Trip Update: Dartmouth Enjoys Final Day in Stockholm, Earns Win in Last Game

STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- The Dartmouth men's hockey team enjoyed its last day in Stockholm as the group was free to do what it wanted. The bus left the hotel at 9:30 a.m. and dropped most of the group off in Old Town. It was the final chance for everyone to get those last minute gifts for family and friends.

I chose to tour the Royal Palace. When I first got there I was able to watch the changing of the guards. The first time I had caught it I didn't have a chance to watch the full ceremony. This time I was able to watch it from beginning to end. It began right at 12:15 and from the presentation of the colors to the changing of the guards it was a neat procession to watch.

I began my tour in the five rooms of the royal apartments that were open. Due to Christmas and visiting dignitaries most of the apartments were closed but the five rooms that remained open. I was able to tour part of the Hall of State, the King’s and Queen’s staircase, a silver throne, and rooms used for medal ceremonies and the presentation of credentials by diplomats when they arrive in Stockholm

After the apartments I made my way down to the bottom of the palace to visit the Museum Tre Kronor. The Royal Palace was built in 1697-1754 on the ruins of the old castle, Tre Kronor (Three Crowns), which was destroyed by fire in 1697. The Tre Kronor Museum is situated in the cellars of the Royal Palace. The remnants of the castle which dates back to the 13th century still has sections of the old defense walls from the 1200s visible as well as many artefacts rescued from the flames.

After Tre Kronor I walked over to treasury museum holds Sweden’s stash of royal crowns, jewels, scepters, and swords. The crowns on display, varying in size and bejeweled with diamonds, rubies, and other precious stones, belong to some of Sweden’s past and present royals. The oldest crown dates from 1561 and belonged to Erik XIV. I was able to view the state sword of Gustav Vasa, a silver baptismal font dating from 1696 as well as current photos of the royal family.

After the Royal Palace the team met up at a restaurant in Old Town for its pregame meal. After the meal it was back on the bus for the short drive back to the hotel. The team had just enough time for a quick nap before walking over to the rink to take on AIK's U-18 team.

Thanks to two goals and two assisst by Scott Fleming the Big Green defeated AIK, 6-1 as Dartmouth went 3-0-1 on the trip.

Four of the six goals by the Big Green were scored on the power play as Dartmouth outshot the home team, 32-22. Evan Stephens and Joe Stejskal connected on the first goal of the game 11:17 into the first. Fleming's first strike came with under 2:00 left in the opening stanza as Peter Boldt and Josh Gillam.

Freshmen Nick Walsh and Paul Lee both had chances to increase the lead in the second but the AIK netminder was up to the task. Matt Reber and Fleming connected 17:17 into the second as the Big Green increased its lead to 3-0.

Just eight minutes into the third Stephens potted a power play strike with assists going to Fleming and Gillam. Back to back goals less than 10 seconds apart suddenly found Dartmouth up by six. Stejskal scored a power play goal at 13:46 while Kyle Reeds scored 10 seconds later after winning the faceoff and skated in alone with the goalie.

AIK finally got on the board 16:31 into the final period as the home team spoiled James Mello's chance at a shutout.

Tomorrow an early day has the entire group boarding the bus at 7:00 a.m. to head to the airport for a 9:50 flight. With any luck the snow in Boston will hold off so the schedule arrival of 5:00 p.m. will hold true.