Five on Five - SEP.09.07
Entry posted by Mason Raymond
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<table width=90% align=center><tr><td><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/raymond_blog.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4>The first two days were leading up to today: we finally got to play some five on five hockey. Since today was the first day we did five on five, there was definitely a different feeling out on the ice and took a little getting used to at first.
There was some scrambling in our own zone with guys not sure exactly where they’re going yet but it felt really good to get back into actually playing. I didn’t score a goal but I had some good chances so I’m pretty happy with what I did today and most importantly it just felt great.
Alex Edler put a big hit on me in the corner and I felt that one, I mean he’s a big boy, he weighs quite a bit so he’s got a lot of force behind him. Eddy and I are pretty close and he’s a good friend of mine so we have some good battles out there. Luckily for the most part, he and I are on the same team because he’s not someone you want coming at you, that’s for sure.
<a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/raymond03_09082007_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/raymond03_09082007_t.jpg border=0 align=right vspace=3 hspace=4></a>One of my comments asked me about what jersey number I would wear and I haven’t really thought about it. I’m wearing 21 right now and if that’s the number I get then I’ll be more than happy. I really have no preference at all, it’s not too important to me because any jersey number I get to pull over my head is an honour. I wore number 9 in Camrose, that would’ve been a good one but Taylor Pyatt’s got that. There was no rhyme or reason to it, I think I was assigned that number but like I said, the number’s not that important to me.
I think I had mentioned it would be such an experience to room with Markus if I go to main camp next week but Michael, my current roommate, did room with Markus last year. He said it was a cool experience and he learned a lot from him. He’s an idol of mine and an idol I’m sure of many but its kind of an honour to room with him if you’re able to. He didn’t tell me any secrets so from what I know Markus is not much a snorer and he’s not super messy but if I hear anything else, I’ll keep you posted.
Something about Michael that you might not know is that he spends quite a bit of time on his computer. There’s not a lot to do during the day so I guess for him, it’s a good way to pass the time. I think he’s talking to his friends and family back home.
<a href=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep0907_rookie20_b.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/09/sep0907_rookie20_t.jpg border=0 align=left vspace=3 hspace=4></a>Speaking of family, it’s very important to me so I’ve been talking to my parents and my fiancée everyday and I believe in keeping close contact with them. They’re just being very encouraging and keep me focused, which is helping me a lot to have that kind of support from them. I think it’s good just to check in and get some news from the farm back home.
I grew up on a farm and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I love it and I still go back every summer. It’s something I truly enjoy, seriously. The things I’ve learned there have helped me beyond just the farm like a strong work ethic that my dad kind of taught me and what it takes to get things done.
There was always lots of things to do when you grow up on a farm. There are tasks like fencing, checking waters, milking cows, farming the tractor, or whatever it might be, the list can go on. I don’t find it a chore at all, it’s actually fun. When I get to go home, it’s something I can do that I enjoy and helps me relax.
Speaking of which, I think it’s time I start refueling for the last day tomorrow.</td></tr></table>
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