To the SGD Family aka Søllerød Gold Diggers American Football Club,
First, words can not begin to express how grateful and thankful I am for the opportunity to work, play for, and represent the Søllerød Gold Diggers this past season. The club took a chance on bringing me over and I can not be more appreciative. I spent my time in Denmark trying to do everything I could to represent the club to the best of my abilities both on and off the field, and I sincerely hope that I met your expectations as an Import. The past seven months have been some of the most unbelievable of my life. My time in Denmark has been a unique opportunity for personal growth, and also a once in a life time opportunity to spread my passion for the sport I love.
Coming to Denmark I honestly had no idea what to expect. I knew no-one in Copenhagen and had a very limited understanding of how American Football in Denmark/Europe worked before I arrived. From the moment I landed in Copenhagen on March 14 the club has been like a family to me. A special thank-you to: Bob and Sarah (and the whole Groot Nielsen family!) letting me stay with them in their apartment and helping me get acclimated to Danish life; Sanne Ewé for taking care of me when I moved out to Gl. Holte; Kim Ewé, Troels Vestergaard, John Hansen, Lars Pedersen, and Jonas Christiansen ‘J.C.’ for doing everything they could to make me feel comfortable in my role as the Import; the players on the Senior Team, U19, and U16 Teams for making feel like I was part of each of the teams.
The Gold Diggers are a special club filled with people who are passionate about the game of football. The focus on player development at all levels will only continue to raise the level of football in Denmark and across Europe. I hope that during my time here I was able to contribute to the club’s goal of developing the best Danish football players by disseminating some of what I have learned from playing the game back in America. Although at the Senior level we did not achieve our ultimate team goal of playing for the Mermaid Bowl, I take solace in knowing that playing this season with “The Team” was one of the most fun experiences in my life. Coaching the youth teams was a unique way to both test my communication skills and understand the passion that it really takes to coach American Football. Finally, the opportunity to represent both Denmark and the Gold Diggers at the ‘A’ European Championships as a coach was truly an honor.
As I move on to the next stage in my life, my time in Denmark will become more and more a series of fond memories, but there is no denying that my time in Denmark will and has already shaped my life moving forward. I am profoundly thankful for everything! Best of luck in the future! Thanks SO much SGD Family!
As I go through the slew of daily fan mail, the question most frequently posed to me is “Dylan, when are you going to write something about the nightlife in Copenhagen?” Well I am here to tell you faithful readers of my blog, I have herd your cries and I am here to oblige. I see myself a more of a homebody and very subdued, but like any good blogger should, I have gotten out of my comfort zone while in Denmark in order to bring the information and hard hitting facts to you, the reader. There is an old saying “nothing good happens after midnight,” but in Copenhagen nothing happens until midnight! Copenhagen has a few main areas where most of the nightlife is located. You have Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Nørreport and Gothersgade, each have their own highlights, but in my humble opinion Vesterbro and Nørreport are the places the most fun is had. So here you go. After much research and many hours of sleep lost, I present a definitive list ranking the top spots of Copenhagen Nightlife.
Just Missed the Top 10: Tivoli, McDonalds (Nørreport or Vesterport), Donkey, Wall St. Pub, Freuds, Copenhagen Downtown Hostel, The Streets of Copenhagen, S-Tog, Kulørbar, Mini Bar, Club 7, Rhino Bar
10. Brogerkroen– Found myself at this ‘locals’ bar one night, realized that no one in the place was speaking English. I thought that was kind of cool, and if I was a native Copenhagenite I would probably frequent this place much more often. But I am not, and I felt very out of place. I still enjoyed the vibe of the bar, and that is why it is #10 on my list.
9. The Night Bus- After a long night out in Copenhagen you still have to get home. I live about 30-40 minuets outside of the city, so when I decide that I have had enough of the bars and it is time to get some sleep, I still have a nice little bus ride home. The Night Bus (which runs on the hour and half hour from 1am-4:30am) is what you make it. It can be a lot of fun, or you could fall a sleep and wakeup God knows where. Luckily for me it has been all of the former and none of the later. Some of the nicest people and funniest conversations I have had have occurred on my 40 minute ride out to Nærum.
8. The Australian Bar, aka A-Bar – Don’t believe the hype. A-bar is a very popular bar, especially on the weekend. It can be lot of fun and has a good mix of dance space and areas to drink, but it is very hit or miss. It is generally over crowded and it can take a while to get served, unless you have a table or know someone there. A-bar is fun, don’t get me wrong, but the combination of poor cellphone reception (it is located in a basement) and too many pool tables prevent a higher ranking on this list.
7. Friday Bars- Friday Bars are a great place to start your weekends. A Friday Bar is a bar that is associated with a particular university or school in Denmark. They are located across the campuses and each Friday Bar has its own unique atmosphere and vibe. The alcohol is cheap and it is a great place to meet people before your night gets started. If you find yourself at a Friday Bar, the chances of your Friday night being fun increase exponentially.
6. Hornsleth Bar– Loud music, and dancing. Hornsleth is more of a club than a bar with a few stories and a dance floor located on the bottom floor. I ended up here with some of my teammates (Notably QB1 Kenneth Stender) on my birthday and I have some great stories from my time spent at Hornsleth, but those are for a different time and place. Check it out if you prefer clubs to bars. More of a weekend place.
5. Zefside– Great cocktails, good music, great setting. Those three are a great combination and a fun place to spend part of a night out on the town. It is a little small, expensive and gets crowded, but their signature cocktails and LIITs (Long Island Ice Tea for those less bar literate) far outweigh the negatives.
4. Heidi’s Beer Bar– Themed like a Bavarian Beer Hall, Heidi’s is a great place to channel your inner German and pretend you are at Oktober Fest, no matter what time of the year it is. Heidi’s is a lot of fun, and has a great atmosphere. One of the more unique bars in the city, a great place to grab a beer with some friends. (Fun Fact: They had Ice Road Truckers on their TVs one time, I thought I.R.T.s left my life along with Rod Plummer, but low and behold I found it again at bar in Copenhagen, Denmark…life, man.)
3. Den Glade Gris aka Happy Pig– This was my first experience of Copenhagen nightlife way back in March. I got off the plane was not allowed to sleep and then the team took me out. So Happy Pig may be ranked this high because of sentimental reasons, but don’t get it twisted, the Happy Pig is fun. They are a soccer (football) bar and a dance party. It is a big bar with a few floors, and each of the floors has its own bar and own vibe. You can go from EDM on one floor to Hip-Hop on another. This allows for you to move around depending on what you are in the mood to party to. The size, music, and friendly people are the main reason Happy Pig lands at #3.
2. Butchers– Controversial pick at #2. Butchers is not universally loved, in fact, people either love Butchers or the hate it. Word on the street is that Butchers is “the hot spot” in Copenhagen at the moment, and because I am always so conscious of trends I have to put Butchers at #2. It is a more formal bar ( you need to wear a button down shirt) and it can be hard to get in (unless you know people). But if you make inside you will not be disappointed. Beautiful people, good DJs, and a fun-sophisticated vibe are the makings of a fun night. Only downside is that it is pretty expensive…but if money ain’t no thang… this is your spot. (Dress to impress).
1. L.A. Tequila Bar– If you know me, you know that I know that I’m most likely going to end up at L.A. Bar at some point during the night. L.A. Bar is small, it is hot, and it is tacky, but there is something about the place that keeps bringing me back. Maybe it is the (really) cheap tequila, or maybe it reminds me of a smaller, smokier Toads Place, or possibly it is because without fail someone offers to buy me a drink because I am American, but whatever it is I keep coming back, despite swearing that I will never return. It has a fun international crowd with people from all over the world. It is not the greatest bar, but it is really easy to have a lot of fun here.
This list is not up for debate, and there is no way that I could possibly be wrong! But if you think that I am wrong, let me know! I know there are probably several great places that I have not included or have not even been to during my time here in Copenhagen. My response is I have a day job. The nightlife in Copenhagen certainly has been a blast and a highlight of my time in Denmark.
Coming off two sub-par offensive performances in a row, the Søllerød Gold Diggers’ offense was looking to make a statement on Saturday when they traveled to Holbæk to take on the Red Devils. Putting 46 points on the board certainly sent a message as the regular season in the National League begins to wind down. Behind the arm of QB Kenneth Stender and a punishing running attack the Gold Digger offense imposed its will with a combination of sustained drives and big plays. The offense finally began to show signs of matching the potential that was seen earlier in the season.
After receiving the opening kickoff the offense went to work with a 7 play drive capped off with a 10 yard throw from Stender to WR Dylan Drake to make the score 7-0 Diggers (PAT Good). It looked as if the Red Devils were poised to respond on their opening drive, moving the ball to the 5 yard line when DT Lars Froholdt intercepted a screen pass, his second INT of the season, and returned it 35 yards. Although the Diggers would move the ball throughout the first quarter, they were unable to find the end zone and the score stood at 7-0 at the end of one quarter. In the second quarter the Diggers were able to extend their lead with a 6 play scoring drive capped off by another Stender to Drake connection to push the score to 14-0 (PAT Good). While the offense was establishing the tempo of the game in the second quarter, the Digger defense showed strong resolve, a trait that has become a trademark of the 2014 defense, forcing several 3 and outs and creating their second turnover of the game on a INT by Casper Olufsen. The Diggers were able to add to their lead with a successful 2 minute drive spanning 8 plays highlighted by a 1 yard run by Frederick Knudsen as time expired (PAT Good). The Diggers led 21-0 at the half.
In the second half the Diggers picked up where they left off. Big plays made an appearance on the offensive end, and the defense continued their strong play allowing just one first down. On the opening kickoff the Gold Diggers recovered a fumble and two plays later Knudsen scored again, this time on a 21 yard scamper. (28-0 PAT Good). The Red Devils were able to get on the scoreboard on the ensuing kickoff with a nice kickoff return. (28-6 PAT No Good). Later in the 3rd quarter Stender again found Drake for a scoring play. On 1st and 10 on their own 38 yard line Stender hit Drake on a post route, Drake then out ran the Red Devil defense for a 62 yard score to push the lead to 34-6 (PAT No Good). A few drives later Mikkel Halborg Soerensen got in on the action with a 52 yard TD run of his own to extend the Digger lead to 40-6 (PAT No Good). The rain began to pickup in the 4th quarter causing both offenses to turn to their run games. The Red Devils found little success, and failed to pick up a first down in the quarter. The Diggers were able to find the end zone one more time with Per Andersen scoring on a 7 yard run. He was the third Digger running back to score on the day.
The team effort saw the Diggers’ defense force six 3 and outs over the course of the game, and 4 different players scored on offense highlighted by 3 touchdowns on 114 yards receiving by Dylan Drake. The Gold Diggers close out the regular season on September 14th with a showdown against the Triangle Razorbacks who narrowly defeated the Diggers in May. The game will have significant impact of playoff seeding, as both teams look to position themselves for the postseason tournament.
Also in other news it was announced that DC Troles Vestergaard and OC John Hansen will take over as Co-Head Coaches for the 2015 following the departure of Kim Ewé. For more information on the new head coaches and their vision for the club checkout www.sgdfootball.com
Tina Carstensen image- Quarterback Kenneth Stender
After falling to the Herlev Rebels two weeks ago, the Gold Diggers rebounded this past Saturday with a 19-0 win over the Aalborg 89ers. Needing a strong over all performance to get back on track following the defeat, the Gold Diggers responded with a dominating defensive effort and just enough offense to improve to 5-3 on the season.
The Gold Digger’s defense wasted no time setting the tone. On the second play from scrimmage defensive tackle Victor Greve intercepted a tipped screen pass and returned 10 yards to the 10 yard line; however, the Digger offense unable able to convert on the subsequent red-zone opportunity. The offense did get on the board on the their second possession. After a healthy dose of RB Frederik Knudsen, who received the game ball for his efforts), WR Philip Holm took a receiver screen 14 yards for the games first score. Following another 3 and out from the defense, the Digger offense put together back to back first quarter scoring drives. This time Knudsen took a hand-off 30 yards for a touchdown, following the missed PAT the score stood at 13-0 in favor of the Gold Diggers. Despite the quick offensive start Knudsen’s score was the last points the Gold Digger offense would muster on the day. The offense controlled the ball and moved it up and down the field, but stalled in the red-zone on multiple occasions. The defensive effort made the red-zone struggles a moot point. Allowing few first downs all day, the front seven dominated the line of scrimmage and the secondary negated any hopes the 89ers had of establishing a passing game. The defense even got in on the scoring for the second consecutive game when Safety Mikkel Lindsø took a 3rd quarter interception, one of two picks on the day, back for a score (19-0 Diggers). Despite the dominating effort, there is plenty of room for improvement as the Diggers will look to clean up the defensive penalties and improve their red-zone offense. The chance to improve will come quickly as the Diggers play for the second consecutive week at the Holbæk Red Devils (who the Diggers defeated earlier in the season) this coming Saturday August 30th.
“Enjoy the Danish summer while you can, because its here and then its gone.” That was the advice that it seems like nearly everyone gave me as spring slowly gave way to summer in mid-to-late May. As the days gradually grow shorter and there is a noticeable chill in the air (it is only August 17), I am beginning to see what everyone meant about the brevity of summers in Denmark. Like my days in Denmark, it is clear that the warm sunny days that characterize Danish summers are numbered.That is not to say I did not enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasted.
I am not quite sure if it is the brutal spring weather (Several occasions I swore that was the coldest I had ever been), the seemingly endless days (the sun would rise around 4am and set around 11pm), or just the noticeable happiness that is in the air that makes Copenhagen so awesome in the summer (they say Denmark is the world’s happiest country). One thing is for certain; there is nothing quite like summer time in Denmark.
I had the great fortune of spending the summer with family and friends who made the trip over from the United States to visit me. First, my parents made the trip over at the end of June. They arrived on June 23, which happened to coincide with the summer solstice. In Denmark the longest day of the year is celebrated by the ‘burning of the witch.’ Although real live witches are no longer burned, each town gathers in a central place where a large fire is prepared. After a short ceremony, a witch doll is placed on the fire wood and a flame is lit. My mom and dad and I had the opportunity to attend the witch burning in Vedbæk with my coach Kim Ewé. It was pretty cool to look down the Danish coast line and see fires lining the water as far as the eye could see. With my parents in Denmark, we also took full advantage of having a car to travel around. We visited the Hillerød Castle, and Roskilde, which is highlighted by a Viking Ship museum. My parents spent a week in Denmark before we left to travel around Norway and Sweden. Later in July after I returned from my travels across Germany and Netherlands, one of my best and oldest friends, Tommy Carsello, came to visit. We had a great time taking full advantage of the Danish summer weather complete with several bike rides, beach visits, and sunrises after a nights out in Copenhagen. My final visitor of the summer was my little brother Tyler. He came for ten days before returning to Philadelphia for football camp at Penn. By the time Tyler arrived I had the Copenhagen city tour down pat. We also enjoyed the beach, Tivoli and the Danish countryside. Visits from my family and friends certainly was the highlight of the summer. It was great to see familiar faces and hosting visitors in a foreign country keeps you very busy. Aside from the visitors I have tried to compile a list of all the things that make Danish summers one of a kind.
Reasons Summers in Denmark AWESOME! (In no particular order)
Bike rides across the Danish countryside- I have written about the biking culture in Denmark, but in the summer the weather allows for you to explore on the bike. I spent many a days taking rides all around the areas north of Copenhagen racking up over 100miles in a little over 6 weeks from June-July. The country is bike friendly with so many trails and the scenery doesn’t hurt either. It seemed like every trail I found myself on was unique in its own way. My favorite route has been Route 9 down from Vedbæk to Bellevue beach. That leads me to….
Bellevue Beach- If I had to pick one place in Denmark that I would call my ‘favorite’ I would say this is it. This is a public beach about 10 kilometers north of Copenhagen. It is known as a local beach, and I thought it was an awesome place to spend an afternoon, either with friends or alone. (I guess you can only keep a Florida boy away from the beach for so long)
Light Nights- You tell people how cool it is that the sun doesn’t set until after 11pm and it starts coming up around 3:30am and they are like ‘okay, and….’ but when you are not used to it, it blows your mind. I had a hard time wrapping my head around how the sun was up so late. It really is something that is pretty neat to experience, it also allows for ‘late’ starts to days. You can go on a run or bike ride around 8pm and not worry about it getting dark on you. It is also mind-blowing when you go out in Copenhagen and you enter a bar around midnight and its not dark and when you come out around 3am it is light again (not that that ever happened ;)). Furthermore, by the time you would get home around 4ish, it would practically be day break. The summer sun is really much cooler than I probably made it sound, but it is something that makes the Danish summer awesome.
Tivoli and Bakken – Both theme parks are staples of Danish culture, and both are unique in their own way. Bakken, which is located just north of the city by Bellevue Beach, is a great place to spend a summer evening walking around. Bakken is also the worlds oldest theme park opening its gates in the late 1500s. Tivoli is located in the city and is a great place to spend a warm summer evening at a concert or just enjoying the beauty of the gardens. Both places are really peaceful and exude the best of the Danish Culture.
Nyhavn- This is a given and something you will read about in every ‘guide’ book, but there is a reason it is THE PLACE TO BE on a sunny summer afternoon. The charm of the colored buildings, and old docked boats combined with the sounds of street performers playing music makes for a great place to have a beer and people watch.
…because is it really a Drake family vacation if you don’t learn something???
Mom and Dad at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde
The witch burning fire on June 23, 2014
AM
Tivoli Gardens
A Danish summer sunset
Little Bro in Nyhavn
Sun is up by 6am
11pm Sunsets
Bellevue Beach
Bellevue Beach
Bellevue Beach
Dad ‘attempting’ to sign along at the witch burning.
Vedbæk witch burning.
Mom and I at Hillerød Castle
Summer Bike Rides with Dad
Nyhavn with Tommy
#ALSICEBUCKETCHALLENGE
Thanks Russell Perkins and Scott ‘Scooter’ Williams for passing the challenge on to me. Due to the exorbitant price of ice in Europe, I decided to donate to the cause. I have no one to call out, but I encourage anyone in Denmark and specifically the Søllerød Gold Diggers to visit http://www.alsa.org/ to find out more about Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Furthermore, I invite anyone in Denmark to donate to the cause or participate in the #alsicebucketchallenge .
Herlev- Two late touchdowns are not enough as Gold Diggers fail to overcome 22 unanswered points and fall to the Herlev Rebels 24-23.
On a beautiful Sunday afternoon the short handed Gold Diggers took on the Herlev Rebels in the first game for both teams following the summer break. The Gold Diggers opened the scoring on their second offensive drive with an 11 play 75 yard drive capped off by a 27 yard field goal by Casper Reinhardt, who came out of ‘retirement’ to kick in the game. The Rebels got on the board following a high snap on a punt resulting in a safety. The score sat at 3-2 in favor of the Gold Diggers after 1 quarter of play.
Receiver Philip Holm attempts to stiff-arm a defender. (Photo Tina Carstensen / Touchdown Photography)
In the second quarter continued the defensive struggle continued. After several defensive stands from both teams, the Gold Diggers came up with a huge defensive play to extend their lead. About midway through the second quarter on a 2nd and 10 from the Gold Diggers 38 yard line, the Rebels dropped back to pass when the quarterback was blindsided by defensive lineman Dylan Drake. The jarring hit sent the ball squirting across the field where it was picked up by Mads Halborg Sørensen and returned 62 yards for a touchdown. After a successful PAT the Gold Diggers’ lead stood at 10-2. After the Gold Diggers defensive touchdown, it was all Rebels for the next two quarters as they reeled off 22 unanswered points. The Rebels tied the score on a 40 yard touchdown run late in the second quarter (2pt conversion good). In the 3rd quarter the Rebels took the lead on a 52 yard touchdown pass, and extended their lead with a defensive score of their own later in the 3rd quarter to push the score to 24-10.
Mads Halborg Sørensen returns a fumble for a score to give the Diggers a 10-2 lead in the 2nd quarter. (Photo Tina Carstensen / Touchdown Photography)
Trailing by 14 points at the start of the 4th quarter, the Gold Digger offense had failed to get anything going since the second drive of the game. Facing a must score drive with around 5 minutes left the Gold Digger offense came to life. Quarterback Kenneth Stender lead the offense on a 6 play scoring drive highlighted by 23 yard catch and run on 4th and 8 by Dylan Drake and capped off with a 12 yard touchdown catch by Drake 2 plays later (PAT was good). Following a quick 3 and out by the Gold Diggers defense, the offense got the ball back on their own 36 yard line trailing 24-17 with a little over 2 minutes remaining. Again Kenneth Stender lead the offense on another sustained drive this time covering 64 yards in 13 plays. The offense found pay dirt with :20 left when Stender completed a 7 yard pass to Drake who was able to get a foot down in the back of the endzone while securing the pass with one hand in double coverage. It was Drake’s second touchdown reception of the day and brought the Gold Diggers with in one point. However, the ensuing PAT was blocked leaving the score at 24-23 in favor of the Rebels.
The Gold Diggers celebrate a touchdown catch by Dylan Drake with :20 left in the 4th quarter to bring the score to 24-23. (Photo Tina Carstensen / Touchdown Photography)
The excitement was not over, as the Gold Diggers recovered the onside kick and would have one last shot. After a short competition to make a Hail Mary feasible, Stender threw up a pass to the end-zone which went uncaught. But the game was not over, the Rebels prevent defense got a little handsy and they were flagged for interference. With the 15 yard penalty the Gold Diggers decided to attempt a 40 yard field goal with no time remaining. The attempt came up short and the Rebels walked away victorious avenging a 55-12 thrashing at the hands of the Gold Diggers earlier in the season.
The loss moved the Gold Diggers to 4-3 with 3 games remaining in the regular season. Next up is the Aalborg 89ers the weekend of August 23.
Quarterback Kenneth Stender finished a run with authority in the Gold Diggers 24-23 loss to Herlev Rebels. (Photo Tina Carstensen / Touchdown Photography)
I wanted to really try to incorporate multi-media in my blog order to both better capture my experience and also make it more entertaining. I took my GoPro with me on Saturday as I explored Vienna. The video below is the first attempt at using video in the blog. Let me know what you think, and enjoy!!
Dylan in Denmark 