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A True Canadian Experience: Let’s Go Oilers!

16/4/2025

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by Shinichi Nakagawa

When I was in Sydney this February, my old colleague Rob Brooks (from UNSW) told me I should go and see an NHL game, specifically an Oilers game, so finally, I did! I went with Totoro (my older son), and it was our first time at Rogers Place. It was such an exciting night.

Before the game, my new colleague Kim Mathot kindly lent us two Oilers T-shirts. They were very orange and very cool; we looked like real fans. The whole place was full of people wearing Oilers fancy jerseys, shouting and cheering even before and throughout the game.

The game was close, 2-2 until the third period. Then suddenly, the Oilers scored again and again! Every goal made us elate and the stadium shake. Everyone was yelling, jumping, clapping. There was so much energy, and the final score was 4–2.

It was very Canadian, at least that is what I thought, with cold drinks, loud music, and parachuting pizzas. Maybe not always polite, yet very polite.

I still don’t understand the rules very well (icing?), but it was a lot of fun. Totoro and I had a great time and bonded via Oilers, which I first thought was “Eulers” after the famous mathematician Euler [pronounced: oy-lr]!?!? – how wrong I was!

(photos by Shinichi Nakagawa)


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Cross-country skiing

2/4/2025

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by Ayumi Mizuno

I am not a fan of exercise or sports. If you know me, this probably does not come as a surprise. I do enjoy walking and stretching using an exercise ball, but the only sport I have ever willingly tried is bouldering - and that is about it. Throughout my life, I have done my best to avoid anything involving physical activity - gym class, sports festivals, and any other sports-related events.

But after coming to Edmonton, I ran into something I could not escape: cross-country skiing.

Before moving here, I spent six years in Hokkaido, Japan - a place famous for its heavy powder snow, where people from all over the country and abroad come to ski. And yet, I never once tried skiing. Not even once. Even when invited, I always found a way to politely say no.

So, when Losia first invited me to go cross-country skiing, I seriously regretted never giving it a shot back then. Even trying it once would have helped.

My first time? Honestly, I spent the whole time thinking, Why am I doing this? And afterward, I thought, once is more than enough. Then, the second time came. I was told we were going for a “walk in the snow,” but when I showed up - surprise! - it was cross-country skiing again. And somehow, we ended up on an advanced trail. I wanted to cry.

But the third time... it finally felt fun. The endless snowy fields stretching out before me, the quiet, the fresh air - it was actually peaceful. For the first time, I did not fall even once. I owe a lot to Losia, who patiently and kindly taught me, even when I struggled!

Now, I think I might actually enjoy cross-country skiing. Part of me even thinks I might actually choose to go again next time.

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Created by Losia Lagisz, last modified on June 24, 2015