by Ryan Popilchak
Yesterday’s epic gold medal clash between Canada and the USA in men’s hockey had a bigger impact on Canada than most casual fans realize.
This won’t shock you, but Canadians LOVE hockey. We love it so much that we didn’t exactly celebrate the win yesterday, we let go of our pent up nerves and worries much the same as a father celebrates his first born child, just happy that everyone is healthy.
When you’re widely considered the favorite, there is everything to lose and very little to gain. Canadians couldn’t stand the thought of losing.
We want to win at hockey so badly, that we take pride in our “win at all costs” mentality. What other country would revere someone like Bobby Clarke for his role in purposely breaking Valeri Kharlamov’s ankle in the ’72 Summit Series.
We love that once again Sidney Crosby is the victor over other world talents like Alexander Ovechkin, [...]
by Ryan Popilchak
Friday was a big day for Hockey Canada in more ways than one. The men held off a late-game push by the Slovaks and the women were criticized for an “inappropriate” celebration after their 2-0 win over the USA to secure the gold medal.
Oh yeah, and the IOC once again confirmed that they’re slightly sexist, hypocritical and definitely out of touch.
To begin with, the IOC’s executive director of the Olympics, Gilbert Felli, stated “I don’t think it’s a good promotion of sports values.” That’s funny, did he make this statement from Heineken House or Molson Canadian Hockey House? Both are official Olympic venues.
Did I mention that Molson-Coors is an official sponsor of the Vancouver Olympics. Does having a beer sponsor promote sports values?
Felli continued his statement with “If they celebrate in the changing room, that’s one thing, but not in public.”
The women drew all this attention, yet Canada’s John Montgomery [...]
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