Somewhere in the midst of all those hockey headlines, there ought to be room for some news from the coffee playoffs.

The World Barista Championships took place last weekend in Bern, Switzerland. Representing Canada? Vancouver's own Sammy Piccolo, from the Caffè Artigiano chain. After winning silver at the competition two years ago in Trieste, Italy, and bronze last year in Seattle, Piccolo carried the Maple Leaf into battle one last time. And, just like in international hockey, sometimes the referees can affect the outcome.

An international contest for the people who whip up your daily cappuccinos and lattes is unlikely to grab headlines - so far. But who knows? Once upon a time, the prospect of spelling bees and poker on TSN seemed remote. With any luck, baristas could become the next spoiled superstars of sport.

Find out more about the barista who came in second in the World Barista Championships competition at www.westender.com.