10:04 AM 

I’ve walked into the Grand Casino Arena and gone through security like I’ve done a hundred times with my backpack. I saunter to what I think is a credential table. Swaggering, really. My laptop’s charged, my phone’s at 91%, and I’m ready for the day. 

Except this isn’t the credential table, and now I’m swallowed by a throng of chattering volunteers who I think are on the custodial crew. These people are the true heroes of this building, and (for once) I am in no mood for stolen valor. 

10:31 AM 

First call to the photographer. He’s been here for over an hour. Agree to meet near the merch table. 

10:33 AM 

Get bored. Go upstairs to press box. 

11:07 AM 

Slam two Red Bulls. Finish the “Get to know” article about the Minnesotans. Ignore second phone call from boss. 

12:09 PM 

Puck drop between Sweden and Slovakia. 

12:37 PM 

I am enamored with Slovakia’s defensive structure. It’s like watching speed chess between Tigran Petrosian and Vladimir Kramnik. With every saucer pass or no-look backhander from hyper-skilled Sweden, the Slovakia defense stretches and contracts in harmony. 

Mid-second period 

Victor Eklund scores to put Sweden ahead 2-0 with 6:44 left in the second period. Watching Eklund (drafted 16th overall by the New York Islanders) and Anton Frondell (drafted 3rd by Chicago), who scored the first goal for the Swedes on the power play, is like watching Man O’War and Secretariat run sprints against Li’l Sebastian. 

Also mid-second period 

Sweden’s patience while on the power play is excruciating. It’s painful. It lulls you into a sublime mental state, living in a gently microwaved marshmallow, and blurs the edges before five blobs wearing gold and blue come together after scoring a goal. 

1:59 PM 

As soon as complimentary snacks are put out, press box creatures attack like locusts. It’s almost disgusting. Animalistic. 

As one of those proud locusts, the free coffee and KIND bar taste like heaven. God, I love not paying for stuff. 

2:58 PM 

Sweden takes game one by a final score of 3-2. 

Loved watching Slovakia, a little worried about the style of play as the tourney goes on. If Slovakia makes it to the knockout stage, the packed-in defense could cause problems for teams that intend to play a more flowing, spread-out style. 

The Swedes can move the puck like lightning, and got one goal each from their studs in first-rounders Anton Frondell, Victor Eklund, and 2026 first-round lock Ivar Stenberg today. That trio can skate with anyone in the tournament. 

4:24 PM 

See the legend Jess Meyers exiting the elevator. Almost make eye contact. Get scared and avoid choking out a hello. Will try again another day. 

4:56 PM 

Opening ceremonies taking place. Flags everywhere. Real boost for companies that manufacture flags. Virtually all flag bearers the children of former Minnesotan pro players. Very cool. 

5:44 PM 

Germany gets on the board. In case we don't hear it again tonight (we probably won't), Germany's goal song is Major Tom (Vollig Iosgelost) by Peter Schilling. 

5:50 PM 

The "USA, USA, USA" chants are beginning to feel like when a kindergartener learns that clinking a glass at a wedding reception makes the couple kiss. Praying someone takes the butter knife away from the kindergartener soon. 

6:16 PM 

"My life revolves around Ryker Lee."

- Madison Capitols Director of Media Relations and Inside Sales Drew Steel