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Friday, November 13, 2009

Chillin' at Choate

Just a quick hit this morning as the Icers hold a game-day practice at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, CT before heading to North Kingstown for tonight's first of two with Rhode Island.

Not only are Scott Balboni and Bill Downey having to deal with all the injuries, they will be missing Marek Polidor and Chris Pronchik tonight. Both will be serving their one-game suspensions assessed following last Saturday's dust up at the end of the game at Navy.

Certainly not what the coaches need as the #6 Icers face a very good #7 Rams squad in front of what will be a hostile home crowd at the Boss Arena.

This arena at Choate is fabulous, with one caveat. The home team locker room facilities at this New England prep school put many major college facilities to shame.

The ice is hard and fast, and it's no wonder. It's darn cold inside this arena. Last year when the team practiced here it was like a meat locker. I remarked that I was never that cold playing outdoors back home in Canada! At least this year, they threw a couple of extra logs on the fire, making it bearable inside for those of us not skating.

After practice we're off the Steve Thurston's house for a team meal. It will be a bittersweet visit, not seeing big Bill Thurston's smiling face and enjoying his welcoming handshake.

But we know he's there in spirit, and every day we're thinking of Bill, Valerie, Chris and Steve.

Here's a quick look at the rink as the guys were warming up. The banners honor the US Olympians who have attended Choate Rosemary Hall. Quite an impressive list.


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