Wow...Wow...Wow...Growing up and watching hockey in particular during the 90's and the 2000's, we never got to see the rivalry that previous generations got to see when it came to International Hockey. My dad speaks fondly of being in Canada in his third year and the year he got married, and Canada defeating the Soviets in the classic 72 series. He reminisces about Lemiux and Gretzky in the Canada Cup's of the 80's and how it was the West vs. Communism. Hockey became socio-political event, not just a world class sporting event. Our generation of hockey fans can only watch footage of those films and hear the history and passion through stories passed from one to another. Our rivalry when it comes to international hockey, is with our cousins to the south of us. America and Canada, somewhere in the NAFTA agreement Canada gave the states Beer, Lumber, Water and Hockey...come to think of it, what did we get?!?! From 1996 at the inaugural World Cup of Hockey, to the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, then the 2004 World Junior Hockey Championships in Helsinki, along with the Semi Final game in 2005 in Grand Forks, North Dakota; Canada and the United States have been making stories come to life. Tonight, in Canada's heartland, this was no exception. Intensity was brought onto the ice by both teams. Hard hits, crisp passes, and clean plays. Most of the country watched the game, so I won't recap the score, but it was the highest scoring World Junior Gold Medal game in the history of the tournament. As mentioned in yesterday's blog (and by Damien Cox of the Toronto Star), the 'Gary Bettman trip down South' or the 'Gretzky Experiment' has paved the way for hockey players in the United States to learn the game, and make USA Hockey grow the sport in different parts of the country. Canada lost tonight, a streak of 5 straight gold medal's is over. Canada's the only country in history to do that feat twice. But lets look at the positives when that have come out of the tournament. Taylor Hall, the only eligible player to be drafted in this year's NHL Entry Draft playing for Canada cemented himself as the number one draft pick when the draft is held in June. There is no question that this kid will be a star in the league, he's big, strong and handles the puck very well. The two Maple Leafs draft picks showed Hockey Canada, USA Hockey and the brass at Maple Leaf Sports (along with other teams who always said the Leafs have no scouting department) that in fact the Leafs can make solid picks in the draft. Lets not forget the legend that is Jordan Eberle. This kid is being touted as the Messiah that Edmonton has yearned for since well the days of Messier. When it came down to it, the puck was on his stick and that was a good thing for Canadians to see. We heir Pierre McGuire say it many times during the tournament, but the fans of Edmonton have a lot to be excited about when Eberle slips on the Oilers uniform. The passion that fueled through the arena and I'm sure through the province of Saskatchewan was felt throughout the country. The evolution of USA hockey showed in this tournament. This is no longer a mediocre program. Money has been invested and they are expecting to bring out talent in the future, Buffalo will have a great show next year!!!
Speaking of Buffalo, I plan on making my call to the Buffalo ticket booth to see if I can purchase passes to the tournament in Buffalo, may as well since its only a three hour car ride!!!
Just as a side note, it was mentioned that 6 years ago January 5th, the United states won their first World Juniors in Helsinki. On the same thought, the last time the U.S. won the tournament, the year later they were hosting it. Just some food for thought...
I heard Corbett, one of the directors of Hockey Canada tell Patrice Cormier (the captain) and Jordan Eberle, not be disappointed with the silver medal. Not only did the players take their medals with pride, and honour, they also shook the hands of the U.S. players. In Hockey it is usually customary for the winning team to shake hands with the losing team, not in this case, the Canadian boys went to the players, many of whom they've played in tournaments since they were 12 or 13 to congratulate them on their hard earned victory. The boys represented the country well, and all Canadians are very proud of them. Hockey will always be Canada's game, but for now, America has the honour of holding the title...I repeat for now...
Speaking of Buffalo, I plan on making my call to the Buffalo ticket booth to see if I can purchase passes to the tournament in Buffalo, may as well since its only a three hour car ride!!!
Just as a side note, it was mentioned that 6 years ago January 5th, the United states won their first World Juniors in Helsinki. On the same thought, the last time the U.S. won the tournament, the year later they were hosting it. Just some food for thought...
I heard Corbett, one of the directors of Hockey Canada tell Patrice Cormier (the captain) and Jordan Eberle, not be disappointed with the silver medal. Not only did the players take their medals with pride, and honour, they also shook the hands of the U.S. players. In Hockey it is usually customary for the winning team to shake hands with the losing team, not in this case, the Canadian boys went to the players, many of whom they've played in tournaments since they were 12 or 13 to congratulate them on their hard earned victory. The boys represented the country well, and all Canadians are very proud of them. Hockey will always be Canada's game, but for now, America has the honour of holding the title...I repeat for now...
I loved the fact that the crowd in the arena busted out OH CANADA as the Canadian players received their silver medals...and the Americans proved once again, that because your a good Hockey player, your not a very good singer! Regardless, that out of tune anthem is the best version they've heard of it in their young lives!
Like the Molson beer advertisement says, Canada has the highest ratio of awesomeness in the world! Lets never forget that!!!
The Juniors are over, and now the attention of a hockey nation turns to the Olympics in Vancouver. Where once again, the passion of a nation will be tested, again on our home ice.
Oh by the way, there was a Leafs game at a the Hanger tonight....for anyone who wants to keep track, Leafs won 3-2 vs. Florida.
Good night...follow me on twitter @jollybenjabi
I've got a meeting tomorrow morning and my voice sounds harsh, meh, I'm Canadian be lucky I have all my teeth!
Like the Molson beer advertisement says, Canada has the highest ratio of awesomeness in the world! Lets never forget that!!!
The Juniors are over, and now the attention of a hockey nation turns to the Olympics in Vancouver. Where once again, the passion of a nation will be tested, again on our home ice.
Oh by the way, there was a Leafs game at a the Hanger tonight....for anyone who wants to keep track, Leafs won 3-2 vs. Florida.
Good night...follow me on twitter @jollybenjabi
I've got a meeting tomorrow morning and my voice sounds harsh, meh, I'm Canadian be lucky I have all my teeth!
post by Bobby C
follow us on twitter at, twitter.com/brokeanklesblog
email us at, brokeanklesdotblogspot@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment