ICE HOCKEY GOLD

Ice hockey rules in Canada and that was evident with the gold medal match in men's hockey at the Vancouver Games on Sunday which has been declared the most-watched broadcast in Canadian television history.It appeared that Canadian’s who usually do not have the vaguest interest in ice hockey became sudden aficionados. It is something like Melbourne Cup day in Australia where once a year punters become sudden racing experts.


What sweetened the game for all Canadian’s was the fact that they were playing the USA and any chance that Canada has to get one over the American’s is much too good an opportunity to miss.

In the last few days before the game everyone had an opinion about the game and wanted to know if you would be at home watching it. When people heard my Australian accent they were keen to know who I would be supporting. They would then give me a series of quick-fire reasons as to why the Canada would be victorious.


Canada was still reeling after the defeat of their woman’s curling team the day before by the Swedish team. The Canadian’s had the game won but made simple mistakes to hand the game to the Swedes.


Curling was the second most watched sport at the Olympics and at the start of the Olympics I rubbished the game but by the end I was a fan. Embarrassing I know!
I watched the ice hockey game at home and I had to put up with the roars and groans of the pro-Canada fans. Everything looked fine as Canada lead with a minute to go. Backsides clung to the edge of seats and breath was held as the American’s launched attack after attack and were rewarded with 30 seconds to go by scoring a goal that leveled the scores at 3-3.
Canada collectively groaned.




Ten minutes of extra time started with both teams attacking. In the end it came down to a moment of brilliance from Sidney Crosby, Canada’s best player to score the winning goal. Our house and the rest of Canada erupted in joy. Another gold medal to Canada the most by any team ever at the Winter Olympics. The Winter Olympics were a success and better still they beat the USA at hockey.

Bragging rights for a few months at least.
It was interesting being in Canada for the Olympic Games and listening to the bias and parochialism day in and day out. After a while it became trite and Canadian’s were doing exactly the same thing they accuse American’s of being. Boastful and self-centred.