Our hockey team’s trip to Riga was a crazy adventure, beginning with a 15-hour travel day that set the atmosphere for an unforgettable experience. We started with a four-hour bus ride from Castleton to Boston, then embarked on a seven-hour flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Despite the length of the flight, the boys managed to socialize and catch some sleep. After a brief two-hour layover in Frankfurt, we boarded our final flight to Riga, ready to explore Latvia’s capital.

One memorable moment occurred when Dominic Rodrigue was asked to hold a stranger’s baby while the parents sorted out their stroller at baggage claim. Once we collected our luggage and breathed in the Riga air, we headed to our hotel, but first we stopped at the rink to drop off our gear. We had some issues with room availability, giving us extra time to explore Old Town Riga. This gave us a quick glimpse of the city and an opportunity to scout potential spots for dinner. After settling into our rooms, we ventured out to explore more of Old Town, determined to stay awake and adjust to the new time zone. By the end of the night, everyone was exhausted but happy to be in Riga finally.

Day two marked the start of our hockey. Some of the boys arrived early at Inbox Arena to assist with a youth camp, while the rest of us prepared for our first practice in Riga. Although the practice was a bit rusty, it felt great to be back on the ice together after the offseason. Following practice, we enjoyed lunch at the hotel before exploring more of Riga. We split into two groups for dinner: one group went to a wood-fired grill, while the other enjoyed a meal at a charming patio restaurant. The food was unreal. After dinner, we regrouped and explored the city further, eventually winding down with a fun karaoke session where Josef Vyvial’s rendition of Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away” was hilarious and unforgettable.

Day three was our first game in Riga. We began with a team breakfast and a morning skate at Inbox Arena, preparing for a friendly match against the Latvian team. Our journey to the Volvo Arena was a bit chaotic due to miscommunication with our bus driver, resulting in an unexpected detour on the highway. Despite this, we arrived and prepared for the game. Unfortunately, the game didn’t go our way, but it was a building block for us. Afterward, we had dinner at a restaurant that shockingly fit all 21 of us, and we enjoyed some karaoke and bonded as a team.

Day four was dedicated to recovering from the previous day’s game and preparing for our rematch against Latvia. The day began with some of us helping out at the camp again, followed by a bounce back practice. For dinner, we had the freedom to choose our own meals, leading to a split between those who enjoyed kebabs and others who had an unreal Italian dining experience. Best pasta ever. We finished off the night with a quick ice cream run, racing to the shop just before closing. The ice cream was worth racing there for it.

The tournament games continued on day five with a match against Latvia. We had a morning skate, a pregame meal, and then traveled to the rink with better preparation than before. Although we lost 3-0, the game was an improvement from the first game. After the game, we had a relaxing dinner and spent the evening hanging out and bonding in our rooms.

Day six featured a highly anticipated game against Austria, where Simon Brenter has personal ties because he’s from there. Despite starting the day with optimism, we fell 4-0. The game gave us a good look at what we needed to do as a team moving forward. Post-game, we explored Riga’s nightlife, visiting the Rock Cafe and enjoying its various entertainment options, from karaoke to pool tables. This night out was a super cool way to experience the local culture and unwind as a team.

On day seven, we enjoyed a much-needed break with a day of rest and recovery. Many of us used the hotel’s spa with a sauna and pool. We also went on a sightseeing tour around Riga, which offered a new perspective on the city especially because it was Riga’s birthday. The whole day allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the local culture.

Our final day, day eight, was spent playing our last game of the tournament against Milwaukee School of Engineering. The game was tight till the end, but we fell short with a 2-0 defeat, including an empty-net goal. After the game, we relaxed at Jurmala, a beach town on the Baltic Sea. The beach provided a refreshing contrast to the city and was a perfect way to wrap up our trip. We spent our final evening in Riga catching up with players from other teams and reflecting on our experiences.

The journey home began with an early wake-up call and a long travel day back to Castleton. Despite the exhaustion, the trip was an unforgettable experience filled with hockey, exploration, and team bonding. The memories made in Riga will be remembered by the boys forever.