Here is the first message directly from New Zealand, exclusive to the Rugby Road Journal!

Hello Canada,

After our arrival in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Wednesday, October 15th, the Canada Avalanche had a day off before the start of competition at the New Zealand National Championships on Friday, October 17th.

The team, which includes Fabien Lavoie, Steven Dunn, David Willsie, Sue McRae, Patrice Simard, Mike Bacon and Daniel Paradis, Coach Benoit Labrecque, Stephan Charbonneau, Jennifer Cadieux and Cathy Cadieux took a trip to the scenic fishing village of Akaroa on Thursday and enjoyed a harbour cruise.  With the athletes perched on the back of the Canterbury Cat, we cruised by the spectacular landscape in the green/blue water of the South Pacific.   With small blue penguins, amazing birds (including Canada Geese if you can believe it) and the world's smallest (and shyest) dolphins just a few feet away from the boat, it was a great experience for all.

Akaroa is only a mere 85 kilometres from Christchurch, and is an historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano.  It was founded by the French and with so many of our Québec athletes competing here, it seemed fitting to see so many French names in the small village.  The picture of Coach Benoit Labrecque standing under the street sign for Rue Benoit, in this tiny village in New Zealand is on the site for all to see.  What a treat!

The Canada Avalanche faced their first competitors in New Zealand today, with two games.  The team posted a disappointing result in their first outing against Australia with a 34-28 loss against the Aussies.  "Unforced errors were the problem for the Avalanche" said Coach Labrecque, as he made it clear to this small squad that "Australia didn't win this game, we lost it."

The team posted a much better result in the second game of the day, as the players settled down and got to work.  The tone was set early by the Canadians, with a controlled, agressive first quarter.  The New Zealand Manawatu were no match for the Avalanche with a final score of 46-31.

With three games scheduled for tomorrow, it will be a busy day for the Avalanche.  Send us your good thoughts or e-mails at Cathy Cadieux, which will be passed along to the players.

We'll keep you posted!