The afternoon saw us back at the rink for the second game of the day. This time the Kangaroos were to play against the Canterbury Kiwis from New Zealand. When we got back to the rink and saw Michelle she asked us if we had heard what had happened to Connor. Her statement sent shivers down my spine with my heart in my mouth wondering what had happened because those sorts of statements aren't usually made in relation to something good having happened. Michelle told us that during the break between games, when the kid were playing with other players and children, Connor had been hit with a firework let off by another child. Thank god although Connor's tracksuit pants, shoe and sock had burnt and melted he escaped any major injury with just a small blister and sore skin on his ankle. He was so lucky and thankfully smart enough that when his pants began to burn he stomped on them with his other foot and stopped the burning from spreading all the way up his leg. Connor explained that he had stepped in front of the firework because if he hadn't it would have hit Ben, another boy on the Kangaroos team, who was playing goalie and was completely unaware the firework was coming towards him. We we proud that he had tried to protect Ben and so thankful he was largely ok. It could have been so much worse. When asked if he planned to play there was no question he would be out there.
As usual the game began with the exchanging of gifts. As we were playing New Zealand we were also all treated to the Hakka. The Hakka is always a fantastic spectacle to witness.
This game was fantastic with the team playing probably their best game yet, although this mornings game was hard to top. Connor again played really well as a forward.
This time the Kangaroos dominated right from the beginning. With the Kangaroos leading 10-3 part way through the third period, the two teams chose to swap some players and coaches for the remainder of the game. Connor was fortunate to again switch teams and this time played as #99 for the Canterbury Kiwis.
During this game a player from the Kiwis was even brave enough to play in net without any pads. At one stage we had 2 goalies playing out as forwards and at the end of the game it was a free for all with all players from both teams on the ice. It was a great way to finish a fantastic game. The team really did themselves proud in both of their games today. Here's to keeping it going as the tournament progresses.
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