Hockey is our game!

Augustin seemed to enjoy his trip to the farm when he was finally able to put his immigration papers in order. His letters sent to Renee in Switzerland describe stopping in New York for 8 days where he stayed with my father's cousin, Mounette.  He describes that 8 days in New York is hardly enough time due to the size of the city.  In his letter he describes his impressions of Montreal "even after New York it is a large city, the roads are large with trees which don't exist in New York.  The apartments are not as tall as in New York.  Montreal does seem very cultured but I don't think it would compare to Geneva.  However the people are very nice and I have met some wonderful friends.  In fact last night some of them invited me to a hockey game.  It was fantastic.  I have never seen anything like it. Our national team would of been extinguished by a team so fast and rough.  Apparently they are all professionals and were in St. Moritz for the Olympics.  It is cold in Canada.  It has been frozen for a long time now.  Yesterday it was -18.  I can promise you it is impossible to go for long walks.  I came across a Canadian woman all dressed in a fur coat and boots.  That is the only way to go for a walk here.  I have seen that in Sicamous it is less cold.  I leave Tuesday night and will arrive Friday night.  It is a short voyage of 4000 kms.  I have received a letter from Edmond who waits impatiently for me.  Also a note from your father wishing me welcome to Canada and assuring me I will well looked after. "

A note that the Olympics that Gus is referring to in St. Moritz were the first Olympics that athletes had gathered for in 11 years due to the cancellation of the 1940 and 1944 games because of World War II.  The Canadian Team had seven wins and one tie against the team from Czechoslovakia who also had won seven games.  The tournament was decided in goal differential.  Team Canada had outscored their opponents 69-5.   Canada won gold by a 2 goal margin.  The Swiss Team earned a bronze.