After weeks of unseasonably cold and rainy weather, spring had finally taken hold in Upton, MA. Conditions were perfect for a day scenario paintball at Friendly Fire Paintball. However, as over 200 players were gearing up for the day, they were informed that all was not well. "In 20 minutes," boomed the voice of David "Blue" Blouin of event organizers Steeel Reserve, "someone will set off a bomb in DC that will turn all of you into Molson drinking, flannel wearing, ice fishing hosers!" In order to save themselves from such a terrible fate, the Americans had to battle deep into the heart of Canada and find the antidote.

As the "Blame Canada" scenario game started, the Americans surged to a quick lead. Pushed ahead by team Black Diamond, they routed the Canadian base. In the process, they eliminated the opposing general and much of their defenders. Over next couple of recycle periods, the Canadians struggled to move out of their base and establish field position. Meanwhile, the Americans were able to rack up points for both completed missions and field position. Just one hour into the game, they were up 3 to 0.

Since this was a Steeel Reserve game, the missions were not of the typical "blow up a bridge" or "capture a fort" variety. Instead, scenario author Chris "Cartmen" Chamberland opted for more creativity. For example, the Americans were tasked with preventing the distribution of flannel. They were able to successfully complete this mission as well as capturing Celine Dion and eliminating Terrance and Phillip.

It looked like the Americans were heading towards a decisive victory, but their opponents were not going to make it easy. Steadily, the Canadians pushed out of their base and gained more ground with each recycle. Living up to his nickname, Canadian general Greg "Kamikaze" Militello of the New England Rangers often headed out of the base to lead missions.

The tide turned for the Canadians as they defended their Toronto base for their first two points in an hour-long mission. Had they not been successful, any chance for victory would have been wiped out. As the day wore on, they were able to complete more missions. Like the Americans, they also had creative missions. They were able to build a hockey rink in Washington DC, eliminate Peter Griffin, and switch boxes of Dunkin Donuts with Tim Horton doughnuts.

Leading into the final battle, the American lead was narrowed to 8 to 7. With a score this close, victory hinged on the final battle. The teams were given opposite sides of Washington DC, a village style portion of the field. The goal of the final mission: have your country's flag flying at the center fort by the end of an hour. For the first 50 minutes, hit players were able to tag back in at their base. Over this period the action was slowed down. Players were saving their paint for the final 10 minutes of the game. Those hit during this time were done for the day.

As the final battle started, Canadian forces rushed into the village and captured several key bunkers. The Americans used the slower beginning portion of the game to expand their lines outside of the village. If successful, they would have perfect position for a crippling flanking move at the end of the fame.

During the final 10 minutes the action quickly picked up. Without the ability to tag back in, players from both sides were steadily eliminated. Ultimately, the American flanking strategy was unable to dislodge the Canadians from their positions. With their flag flying at the center village fort, the Canadians won the final battle.

"Blame Canada" proved to be very creative and entertaining scenario game on a perfect day for paintball. American general Dan Berger, leader of the Connecticut Commandoes, named Black Diamond as MVT. This marked the fourth straight MVT for Black Diamond at a Steeel Reserve scenario.

The New England Immortals took MVT honors for the Canadian side. Recently sponsored by WDP, the Immortals showed that the Angel One can perform in the woods as well as on tournament fields. With a win in the final battle, the Canadians pushed ahead and won the game 10 to 8. The Americans were left to watch curling and listen to Rush with their new Canadian brothers.

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