Late Thursday night, I received an email informing me that the Winter Olympics Ice Hockey Media Credential Committee increased its credential capacity to 1300 and I (Number 1283) had been approved to cover Olympics Ice Hockey. So…$8,653 later, I’m on an airplane flying to Vancouver. We approach Vancouver International Airport during the Opening Ceremony and can’t enter their airspace. Instead, we circle around and see the final fireworks of the ceremony and the Olympic torch as Wayne Gretzky ignites it.

The Olympic Media Center is crazy--with almost 20,000 reporters. Al Michaels scurries by with his head down, ignoring everyone, with four big burly body guards like a rock star. Bob Costas, however, acknowledges fellow reporters.

What a dream come true for me, to see three great hockey games a day, featuring the best hockey players in the world. When we’re not watching hockey, we dine on food prepared by the Executive Chef from the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. Duck L’Orangerie Sliders and Lobster Mashed Potatoes are my favorite. We dorm at the University of British Columbia and when we’re not watching hockey, we’re at Molson Canadian Hockey House watching replays. We aren’t allowed to attend other Olympic events with our credentials except for Curling.

Back in Dallas, the highly regarded Hockey News didn’t list Marty Turco as one of their Top 30 NHL Goalies this season. Last season, he was number 15 and named one of the 100 most influential people in hockey. According to Dallas Stars First Year General Manager Joe Niewendyk, “Marty has been playing well. We will do what’s necessary when the trade deadline passes to have two goalies here. It’s not easy to acquire a Top Four Defenseman, it’s very costly and resigning Steve Ott is a top priority.”