If Dryden was just a small community along the Trans Canada Highway before, that clearly isn’t the case anymore.
Dryden was very well represented at the Olympics in the form of Chris Pronger of the men’s Olympic gold medal hockey team, in the presence of the police force and local O.P.P. officers and even a mention at the opening ceremonies for having the whole community out to celebrate the Olympic Torch Relay.
Most Drydenites cheered, watching their big screen T.V.s at home, wishing they could be part of the melee that was downtown Vancouver.
Dryden fans were, however, also represented at the Olympics in the form of the Lang family.
Emma and Kaden along with their parents, Erik and Adi bought tickets last July and got into some of the top events at the Games, including the ladies halfpipe, ski-cross and of course hockey and curling.
And not just any hockey. They got to see up close and personal Team Canada beat out Sweden 13-1 in the round robin.
Adi says the atmosphere in the UBC Thunder Place was too contagious to ignore.
“The vibe in the whole arena was awesome. We did the wave and everyone was cheering. You couldn’t help but stand up and cheer.”
The team also enjoyed the bronze medal game in women’s hockey between Sweden and Findland and added that even though Canada wasn’t playing, the arena was a sea of red except for the occasional yellow or blue.
Emma and Kaden were also lucky enough to be spectators in the women’s curling gold medal game between Canada and Sweden.
The family also took part in the events downtown for spectators, including the sponsor’s pavilions that were set up and even toured exhibits set up by the Hockey Hall of Fame.
When asked what their favourite part about being at the Olympics was, little Kaden had an amusing story to tell.
“I liked the Canada versus Sweden hockey game. Number 23 shot the puck [during warmup] and hit the goalie in the face.”
Adi adds that the goalie was okay and they still won the game.
The family said it was a once in a lifetime experience to be able to go to the Winter Olympics in Canada.
Transportation was amazing to and from the events and volunteers were everywhere if anyone needed any help.
The weather was gorgeous and the only snow in sight was on the mountains for the skiing.
Adi says that there were people everywhere and every once in awhile, someone wouldn start singing O Canada.
“Even if you were there and didn’t go to any of the events, it was awesome. Everywhere was red. Everyone had their Canada stuff on all the time.”
Emma adds that it was great to be able to see Canada participate in the Winter Olympics at home because they’re not going to go all the way to Russia to see them in 2014.
For photos, see this week’s edition of the Dryden Observer
