Live: Women’s Hockey Gold Medal Game
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Luke Winn’s live blog of Thursday’s U.S.-Canada Women’s Hockey gold medal game (with most recent updates on top):
• This 2-0 victory over the U.S. was Canada’s best party yet at these Olympics, and the most interesting moment came while the women were celebrating on the ice. The house camera cut to a shot of the other Team Canada, which had been watching the game from a private box. The Canadian men looked tense, almost incapable of fully enjoying the party. I think it was because they knew that, on Sunday, their entire nation expects things to play out the same way.
Here’s a timeline (in photos from press row) of what transpired after the Canadian women won their third straight gold-medal game at the Olympics:
Team Canada knew exactly who to mob — goalie Shannon Szabados, who delivered a brilliant shutout. They came at her with such force that they knocked off the net:
(Luke Winn/SI)
Canada’s “Own The Podium” campaign would probably like to count these golds individually rather than as a group, but either way, it was a moving medals ceremony, with captain Hayley Wickenheiser receiving one of the better ovations:
(Luke Winn/SI)
The Canadian flag was raised as the host nation moved into a tie with the U.S. and Germany for most golds at these Games (eight):
(Luke Winn/SI)
Canada Hockey Place exploded — literally — after O Canada was over, as pyrotechnic cables that had been lowered from the rafters set off fireworks:
(Luke Winn/SI)
And finally, Team Canada moved toward the middle of the ice to celebrate (and pose for the customary post-title photos):
(Luke Winn/SI)
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, 25 minutes after the game: No one wants to leave this place. All of Team Canada is still on the ice, long after the medals ceremony and playing of their national anthem. They’re posing for pictures and soaking up what has to be the greatest moment of their sporting lives — the first goal medal by a Canadian hockey team on its own soil. Szabados is skating around the ice with a Canadian flag — with the maple leaf in gold — draped over her back. Fans are pressed up against the boards, taking shots with their digital cameras. The P.A. just announced that official Olympic champs merchandise is now available in the arena’s store, but even that shameless commercialism can’t spoil this golden moment.
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, final: The Americans are gritting their teeth through this medal ceremony; after winning silver in Salt Lake City, and bronze in Turin, they weren’t willing to settle for anything other than gold in Vancouver. They received their first audible “U.S.A.” chant while the silvers were going around their necks — but most of the people chanting were Canadians just trying to be nice. Not sure if that would’ve happened had the Americans won gold.
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, final: Celebration segues into K.C. & the Sunshine Band’s Get Down Tonight as the Canadian party rages on, with cowbells ringing, flags waving, and Team Canada players piled atop each other behind their net. They just passed out sheets announcing the Olympics All-Star team: Canada’s Szabados at goalie; Americans Angela Ruggiero and Molly Engstrom at defenseman; Canada’s Meghan Agosta and Marie-Philip Poulin, and the U.S.’ Jenny Potter at forward. Agosta was chosen as the overall MVP.
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, final: Mob scene on goal! The buzzer sounds and the entire Team Canada — even those who were on the bench — stampede toward Szabados, who went 28-for-28 in save opportunties. The crowd explodes, giving indication that this is by far Canada’s most cherished gold medal to date. And the first song that comes over the speakers? Celebration, by Kool & the Gang. An improvement on Katy Perry, at least.
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, one minute to play in the third period: The U.S. can’t even seem to muster a final-minute frenzy here, failing to get any good scoring chances on Szabados. Fans are starting to stand in anticipation of Canada winning its third straight gold medal in women’s hockey. In front of my press row seat, there’s a Canadian girl wearing a hat with antlers on it, holding up a cheap Canadian flag, and going insane.
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, 5:10 left, third period: When they showed members of the men’s Team Canada (from a skybox) on the scoreboard a few minutes ago, they received decent applause. But a guy who’s still huge up here, Michael J. Fox, just popped up on the screen while Back to the Future music played, and the crowd went nuts. Fox appeased them by jersey-popping the “Canada” on his Roots t-shirt. Well done.
• The house music guy here started strong, but has been slipping. The song titles I’ve written down, from pregame ’til now:
1. Postal Service’s Such Great Heights
2. Talking Heads’ Burning Down The House
3. The Darkness’ I Believe In A Thing Called Love
4. Guns ‘N Roses’ Welcome to the Jungle
5. The Guess Who’s Hand Me Down World
6. Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like a Woman!
7. Katy Perry’s Hot N Cold
(I’m not sure if this is the same guy who played Phish’s Down With Disease during the U.S.-Switzerland game on Wendesday. Phishheads have been tracking all of the band’s “appearances” during the Olympics, and they’re already up to six.)
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, 8:39 left, third period: Dicey moment here when Canada’s Haley Irwin got free on a breakaway, put a wrist shot on American goalie Jessie Vetter — and then plowed directly over both Vetter and the goal, knocking it off its moorings. Potter did not take kindly to Irwin’s path, giving her a stick-jab near the head as she lay next to the boards.
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, 13:37 left, third period: The Americans’ best scoring chance just came by way of Monique LaMoureux’s left skate. She was moving across the top of the crease and deflected a Potter pass towards Szabados’ five-hole. But Szabados stopped it, just like she has with every other American shot this afternoon.
• Random second-intermission note, with Canada leading the U.S. 2-0: The Norway hockey jersey has to be the most elusive item at the whole Olympics. I’ve been trying to pick one up and cannot find it anywhere; as far as I can ascertain, the official store at Canada Hockey Place was the only place stocking the “NORGE” gear, and they’ve sold out of the official tops. The only things left are sweatshirts.
(Earlier this week in Whistler, I asked a Norwegian guy I met if he knew some secret place where the hockey jerseys could be acquired. He had come to the Olympics solely to see biathlon and cross country, and said to me, “Why would you want a Norge hockey jersey? We suck!”)
(Luke Winn/SI)
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, second intermission: The sea of red in the stands came to its feet as the last few seconds of the second period ticked down, with plenty of fans holding up mass-produced signs that say “Hockey is Canada’s Game.” Hard to argue with that after watching the first 40 minutes, which have been dominated by Canada’s D. Former Team Canada player (and gold medalist) Cheryl Pounder was just interviewed on the scoreboard, and got her biggest roar out of the crowd when she said, “Our goaltending is absolutely amazing.”
Looks like Canadian coach Melody Davidson made the right call by putting Szabados, a 23-year-old Albertan, in net rather than Kim St-Pierre. The Americans hold a 21-to-18 shot advantage, but it hasn’t mattered.
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, 3:20 left, second period: I’ve just been told that American forward Erika Lawler, who’s only 5 feet tall, is nicknamed the “Five Foot Fury.” Love that. Now, can we get her to pose with 6-foot-8 Slovakian defenseman Zdeno Chara in the style of the classic SI Manute Bol-Muggsy Bogues photo? I’d also like to see the Americans score a goal here, but there’s been very little fury in their attacks.
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, 15:02 left, second period: Canada’s penalty-killing trios have to be the greatest in the (short) history of women’s hockey. They just killed their second 5-on-3 of the game, after Becky Kellar and Jayna Hefford went into the box on back-to-back delay of game penalties. It was an unreal stand, with the U.S. only getting off one halfway-legit shot on goal during the 1:38 they had a two-man advantage.
(The two lines the Canadians used during that stretch were Wickenheiser, Caroline Oullette and Catherine Ward, and then Ward, Sarah Vaillancourt and Cherie Piper. Ward has been just as huge in this game for Canada as Poulin and Szabados have.)
• Something I considered during the intermission at Canada Hockey Place, where there’s a concession stand serving $5 paper bags of beignets (tiny fried donuts, for the uninitiated): Given that my last full meal was was a 2 a.m. cup of poutine (fries, gravy, cheese curds) at the Vancouver non-health-food institution Fritz’s, would I risk death by following that up with a beignet lunch? I couls see the C.O.D being listed as “French-Canadian Coronary.”
(By the way, this is what beignets look like:)
(Luke Winn/SI)
(And this is what poutine looks like:)
(Luke Winn/SI)
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, first intermission: The two netminders were complete opposites in the first period: Canada’s Szabados stonewalled the U.S. with some fantastic glovework, particularly in the section where the Americans didn’t capitalize on the 5-on-3. They might want to test her stick side in the next 40 minutes. Vetter, meanwhile, gave up two gloveside goals on one-timers by Marie-Philip Poulin. The 18-year-old now has five goals in these Olympics, and could become a major national star after this performance on home soil.
(They just put 37-year-old speedskater Clara Hughes, Canada’s most-decorated Olympian, up on the scoreboard for an interview, and she didn’t even receive as huge of an ovation as Poulin has twice today.)
• Canada 2, U.S. 0, 3:10 left in first period: It’s been a sad first period for the Americans. In a 4-on-4 situation, Poulin scored on yet another glove-side one-timer, with the feed coming from Agosta.
• Canada 1, U.S. 0, 6:05 left, first period: Poulin, who’s been called “the female Sidney Crosby,” scored on a one-timer from Jennifer Botterill to put the Canadians on top. The goal came just after they weathered a 5-on-3 power play by the U.S. Everything is going in Canada’s favor right now — the score, the momentum, and the crowd. The lower level here at Canada Hockey Place seems like it’s 80 percent Canadians in red.
(That was Canada’s 47th goal in this Olympics, which is the most ever scored by a women’s team in a single Games.)
• 8:39 left, first period: Holy Szabados! The U.S. goes on a 5-on-3 advantage after Ward and Gina Kingsbury are sent to the box, but can’t capitalize, because Szabados keeps snaring shots out of the air. The host country makes it back to full strength.
• 11:42 left, first period: U.S. defender Lisa Chesson is whistled for hooking, so Canada’s back on the power play. On their first shot that ensues, Vetter ends up on her stomach to make the save.
• 13:54 left, first period: Huge save by Szabados — a fully extended glove save on a 2-on-1 break — to deny Monique LaMoureux of the first goal of the game. The Canadian-heavy crowd erupted (although not nearly as loud as they did during Welcome to the Jungle).
• The Canadians win the faceoff, to chants of “Go, Canada Go!” The first real drama occurs when American Jocelyne LaMoureux has her helmet knocked off at around the 16:15 mark, and then Potter gets a penalty for hooking at 16:11.
• Canada Hockey Place just went from sleepy to rowdy in the matter of a few minutes, when the house guy played Guns ‘n’ Roses’ Welcome to the Jungle and the two teams took the ice. It’s the loudest crowd at any event I’ve been at so far — even beating the Germans who cheered on women’s biathlon.
I was disappointed they didn’t bring in this guy to do the pregame music, though. He was wearing a red, black and white Che sweater and ripping a mean version of O Canada on the street outside:
• If you’re looking for a good preview of this thing, check out Sarah Kwak’s SI.com file from this morning, which says:
When it comes to Canada-U.S. hockey rivalries, this one takes the cake. Forget the men’s teams and the juniors’ tournaments; the women’s rivalry makes the others look like petty schoolyard fights in comparison. With so many meetings — and so many of great importance — they were bound to cultivate a great deal of bad blood and animosity. Of the 15 World Championship and Olympic gold medal games, the U.S. and Canada have met in all but one. They are so much more talented and skilled than the rest of the field, they outscored their opponents in this tournament by a combined score of 86-4 (40-2 for U.S. women; 46-2 for Canada). The U.S. may be two-time defending World Champions, but Team Canada has beaten their rivals in their last five meetings before the Olympics. The teams say they have a lot of respect for each other (which I’m sure they do), but when they hit the ice, respect starts to look a lot like hate. “Hate is a pretty strong word,” USA forward Jenny Potter says. “I would say dislike. But you know what? They’re great competitors, and it’s always a great game playing against them, and I love it. That’s why we play this game is for that competition and draw out the best in your opponent.”
The Scene Inside:
Canadian fans hung over the railings to snap pictures as their team emerged from the tunnel for pre-game warmups, led by the starter in goal, Shannon Szabados. There had been widespread speculation — at least among people who follow Canadian women’s hockey — over whether Szabados or St-Pierre would be in net, and it was kept secret from the media on Wednesday.
(Luke Winn/SI)
I’ve seen about 3,000 people wearing Canadian flags over their shoulders like capes, but this was the first time I’ve seen a live re-creation of the Canadian flag using latex body paint:
(Luke Winn/SI)
The Scene Outside:
(Luke Winn/SI)
People are calling this matchup of superpowers U.S. and Canada possibly the greatest — and most-attended — women’s hockey game of all-time. But the buzz on the streets near Canada Hockey Place is not nearly as intense as it was yesterday for the Canada-Russia men’s showdown, when I followed around the scalpers who were trying to sell lower-level tickets for as high as $1,500.
I was just quoted $300 and $400 by two different scalpers on Georgia Street for lower-level seats, so it doesn’t looking like they’re able to gouge fans as much as they did on Wednesday. The saddest thing I saw outside was a mascot for a ticket broker service, which somehow wasn’t a form of the devil:
(Luke Winn/SI)
Canada rules!!!
Great coverage, Luke. It was *nearly* as fun as watching the match live. I liked your use of local color and media. Very funny.
CD from Portland, OR
the canada win is no surprise. i hope they shut the women’s hockey down. it’s such a lopsided tournament, it’s ALWAYS the same final. i’m getting sick of watching the double digit blowouts. there’s no one who can compete with North America.
this game just rocked, didn’t it?..while i enjoyed the canadian vs russia men’s game last night, i found it to be somewhat anti-climatic….whereas this one of the gals just was so tight and filled with great hockey close score tension…i mean at one point we (canada) have two penalties at the same time and the US still couldn’t put one past our awesome goalie (and she was awesome!)….both teams tonight did both countries SO proud in delivering great entertainment, sportsmanship and also more promotion for women’s hockey…let’s hope that IOC Rogge doesn’t have it pulled in the next winter olympics due to discrepancy in development and skill level….would be a shame for the sport and for women’s athletics….USA and Canada: you go girls…you both ROCKED tonight…love you!
Congrats CANADA!
I’m in Buenos Aires and caught the game on ESPN while I was working out. You should have seen the lost and blank looks on the faces of the Argentine people! They have no clue how the game is played or maybe it was the fact it was the first time I’ve ever seen hockey being shown on the TV screens at the gym as it’s ALWAYS soccer!
Obviously the fix is in on this year’s olympic hockey, look for the canadian men’s team to win too. Its so transparent that the ‘home’ teams win in the home team’s national sport keeps the olympic ‘dream’ alive. Its a shame really, the gams were really NHL all star games, with the illusion of real amateur hockey, how the masses do crave entertainment. If they wanted to really portray the nature of the sport and sportmanship, they would go back to the amateur game, but that won’t happen, because the olympics is about one thing and one thing ONLY, to gain revenue, ie MAKE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!! shame on them
Sadly, the American women were NOT gracious in their defeat. Only one or 2 of them managed a smile when presented with their silver medals. The others looked bitter and sour. The finnish team, on the other hand, who eked out bronze medals, showed great class in cheerfully, joyfully, accepting their 3rd place recognition. Come on, Americans. Where’s your honor!!!!
Jim Armstrong; The fix is on? Canada completely outplayed them, and also, the states had a full 5-3 powerplay for 2 minutes. Thats no fix. Ya, great with amateurs, but nobody watches the sport in that case. Funny how no one complains about Basketball at the Olympics and NBA guys playing in that and completely dominating. Ya, they lost once, but so did US women to Sweden in last Olympics. That was a great game by both teams, yet some people, who probably cant even skate, still come up with reasons to complain.
Too bad for the sore loosers… Get a life, you can’t win them all…
Wow Jim Armstrong you’re kind of dumb aren’t you? First off did you actually watch the game? How was it a fix you stupid man when Canada was in the penalty box, twice it was 5 on 3 and the Canadian team was able to kill both of them with out a goal against them. Typical American’s they speak before the think just like that stupid Patrick Kane (too many pucks to the head for him). Jim, maybe Canada won because they were actually better than the US. The Canadian women out played the US, just like the Canadian Men did against the US, if it wasn’t for Miller you would have lost. Try actually watching women’s hockey.
Jorgandr I think they should take Men’s hockey out of the Olympics too, its supposed to be for amateurs and instead we have to watch NHL hockey, wow that’s so exciting…YAWN!
Next time USA…silver medal….should be proud…
Jim, your point regarding ‘ the fix ‘ is off the mark in this case. You may not have noticed the advantages given the American Team (two lengthy five on three’s) and many other non -calls. I watched the game in the States and was amazed by the partisan game analysis (though perhaps i am naive). This was no gimme for the Canadian ladies, no way, no how!!! They gutted out a win over a tough team and some questionable officiating and that earned them the gold. On a sidebar I was disappointed in some of the US players seemingly ungracious attitudes after being bested on the field of play, especially their Keptin (a nod to Mr. Chekov who lost his son this week).
Jimmy Armstrong,
How exactly is “the fix in on this year’s olympic hockey”? The women’s hockey is a sham, admittedly, as no other team can even compete with the Canadian or American teams. The men’s side shows much more parity though. Canada lost to the US, had to beat Russia to get to the semi-finals and the Slovaks eliminated the Swedes.
For your information, in the 50 years of Olympic hockey leading up to this year, the only teams that sent anything remotely approaching amateurs were Canada and the US. The Russian teams were composed of professional players only . How would you like to return to the amateur game? Resurrect the Iron Curtain?
As for your comments about the nature of sport and sportsmanship, I wholeheartedly agree. The Olympics are nothing more than an orgy of commercialism and nationalism. If you want true sport and the “values” it claims to represent, watch the Special Olympics where you can see athletes feted for doing their best and without the bullshit corporate and commercial interests having their hand in every nook and cranny.
I’m just proud to be a North American right now. Our two cultures are so intermingled – we coach one another, play one another, marry one another and finish in the top two in the greatest game in the world with one another – it doesn’t get any better than that! It’s like playing against your brother for the gold medal – you can’t lose!
Congrats USA on your silver medal! And may all Canadians continue to be humble towards our brothers and sisters south of the border!
Funny how a country the size of the US boistsabout their medal count when they are 10 times the size of Canada. So why only wins twice the amount and the same gold medals ??
Way to go Canada!! What a great performance girls and you have made Canada proud!Jimmy Armstrong, you sound as sore a loser as most of the US girls who were so sour puss getting their medals, but at least a few of them showed grace and smiled and waved. And Luke Winn, too much pro-US in your blog, makes me even happier that we won!
Such an awesome game, we blanked them. Now see if we can get double gold with the mens team!
Awesome pictures in this post too. Nice post
Great game. I was proud of the US until the medals ceremony. The US lack of sportsmanship and dignity was embarrassing. The better team won.
Tonight was team Canada’s night. They outplayed their American counterparts throughout the whole game.
Last September, the Americans were victorious over Team Canada. Team USA outplayed and outscored Canada at its own tournament; that wasn’t the case tonight.
The American women WON silver, let’s not forget that!
However, I must agree with the other commentaries that the Americans were not terribly gracious in the defeat.
Congratulations, Canada. You deserve a chance to shine in your Olympics, and the hockey arena is the perfect place to showcase your talent. Thanks for a great Winter Olympics (and I enjoyed the opening ceremony, it was BEAUTIFUL and awe-inspiring).
The best team won – and for a moment I was ashame to be American: during the medals ceremony… We lost to the Power House… Canada owns hockey… We must be very proud to finished with silver… Our womans plan well, but the Canadians girls showed the world that this game is theirs… Congratulation ! I look forward for antoher rematch in the World Championshiop… and who’s knows… we might compete again, against each other !!! Next: The mens… that should be interesting… Again. Congrats CANADA and you are doing quite an amazing job hosting those games: I was in Vancouver last week and America can learn a few things from you guys !!!
The men’s hockey is totally not exciting. The olympic championship is just a game between the NHL and the NHL. Big deal, and good night. But the girls play great. I’ve always loved to watch them. They don’t play chippy, like the so-called men.
Ed Balaisis, Huntsville, Ont., Canada
You know, I can’t exactly say I’d be embarrassed as the behaviour of the U.S. squad during the medal ceremony were I American.
We can call them poor losers as much as we’d like, but let’s be honest — the forgone conclusion was that these two teams would meet in the gold medal, the U.S. squad has been denied gold in the previous two games (games they were more than capable of winning), and there’s no doubt that they likely expected to perform better than they did (particularly taking the World title the last two events).
I’d imagine a loss like this was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly for any of the roster players for whom this was not their first Olympic event. I didn’t get the impression that any of the girls were innately disrespectful, though many certainly didn’t seem to force a smile. Having snatched defeat from the jaws of victory myself in the past, I know it’s not always easy.
Congrats to our girls on the gold, and to the U.S. squad and the Finns for silver and bronze. Here’s to hoping we get a more competitive event and another exciting rivalry matchup in Sochi!
Way to Go USA & Canada. The North Americans dominate again. True the hockey is too lop sided for now. Rest assured the Europeans will be honing skills to beat the North Americans. I hope it happens, as the IOC CEO was criticizing the sport…and perhaps hinting that women’s hockey may be discontinued because of the advantage Canada and the USA have over Europe and Asian teams. Like anything it takes time and training to get to the calibre of North Americans. It would be a shame if it was cancelled.
I am very proud of our womens team for winning gold . Its is always a competive game when usa and canada play against each other . We out played them and they had many chances to score on us as well . Our goalie was on point tonight . We went out wanted Gold and we took it . It could have gone either way . I can only imagine how hard it is to stand there and take the silver when you really only want the gold medal . I myself would take the silver . Through out the games I have seen so many sore losers in many of the sports if they dont win gold and get silver or bronze its just never good enough to them . Its should be a honour to recieve them but some athletes are sore losers and it just leaves me dumbfounded . I am sure the 4th place person would be so happy to move up and take your place !!!!!.. Enjoy the moment and enjoy the medal you recieve no matter what colour it is . I will truly say I am very proud to be a Canadian today because our fans showed such great class when Finland recieved there medal and more so when the Americans recieved there Silver Medals. The cheers we gave them show what we can show our love for the game and our opponents . The Americans are and always will be our biggest opponent in sports but we showed them great love and appreciation of there talent and of the game . I honestly dont think we would have been given the same treatment if the tables were turned and the Olympics were in the USA and we won any colour of medal ..
Those who can…do.
Those who can’t…criticize.
WAY TO GO WOMENS TEAM CANADA!!!
A well deserved Hat Trick in Olympic Hockey!
And yes…I AM CANADIAN BABY!!!
It was a great game that really could have went either way. I am an American I am NOT ashamed of the way the US team acted on the podium. They have trained and played their hearts out for the last 3.5 years preparing for this one game, and unfortunately they came up a little short. That is a devastating feeling, so I believe they have the right to cry and feel unsatisfied for finishing second. Imagine if they gave out a second place Super Bowl trophy, do you think the team receiving it would look happy? I also believe the Canadians would have looked the same if the US would have won.
I have seen pictures from the party after the game and all of the Americans were proudly showing off their Silver medals and smiling, so lay off.
I only watch Women’s hockey during the Olympics. It was a good game between Can.and the U.S.A. I do however think that team Canada women should not have come onto the ice with cigars, and drinks. Not classy. I am Canadian and I realize that they wanted to share their win with all of us but please show some class for everyone involoved. congradulations to Women’s hockey for a very entertaining game.
Way to go Canadian Girls!!! The US girls need some advice on how to not be sore losers in front of half the world. But that aside, shame on our mens team who could not even crack a smile for our hard working gals. Tsk Tsk.
Oh please, the girls were celebrating RoyBoy and it wasn’t in front of the fans it was after everyone had left. No one was complaining ab0ut it and there were just the staff and media there besides the Team and the staff seemed to have been celebrating with them. They deserved to celebrate after the BS the IOC pulled earlier that day. The only ones who are not classy is the American Reporter who called the IOC because his country lost and Ovechkin . I hope the TV station charges Ovechkin because he went out of his way to shove that camera guy. Real classy and sportsman like you big baby
As an American, I was extremely disappointed at the demeanor of US Women’s hockey team during the medal ceremony. I’ve never seen a worse example of being poor losers. I’m 56 years old, and growing up we were taught about good sportsmanship. If this is any example of what this generation is learning, that’s really too bad.
Congratulations. Canada Rocks
I have to agree that the display of poor sportsmanship was a real downer and I am glad to say that I can distance myself from such rude behaviour because I am not American. My generation was taught that both winners and losers have to be graceful. Cry if you like… but do it in private! Losers DO NOT RAIN on the parade of others, and winners should NOT CROW! This is what I taught my own kids and this is what they do. Shame on the team of cry-babies and on the people who didn’t teach them to suck it up and show grace.
I’ve read comments about the fix being in. Does anybody remember the reffing in the Salt Lake games during the gold medal game for the women? If ever a fix was in, that was it!
I am very proud to be Canadian . I am proud of all our Olympic athletes and the Women’ s Hockey team win was well deserved. They played outstandingly. I also understand how difficult to come in second and third. I would like to think that everyone would be happy with just getting any medal at theses games but there is so much hype and build up before hand, it is understandable to be just a little sad to not get the gold.
As for the Canadian celebration afterward, I couldn’t help but think if it had been the men, nothing would have been said. Jon Montgomery, Canadian Skeleton Gold Medalist, walked through the streets of Vancouver swilling a carafe of beer someone handed him. No one seemed to mind.