Almost Famous: Norwegian Style

You may be interested to know that last Thursday we made our NATIONAL television debut. It’s true that Norway is a land of barely 5 million souls, but I can confirm that at least 4 of those were watching a spotlight piece on David done by TV2. And what profile on David would be complete without a cameo by me and two adorable dogs?

Even though ever-humble David never seems to get used to the idea that local media outlets, be it the Bakersfield Californian, the Brabants Dagblad or the Freie Presse, like to cover players as individuals in addition to the team as a whole. Puff pieces, feel good stories, that serve as an attempt to market the sport (which is going to be crucial if anyone hopes for hockey to grow here in Norway) to potential fans with human relationships, because the knocking of heads and scraping of skates on ice isn’t relatable to everyone.

When Dave came home to tell me that the team had asked him to participate in a television piece this season I was, of course, proud. With full disclosure of bias and personal preference, Dave is my favorite player on every single team he’s ever played on. It’s no coincidence! I think he’s a hard worker, a team player, and he makes my breakfast every morning. Who else could I choose to cheer for? When he told me that they wanted me to take part in the interview I was, of course, terrified. I am, by no means, a shy person. I can talk in front of a group of people, I can host a room of friends, and I can write about my life to anonymous strangers on the internet. But to be filmed, for television, to talk about Dave? That’s definitely out of my comfort zone. On the other hand, last year David’s love of golf and his dad took center stage in a newspaper article, so I thought perhaps this was my time to get some recognition! Best Supporting Actress 2010!

The piece was really well done. True, I couldn't understand any of the narration, but it all seemed very exciting and complimentary. The introduction of Dave began with an illustrated map of the world, showing his travels beginning with Junior hockey in Thunder Bay, and drew lines between all of our moves since then. The visual reminder of our gypsy ways was something I’d never seen in such detail, and it really makes you think about all the miles we’ve logged in the last half-decade. David was well-spoken, adorable, and humble as always. I have a weird voice, a very confused accent (You know when you’re from Northern Michigan, but live with a Canadian, and then spend your days speaking English to people for whom it isn’t the first language? Kind of like that.) and a lot of crazy hair. Let’s just say my portion of the piece isn’t my favorite. My dogs on the other hand, look gorgeous! I’m expecting the Norwegian entertainment agents to be contacting us any time to offer a dog modeling contract.

The overall theme of the piece could summarized as a brief discussion of hockey, a plea for the adoption of rescue animals, and a promotion for Guns’n’Roses. Brilliant. What’s more? My friend Heidi, living an hour away in another city in Norway, caught sight of us on television and snapped a picture. Who ever thought you could see my face on a flat screen in someone else’s living room? We’ve made it now.