Moose Country Madness!

A series of anecdotes about life in Canada from British Expat reader Si, based in Edmonton. (The one in Alberta, not the one in North London.)

Bumps and Bruises: "No sooner had I stood on the ice with my nice, new and shiny razor sharp Bauer skates than I was looking up at the top of the arena admiring the view. I have quickly learnt that skating and hockey are not as easy as they first appear." Si decides to take up ice-hockey.
Hockey Night (Part 1): "Now, while growing up in England my only experience with anything related to ice and sticks was an umbrella in my cocktail. So a trip out to see a NHL team play was something I was greatly looking forward to, not least to see a load of grown men in full body armour throwing punches at each other. ...it was with a great deal of eagerness that I boarded a yellow school bus one night on a cold winter evening in Edmonton, off to see the Oilers play the Canucks." Si shares his experiences of going to see his very first ice-hockey game.
Hockey Night (Part 2): "After an eternity of seemingly nothing happening, the game finally started. My buddy, who by now was totally immersed in the game, gave me that don't-ask-me-another-darn-question-otherwise-I-will-thump-you look, after I'd asked for the third time in quick succession what the hell was going on." Si concludes his expos� of ice-hockey viewed in the flesh...
The Family Business: "'Ah, wonderful,' you think. Beautiful huskies, the Canadian wilderness, fresh air and vigour - sounds great. But I am a wimp with the stamina of a 80-year-old with a lung missing." Si describes how he married into a family of dog-sledders...