Historic Inaugural C-Pool Competition

Tuesday, January 31st - Historic Inaugural C-Pool Competition

This morning was the first C-Pool game in the World Bandy Championships, and included the first competiton for the Japanese Bandy Federation. Indeed a great day for the bandy family. The match was played under clearer air, but with some light snow falling at the Central Stadium. 

First Course: breakfast, lunch or dinner?

The 9:30 start time, meant an early rise for breakfast for our crew, which included my USA Assistant Referee team mate, Eric and Head Referee from Sweden, Hokan (sic). The temperature was quite nice just about freezing with very little wind or smog.

The game was going very well, although there were deep powdery snow drifts at both end lines. This left very little room for Eric and I to navigate for our duties, which often takes us into positions beyond the goal line.  At one point, Eric was pressed deep beyond the end line by the run of play, and backed right into the snow bank, "ass over happy feet", displacing a large cloud of fluffy snow. At one point, all that could be seen was his black helmet sticking up from the drift. It was all we could do to keep from falling down in laughter. Eric the snowman.

Well, the game continued of course, and the first half was dominated by the Estonian team. The second half began and in the first minute, Japan was awarded a penalty shot, much to the enjoyment of the Japanese contingent. The shot was converted marking a historic moment for their Federation. The ball was collected by the team captain, and presented to the team leaders. The result was never going to be in doubt, however, Japan scored again later in the second half on a beautiful shot from a corner stroke into the upper corner. The celebrations began again in earnest, despite the inevitable result forthcoming.

At the end of the day; nothing can curb the Japanese enjoyment of the moment

Referee Team Sjosten

Return to hotel for a quick change of clothes in preparation for 4th official duty for the next game at Central Stadium, Netherlands vs Canada. I wear my new valenki traditional wool felt boots, and draw comments from volunteers to the security platoon. The game is never in doubt as the Canadians roll to 11-1 victory.

Office foyer at the National Stadium (Central)

Back at the hotel after the match, the fog gives way to relatively clear view of the Tang Shan mountain range to the south of the city, and the late afternoon sun shining on the gold ornaments at the Church in the Park of 28 Heros across the street. I truely hope that we can get a clear view of the whole range towering over the city of Almaty to the south.

Golden sunset over mountain peaks and Cathedral in Park for 28 Heros

A leisurely afternoon in the hotel room is a nice break, and I look forward to watching Sweden vs Kazakhstan on the television tonight, then late dinner before our 22:30 nightly meeting to review the days games, and receive our next assignments. 

At our meeting, we begin with a short video showing the historic start to the Group C play, followed by the video captured of team mate, Eric, falling backwards into the snow drift ... this is met with howls of laughter by all, and brought tears to my eyes. Eric took it in stride, and stood to recieve his applause.

Meeting ends at 23:40 bringing another long day to an end. Tomorrow brings another Group C game, featuring another first time country, Kirgistan. I get to work with one of the top Finish Head Referees as they face Estonia.