Team Canada Tops Off Strong Winter Games With Hockey Gold

We did it. After an outstanding two-week performance by Canada’s athletes, throughout which there was no shortage of heart, grit, and determination, Canada’s Men’s Hockey Team won the nation’s tenth and final gold. In what could only be described as mastery, the boys in the red and white outshot Sweden by a margin of 36-24, and won the game by a score of 3-0 in a game that could have easily been much more embarrassing for the silver medalists if Henrik Lundqvist had a weaker game. The first two goals came from arguably the two greatest hockey players in the world and the two captains of clutch, Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews. The third goal came from the often maligned Chris Kunitz, who had a strong tournament despite doubts that he was included largely due to his association with Crosby. Toews scored a gritty goal in front of the crease, while Crosby stole the puck off a Swedish defender and took off from his own blue line before he deked out Henrik Lundqvist for a goal that reminds us why he is the best player in the world. Kunitz buried the Swedes in the third with a wrister to cement Canada’s place in hockey history and to give the men reason to stand proudly beside their female brethren as hockey champions. I must add that the women had an outstanding tournament, winning with shear willpower in a tournament that they were considered underdogs to the Americans. I would focus on them more strongly if they were not covered later in this issue, because they deserve praise as much as our men do.

Canada’s victory came in a much different way than it did in Vancouver back in 2010. Often criticized for their lack of offensive prowess throughout the tournament, they won instead through stifling defense, led by the play of Drew Doughty and Shea Weber. Allowing three goals in their last six games, including none in the last two, Canada’s defense was likely the greatest group to ever be iced, and could anchor the team for years to come, if the NHL returns to the Olympics. Also, the goaltending of Carey Price was flawless, causing many skeptics to question the much discussed notion that Price is not a clutch performer. His calm dominance of the Canadian net strongly contrasted Robert Luongo’s often nerve wracking play in Vancouver. The questions of Canada’s goaltending were strongly rejected by Price, who outdueled perennial Vezina candidates Tuuka Rask, Jonathan Quick, and Henrik Lundqvist, albeit with a much lower shot count than his opponents.

Most amazing was Canada’s ability to play a team system, despite the fact that the team was laden with individuals that were used to being superstars on their respective National Hockey League clubs. Playing on the big ice, they refused to give up their defense focused system that relied on short shifts, a strong forecheck, forcing their opponents to the perimeter and above all, an uncanny ability to avoid mistakes. There were few reckless penalties and even fewer blatant giveaways. Despite criticism on their lack of scoring, they stuck to a team-based system that allowed them to beat the European teams at their own style of game on the big ice. In a stark contrast to the much lauded Russian team, the Canadians embraced the Olympic spirit of teamwork and individual sacrifice. It is a true testament to Canadian values that a team full of millionaire superstars can come together as a team so quickly and effectively, with no complaints of shortened ice time or responsibility, to win such a competitive tournament. Praise must also be given to Head Coach Mike Babcock and Director Steve Yzerman. One has to speculate if their ability to bring a team together so effectively is influenced by their prior history with the Detroit Red Wings, a club that is built upon teamwork rather than individualism.

Although already mentioned, additional praise must be given to Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby. At only 26 years old, he has now captained a team to a Stanley Cup and a gold medal, as well as winning countless individual accolades. Despite the protests of those who are inexplicably unwilling to accept the kid from Cole Harbour’s undoubted character and talent, he continues to dominate with undeniable grace and work ethic. Despite misleading tournament statistics, Crosby was Canada’s top forward game in and game out, and, once again, when it mattered, he performed in spades. He returns home with a much deserved gold medal and as a player who has further cemented himself as one of the greatest of all time. He has made Cole Harbour and Canada proud, and I have no doubt he will continue to do so.

Tribute must also be given to the bronze medalist Finnish team. Finland, as pointed out by Teemu Selanne earlier in the tournament, has won more Men’s Olympic Hockey medals than any other nation since the NHL entered the games in 1998. Despite a rash of injuries and a team that was largely composed of non-NHL players, the Finns competed hard in every game they played, included a humbling rout of the former silver medalist Americans to win bronze. Teemu Selanne scored two goals in the final game, and played amazingly well for a 43-year-old, the oldest player in the tournament. Selanne now gets to end his career on the international stage with a well-deserved medal, so kudos to the hard working Finns.

However, it is once again the Canadians that get to walk away with gold. Despite doubts of ability to perform on the big ice and of unsteady goaltending, and early criticism of a weak offense, the Canadians stuck to Babcock’s game plan and did us all proud. The men who put on the red and white hail from icy ponds all over our great country, and we should all be proud to call them our own. Congratulations from the Iron Warrior to all of our athletes, and may we now enjoy four more years on top of the hockey world.