early Van storylines

Here are some items that are on the top of the reporting list prior to Christmas. Things will surely change before Feb, but it's nice to get a dozen out in text.

1. Wah Chu, father of USA forward Julie Chu, was born in Hong Kong. I'd like to spend time shooting him in Vancouver's Chinatown, discussing his family heritage and all the familiar faces in Vancouver. He has two cousins, Stanley and Janet Wong living in Vancouver. USA opens against China on Feb. 14, and Julie is quite cognizant of the Chinese players' reaction to her (almost one of their own) on the ice. She might have some excellent comments post-game. Wah and Julie are both excellent speakers, this could be a fun international piece, useful for Canadian, U.S. and Chinese viewers.

2. USA has a pair of identical twins, Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux, who survived the Olympic cut. Monique's fiance shipped off to Afghanistan this past November, her letters from the war zone might be fascinating if she shares them, especially if we could shoot her reading them and have the text voiced over as she reads or writes. There have never been U.S. Olympic hockey twins before. Both girls are transferring from the Univ. of Minnesota to North Dakota, but must maintain a full academic course load if they are to be eligible to play next season. They will both have books with them in Vancouver. Incidentally, they are role models for hockey playing twins in the U.S. Two 7th grade hockey playing twins from New Jersey, Abigail and Elizabeth Fournier, will be up in Vancouver rooting them on. This has the makings of a good human interest feature.

3. Arguably the two best forwards in the world, Canada's Hayley Wickenheiser and USA's Jenny Potter, are both mothers, and I would be shocked if their kids didn't make it to Vancouver.

4. Pending the absence of a monumental upset, the bronze medal game will in all likelihood be between Finland and Sweden. Their respective starting goalies, Noora Raty (FIN) and Kim Martin (SWE) are both capable of stealing a round robin game from the big two, Martin beat the U.S. in Torino, and more recently, Raty beat the Americans in September at the Hockey Canada Cup venue test event in Vancouver. These two know each other well from their U.S. college rivalry: Raty plays for U. of Minnesota and Martin for their WCHA rival Minnesota Duluth. Their personalities are polar opposites: Raty talks trash and claims to be the best, Martin quietly defers, is sweet to everyone, and wins NCAA championships. An ideal feature to air prior to the Bronze game.

5. USA coach Mark Johnson: Leading U.S. scorer at Miracle on Ice 1980; Dad was legendary coach Badger Bob who coached 1976 U.S. Olympic team, cutting Mark in the process. Mark has a chance to do something his late father never accomplished, coach a team to an Olympic medal. Bob Johnson did win a Stanley Cup in his last full year coaching before passing away. People close to the Johnsons see a great deal in common between father and son. Mark played in 1980 for his Dad's fiercest rival, Herb Brooks, and had tremendous success. Like Brooks, Johnson's roster is crammed with players from his NCAA team. Brooks had 8 gophers, Johnson has 7 Badgers.

***More family stuff***

6. Switzerland roster also has twin sisters competing at the games, 17 year old Defensemen Laura Benz and forward Sara, both solid players destined for NCAA play in U.S. Laura is being recruited more heavily, Duluth is reportedly a leading contender for her services. The Benz parents are the Swiss team medical doctors.

7.*** Men's hockey story: USA defenseman Ryan Suter is son of Bob Suter who was solid defenseman on 1980 Miracle team. Ryan is only offspring from that club to make another Olympic team. Ryan is projected to challenge former Badger Chris Chelios as the best American defenseman ever; dad will be in Vancouver. I have produced version of this feature for USA Hockey (NGB). B-roll of Ryan checking out Dad in Lake Placid museum exists, probably without rights issues. Suter family received copy of the world Junor footage in 2004. I covered Ryan for 3 straight years at World Junior Championships.

8. This is 50th Anniversary of Squaw Valley Olympics, the only other Winter Games on west coast of North America. USA won first Olympic Hockey Gold in 1960. I have shot dozens of interviews with 1960 Team, and will have access to those who show up in Vancouver, including 86 yr old coach Jack Riley who is still a fun sound bite.

9. Canada Superstar Meghan Agosta is most dynamic player in Games with her breakaway, dashing speed. she has scored 8 goals and 13 points in 10 game pre-Olympic tour vs USA. She will return to Mercyhurst college next year to finish senior season looking to take care of unfinished business: Kazmaier award and NCAA Gold in 2010-2011, coincidentally Mercyhurst will host the 2011 Frozen Four. She is in a position to singlehandedly raise the awareness of women's hockey.

10. Canada has a potential goalie controversy: St. Pierre and Labonte shared time in the spectacular Ottawa tilt vs the U.S. in front of 16,000, and at a former Canadian national team coach thinks Szabodos is the best of the three. edge to St. Pierre base on experience in the big game.

11. Sweden's best player, #72 Elin Holmlov, had back surgery, and can't really skate in practice but has good enough hands to be their most dangerous offensive force.

12. Finland's Michelle Karvinen has similar explosive traits as Canada's Agosta. She lives in Denmark, but commuted to Finland to study and get her passport before returning to Denmark. Dad is a Finn. She can be a one-woman show on the ice.

13. Marie-Philip Poulin youngest player on Team Canada at 18, is one of their most dynamic players. Rival coaches are in awe of Poulin, who will tear up the NCAA next year.