First, the Gold Medal Game which included the 4th or 5th place-projected Americans, then the NHL TRADE DEADLINE!!!
Just kidding. Nobody gave a sh*t about that.
All-in-all, hockey’s gettin’ more North American-wide press than ever. I’ve never seen so many spots on US networks and talk shows ever, with Sidney Crosby on dozens of north AND south of the border magazines, including back-to-back Sports Illustrated covers. They even did a Hockey Canada Collectors Edition. What was that about the SI cover curse that has been feared for decades? Apparently it’s hockey-proof.
What I find most impressive was how the disappointment shown by the US echoed throughout the league, even if it was mostly Coach Ron Wilson saying, ummm, how did he put it? Oh, yeah: “Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!” (Imagine bottom lip protruding) “They should have given out TWO gold medals!” Sure Ron, and there should have been a participation ceremony for Latvija (no offence, even you guys showed you belonged). The 2002 Men’s Final didn’t have half of the positive repercussions this one did, and nobody even remembers who lost the 2006 final. Many even forgot who won. (Ha! Lookit the stupid look on yo face!)
So every Canadian kid wants to be Crosby now more than ever, but now American tots are gonna want goalie pads and a Ryan Miller Jersey, and hopefully play with Ryan Kesler’s heart and passion. Speaking of Kess, this final result even started a mini war of words between him and fellow Vancouver Canuck Roberto Luongo. Shows the kind of passion that comes with wearing your flag, even if it’s against friends. For the record, even though they all said it might be awkward for a few days in the locker room between them, it wasn’t. That was just the aforementioned passion mixed with heartbreak talking, so kids… play nice after battle.
When all was said and done, this match-up, and type of finish, was almost the perfect scenario for hockey. Especially for USA hockey, if NHL’ ers are in the 2014 games, seeing as they were the youngest team in the tournament. It was also a huge boost for an up and coming American fan-base, and yes, American sportscasters. You guys know the ones. The “Oh sh*t, I gotta talk about hockey now?” guys who awkwardly fumble to keep up with highlights, dreading their Bill Clinton mis-pronouncing Yzerman moment. All of a sudden they almost know what they’re talking about, and I’m not screaming, “Stick to Nascar, douchebag!” at the TV.
So, in conclusion, even though we won gold, we kiiiiinda knew we’d be there, and whether they admit it or not, the US was a liiiitle surprised at the position they were in. So the only reason they were so upset is because they were so close. Let’s be honest, if WE got silver, this would be a month of mourning and we’d have a whole different attitude about the greatest Canadian Olympic performance ever. So be proud guys, you achieved more than you know. Again, if pro players are in Sochi in 2014, the US might even fight for gold again. But don’t be surprised if it’s déjà vu…… Go Canada go…..
