a dry first period things looked bleak, but Anyang netted two goals in quick succession shortly into the second. Onlooking Koreans stared in salty amazement as Dave celebrated by stoically spilling beer all over the stands and his face. Then he did it again. It was a classy and memorable affair for those in attendance, both voluntary and involuntary.

Outside during the second intermission, Belinda and Sam managed to get into a brawl with a shitload of kids. Our friends were beaten mercilessly with inflatable Unity Sticks and every time the children started to lose interest, all you had to yell was "One more time!" and they would vigorously renew the assault once more. It was the best fight we saw all game, which was probably because fighting in Asian hockey is frowned upon. Poor oversized European ringers... all those steroids and no one to punch.

The game ended up being rather excellent, with the home team taking a narrow 4-2 victory (with a last-second empty netter). This meant that we won! Because Korea is home! And the Japanese are filthy barbarians. So I took a picture with my best friend on the whole team, Sergio.

Posted by Chris at 09:51 AM >> Commentations (1)