Sunday at the Temple Just spent the morning with Mikael Renberg at the Zenkoji Temple. We talked about everything from Japanese culture to playing in the Olympics to Swedish Patriotism. This was the first time that Mikael has had a chance to get out of the village and the rink to check out Nagano. Zenkoji Temple This temple has been a religious center dating back as far as the twelfth century. It's famous for extending a helping hand to all people, regardless of their religious beliefs or gender. People from all over Japan strive to travel to Zenkoji at least once in their lifetime. Mikael was very impressed by the age and architecture of the buildings. It's pretty amazing - some of these structures were built as early as 1707! When we entered, we had to take off our shoes - this sounds weird but the wood floors are unbelievably smooth. Mikael couldn't get over how peaceful the setting was. The snow was falling - there was a sense of calm. We talked about the Japanese culture and how different it is from anything we've seen before. It's kind of hard to describe - but think of movies like Shogun - which Mikael had seen. We thought it would be cool to buy a samurai sword - but then we wondered if airport security would let us on the plane! We headed up to the main hall. I thought I was in the sites of an airborne enemy, but he didn't hit his target! On the way we passed these six statues - a guide explained that they represent the six worlds - hell, starvation, beasts, carnage, human beings and heavenly beings. We also watched as people rub smoke from this huge incense burner on their bodies to bring health and good fortune. Once we got inside the Main Hall, we checked out these massive drums. All in all...very historical, but hey, a little culture never hurt anybody! Olympic Tournament While we were cruising around the temple, Mikael and I chatted about the tournament. I asked him who he thought the sleeper was and he said Sweden! USA and Canada have been favored by the press - it's going to be great hockey - that I know for sure! Mikael is playing on a line with Peter Forsberg and Daniel Alfredsson, which he's really enjoying. Mikael and Peter played in the World Junior tournament together in 1992. He thought the bigger ice surface was a factor, especially in the USA/ Sweden game. Mats Sundin is one player who enjoys the extra 12-ft. of width, as he is able to wind it up a little more. In the game against Canada, Mikael thought that Joe Nieuwendyk and Rob Blake had strong performances. I don't know if they explained on TV why Sweden didn't pull their goalie or not, but in international competition when two teams have the same record, the team with the best goals for and against is ahead in the standings. This is to determine the standings before the playoff round. Sweden's assistant coach, Barry Smith of the Detroit Red Wings, reminded the Swedes of this during the 2nd intermission - he is greatly respected by the players according to Renberg. Swedish Pride As we drove back to the Olympic Village, Rennie reflected on the importance of this event. He was very enthusiastic when he described how honored he is to play for Sweden in a tournament he feels is 'the best display of hockey ever exhibited'. He feels a responsibility to his friends and fellow countrymen to bring back the gold. With an attitude like that, its no wonder Mikael is an Olympic caliber athlete. As we entered the village, we ran into some of Rennie`s teammates. They were on their way to watch the women's biathlon, an event the hockey players felt was extremely difficult as the athletes have to cross-country ski a fair distance (today's race was 7.5 km), then be able to slow their heart rates down to be able to shoot at targets. I saw Mikael`s dad for the first time since he was traded to Tampa. He was there with Rennie`s father-in-law, who also made the trip. Mikael Renberg is a lot of fun to hangout with, as his Swedish teammates will attest to as they try to capture gold here in Nagano.