I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I’ve been glued to CBC Gem lately, watching Canada chase Olympic gold — especially in men’s hockey.
As I write this Wednesday morning, the team is battling Czechia in quarter-final action, and I’m following along on my iPad while we get this week’s paper out the door. Goal, Celebrini! It’s 1-0 Canada.
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Canada may not have as many medals as Norway, Italy or the U.S., but it’s safe to say the whole country is rooting for Sidney Crosby and company. Chels and I have been watching as much Olympic hockey as possible. Heck, I even tuned in Sunday afternoon to watch the U.S. beat Germany 5-1 after Canada showed France how it’s done in a 10-2 final.
I’m no expert, but the on-ice action has been sensational, and Canada is playing smart hockey. Off the ice, the team has shown class and appreciation for the crowds from the Great White North.
The same, however, cannot be said for the Tkachuk brothers of the United States. I know winning can mean everything, especially when representing your country, but kudos to the boys in red for keeping it classy — and very Canadian.
Game update: Czechia has tied it, but Canada’s deadly power play is on for two minutes. I can’t watch.
Growing up, watching Team Canada at the IIHF world junior championship was a big part of every Christmas holiday. It’s the stars of tomorrow representing Canada today, and I love it. The country practically closes for business during the tournament, with everyone glued to their TVs.
Like the Olympics, legends are made at the world juniors — legends such as Lloydminster Athletics coach and Vermilion native Jeff Woywitka, who scored the game-winning goal against the U.S. in the 2003 semifinal in Halifax.
And who could forget Crosby’s golden goal against the U.S. at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver?
There are four minutes left in the first period and Czechia leads 2-1. I’ll be holding my breath until this one’s over.
BOOM! Canada advances to Thursday’s semi-finals after beating Czechia 4-3 in OT!
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