Bruce Fuhr photo

Corey Viala of Nelson shows off his Olympic Men’s Hockey tickets he purchased for the upcoming games in Vancouver.

Nelson’s Corey Viala likes the look of his 42-inch big screen television.

He also likes his hockey.

So most often the best place to find the local paramedic during hockey season is in front of the flat screen watching the game he so desperate loves.

Except on Sunday, February 21st Viala won’t be in front of the flat screen. Which is kind of odd considering its Canada/USA on the television in one of the premier games of men’s hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Instead the hockey junkie will be front and center along with wife Tina, daughter Lauren and son Michael soaking up the Olympic experience in lower bowl seats at GM Place in Vancouver.

“This for me is just huge,” Viala said from his home in Nelson. “To see that game with the calibre of players on the ice is going to be just amazing. . . and would be extra special if (Vancouver Canuck goalie Roberto) Luongo is playing.”

The process to get to Vancouver in 2010 began in 2008 for Viala when tickets for the Olympics came on sale.

Viala went online to submit bids for 12 possible hockey events in the lottery process for the Vancouver/Whistler Games.

What he received in a short period of time surprised the Nelsonite.

“I was completely shocked when I received notification from the Olympic committee back in January [2009] that I received [commitments for] 11 of the 12 games I put in for.”

“That was a complete shock because I just wanted to go to “A” game, and I really didn’t care which one,” he added.

After receiving confirmation, Viala did a bit of research to find the best game. . . or in this case games. That other contest, featuring Russia and the Czech Republic, occurs earlier in the day, and just happens to feature one of the most premire players in the game in Alexander Ovechkin.

“I said to the kids right away, ‘Do you want me to sell the tickets right away and go on a trip to Hawaii or do you want to go to the Olympics?’ and both my kids answered, ‘we want to go to the Olympics,’” Viala exclaimed.

Viala isn’t planning on using all his tickets. He’ll sell most of the additional games while using some in exchange for accommodations during his stay on the Lower Mainland.

“These two games are a chance of a lifetime to see many of the top players on the ice at one time and will be just amazing,” Viala explained. “

This coming up front, and in person, which is the next best thing than watching on the 42” flat screen.

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