Metros Swansong

I concluded my Metros career this past Friday in a 4-6 loss to Blackpool Seagulls. It was a trial of a game that saw us fall behind, catch up, only to fall behind shortly after. Definitely frustrating, but the effort needed to pursue a victory was there. We just came up a few minutes too short. Blackpool fielded an experienced team that passed the puck with great speed. The Metros fielded a mixed team of A-C players.

As a final outing, win or lose, I wanted to go down fighting. I netted my first off a rebound on the back post as I fired into the gaping net. My second followed from another rebounded that I snuck thru the goalie's pads. Finishing off a stellar year, I completed my second hat-trick off a rebound from a shot from the point.




The three tallies totaled to nine goals and four assists in the last three friendly matches-- excluding the Clermont trip. Throughout the BUIHA Cup Competition I notched a total of 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in seven games. The 8th game vs. Sheffield was forfeited due to no game sheet being turned in. I was proud to be a part of the most productive line-- the three of us in the top 10 in Division 1 North, 1st, 5th, and 8th.

Without question, the 2012/13 Manchester Metros campaign was a tremendous success. Each game was met with the common goal to perform at the highest level possible.

Goodbye Mill Point

Saturday saw the end of my contract at Mill Point. It has been a fantastic place to call home for the last 10 1/2 months. I have met several great folk via Mill Point that I will consider friends for life. Overall I am thankful for their hospitality. I absolutely loved the en-suite experience as my room had its own signature personality.

Following the conclusion at Mill Point I've enjoyed wonderful nights with hockey friends, Brumby x2. Chris and John welcomed me into their home before I made the transfer to the quaint Cheadle on Tuesday.

Sunday night saw one of my most productive in a Manchester Metros uniform as the team beat Aardvarx A, 9-5, in a friendly in Blackburn. It was convincing win that saw the line combination of Gunn-Brown-Etherington combine for 8 goals from textbook passing.

I have one more run-out in a Metros jersey on Friday night at Deeside versus the Blackpool Seagulls. Every "end" has been a tremendous honor as I look back on my year abroad as a truly successful experience. It includes being top points scorer across Div 1 North & South, a Cup Competition Title, a BUIHA Playoff Championship, a poetry collection, visits to 8 countries, and several great friendships. Oh, and I learned a lot in my lectures!

The last week in the UK will be great!

Tallin, Estonia

Finally getting around to this one!
Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to travel and spend one day in Estonia's capital city, Tallinn.
Once again, the weather was cooperating just perfectly.
Thru Tallink Silja, I easily booked my ferry across the Gulf of Finland.
Although Estonia can be accessed without disruption, it can be affected by lack of sleep.
I had spent much of the previous night with Jussi & his brother at a 4th of July celebration.

My original idea was to visit St. Petersburg in Russia, but that required a lengthy visa process.
I can say I have visited a former USSR Satellite State.
Regardless, Tallinn was a great choice as it's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 2011, it was the European Capital of Culture (shared with Turku, Finland).
What I like most about Tallinn is its contrast between new and old.
It is something that is seen throughout the city.
I enjoyed a relaxed day in Estonia, which was much needed.
The park located next to the Old Town provided shade from the sun.

Now I will let a few photos take center stage.

(I feel my blog writings have taken a few hits due to the terrible new layout system blogger uses. Just an FYI why my last few posts have seemed a little lackluster! I can't arrange photos or type layouts the way I used to as I am awful with HTML.) 
 

Viru Gate, an entrance to the Old Town.

Alexandre Nevsky Cathedral

St. Nicholas' Church

Helsinki, Day 1 & 2

For starters, a dream of mine since 2005 has been to visit Finland. A peculiar selection you might be asking yourself? Finland is home to my favorite band and guitarist-- Children of Bodom and their, Alexi Laiho. I had read a Guitar World issue entitled The Virtuoso Issue: The Super Guitarist. Depicted on the front were guitar giants Zakk Wylde and Steve Vai. Nestled between the two American legends was the 26-year-old, Alexi Laiho. After reading his article, checking out his shred licks, and listening to COB, I had found an idol.

So this trip was just a shy under 8 1/2 years in the making. A trip that I could not let slip by me as Finland seemed so close all year. Not only do I cross it off my list, but I got to visit a good friend who came to UNCG last year. He welcomed me to Finland, but also into his apartment for the week.

Day 1 (Arrival) ; Day 2 (Sightseeing)

I arrived into Finland this past Monday night, a bit groggy from leaping 2 hours ahead of UK time. That and I had only briefly prepared myself for how bright the nights would be. But pay no mind, Jussi had me awake at 7am for breakfast before he went to work. He had picked his usual spot where he said, "all the beautiful girls go here." (Can't fault him for that kind of decision making!)

My tour around Finland's capital began after a hearty breakfast that included fresh bits of salmon. The city surrounded by water looked eloquent under the blue Finnish skies. Perfect weather for any tourist. And as that, I got started on the main sights of Helsinki. From the famous Helsinki kauppatori or "main market square", I ventured east around the harbor. Along the route, I passed by Alexander Hotovistsky's Uspenski Cathedral. It loomed atop the city, rich with the Russian's architectural design c. 1862.

I next passed by Helsinki's own Helsinki Cathedral. Helsinki Cathedral is definitely one of the most iconic attractions in the city. It can be seen from the sea as a beacon between Helsinki & the nearby island, Suomenlinna. From the Cathedral I ventured up Mannerheimintie, the main shopping street. The street runs by many landmarks and museums, such as the National Museum of Finland. It continues to pass along the banks of the Töölönlahti bay, Olympic Stadium and out of the city.

By the time I returned to the market square, Jussi was on his lunch break. Neither of us were particularly hungry yet, the breakfast was just too filling! Instead we got ice cream and walked along the market. His break was over in a flash and he departed after helping me get my ticket to Suomenlinna.


Suomenlinaa (Castle of Finland; 1917) is important as the place of surrender to Russian forces. It was originally designed as Sveaborg starting in 1748 under Swedish ruler Augustin Ehrensvärd. The 6 islands are home to several sights like Ehrensvärd's grave, the old chruch, and The King's Gate. Nowadays, it is a touristic attraction as well as a place for locals to relax on the rocks.

I once again met up with Jussi following the end of his work day back on the mainland. He suggested we go back to his place to relax a bit before dinner at a restaurant he's a a regular at. Prior to arriving at the restaurant, he walked me along another harbor. There, he explained that the richest neighborhood was home to the Swedish inhabitants of Helsinki. Buzzing with hunger, we did end up arriving at a restaurant called Sea Horse. It specialized in Finnish cuisine and had done so since 1934. It is a famous place as it's served Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and more. Under the direction of Jussi, I ordered the Scandinavian Hash. It was comprised of ham onions served amongst potatoes with a fried egg on top. So to say the least, I was very pleased with the selection!

While we were eating, Jussi's younger brother arrived. Following the meal, we were all heading to a local party to celebrate the 4th of July!

Happy Birthday, America!
And welcome to Finland!