By Jessica Evans

I’m scrambling to finish up work for the day.   I've scored a ticket to the Molson Canadian Hockey House from Molson; they sponsor Timeraiser and donated a few passes for the volunteers.  A text comes in from Jen, the Timeraiser Manager who just arrived at the Hockey House with some of the other volunteers:

“It’s a sea of red here”

Oh no.  I look down.  Purple with grey.  How could I have messed this up?  How can I cheer on Team Canada wearing purple?

My transportation has Canadian colours...

The irony is, Red has played a large part in my life, and many of my friends would identify me with the colour.  I have red glasses, red jackets, red shoes and three red bikes.  One would think that I could put together something a little more Canadian.

I post a self conscious tweet with a picture of my Red and White bike/helmet combo now desperately trying to compensate.

Going to the Molson Canadian Hockey House is a big treat – something I wouldn’t indulge in on my own and I’m grateful for the comp ticket.  It’s actually my first time out in the Olympic mania since the start of the Games; I can see the cauldron from the office, but other than that I'm only out to grab a quick java.  Most of my clients are American, so it's busy-ness as usual.  I seem to have missed the dress code memo.

I navigate my way east, making my way to the Hockey House.  The energy is magnificent;  everyone's smiling and R.E.M's "Shiny Happy People" queues up in my mental playlist.  I bask in the roar of fans while riding by Canada Hockey Place and the VPD officer I approach for directions is very friendly.  He prefaces his instructions with “Well, since you’re on a bike…” , and then directs me through a few pedestrian shortcuts so I can get around the road closures.

Can someone split a piece of that jersey off for me, please?

My comp pass gains me access to the Hockey House and I feel like a little grey grinch treading water in an ocean of red and white.  Someone bumps into me.  It's probably because I'm wearing grey, I think.  This wouldn't happen if I was wearing red.  Or maybe I really should just watch where I'm going.  I seek out one of the employees to get a maple leaf painted on my forehead or something to show I'm Canadian.  I could have brought a prop polar bear, or worn a toque.... what was I thinking?

All in all, the game and the experience was fantastic.  It's "Alberta Night" at the hot dinner buffet so I balance my Molson Canadian with bacon wrapped chicken, a large chunk of beef, and bean salad.  The place is packed, and we're sitting down at the very front watching the game projected above us.  When Team Canada gets a goal,  a gaggle of photographers jump in front to capture shots of the frenzied crowd.   It’s Canada v. Switzerland, which goes through overtime to a shoot out.  I’m biting my nails… sure I’ve been busy at work but an Olympic level hockey shootout?  Now that’s pressure.

Red & White Confetti, FTW

I was expecting the atmosphere of a tied game to be tense, but everyone’s amped up with support.  Chants of CAN-A-DA surge through the crowd.  I’m a bit nervous though.  I turn to Jen – “we have to win this” – she nods.

Crosby gets our winning goal and the crowd … well…. “goes wild” would be a gross understatement.  There’s a popping noise on either side of the stage and we’re showered in confetti.   I thoughtfully cover my drink to protect against digesting one of the papery projectiles and the place turns into a dance party.

I'm part of something Big.  No matter what colour I'm wearing, you can tell who I'm cheering for.

Jessica Evans loves life in Vancouver - especially the parts that involve volunteering, riding bikes, or any combination thereof.  Follow her on Twitter as @jessicers.