This is probably going to be one of the most ballsy articles I have ever written on this blog. I have a great amount of respect for the work that the USA Hockey has done in getting their programs up to a world-class standard, and I am humbled by the American teams that show hustle, determination, and a doggedness in pursuing a win from the opening whistle to the final horn. American hockey, in the last decade, has come a long, long way, baby.That being said, Team Canada put on a display unlike anything I've seen over the last few tournaments in their domination of their arch-rivals tonight at the World Junior Championships. I've never seen the outright punishment that Canada delivered to the Americans accepted so easily, and - it hurts me to say this - how quickly the American speed and skill folded under this intense pressure brought by Canada in the game.
I want to be clear: I still hold the Americans in high regard. Their program has not only made the Canadian program better, but the Americans are putting the world on notice that, like their Canadian counterparts, only gold is acceptable in this tournament. That standard is making their program better and, thus, the programs of other countries around the world need to step up to match it. Good on USA Hockey for that, and I commend them for their efforts in turning a good program into an elite program. Americans should be proud of what USA Hockey has done in a very short time.
However, what Canada did tonight in front of a very large pro-Canada crowd was, in essence, like sacking the White House. Canada - both the players and the fans that flocked south to Buffalo - came into the HSBC Arena, knocked around the heavily-favoured American team, and left with a convincing victory over what some, including yours truly, had deemed the best team in the tournament. That, readers, is domination. With authority.
With the 4-1 win over Team USA tonight, Canada has a date set with another old foe as Russia defeated Sweden in a shootout to advance to the gold medal final. If Canada can play another full sixty minutes of hockey against Russia in similar fashion to what they did against Team USA, Canada will most likely start another gold medal run in the World Junior Championships. GO CANADA GO!
Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!
First off, I loved your post. I'm a Nova Scotian who now lives in the US but don't hold that against me.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow Hockey Enthusiast, I thought you might feel the same way I did about the following article and I wondered if you might be willing to post anything that could get the word out.
Thanks, and keep your stick on the ice!
Here's the article (from CBC.ca):
The Nova Scotia town that calls itself the birthplace of hockey could soon lose its shrine to the sport's beginning.
The board of the Hockey Heritage Centre in Windsor said the small museum is broke and badly in need of volunteers.
"If we don't get new board members to succeed us, then we'll have to close the museum," said board member Richard Cole.
"Windsor's the birthplace of hockey and to have the centre that focuses on that and explains that story gone is a huge blow to us," said Cole.
On top of that, the centre is strapped for cash. A tax error has forced the facility to unexpectedly dole out thousands of dollars to the Canada Revenue Agency.
According to the centre, the sport of hockey originated around 1800 when the boys of King's College in Windsor adapted the field game of hurley to the ice of local skating ponds. Ice hurley gradually developed into ice hockey. Soldiers at Fort Edward in Windsor eventually took up the new game, carrying it to Halifax where it gained popularity
Windsor Mayor Paul Beazley said losing the centre would be unfortunate because people come from all over to visit the unassuming mecca of hockey.
"It brings a lot of people into this town. It's easy to think that there'd be less people in town if it closes," said Beazley.
"We've spent the last 10 years trying to let people know we have an active and open museum for people to come to see artifacts from years gone by in the game of hockey. When people find out they can't come and see it, it's going to certainly hurt the tourism sector of this town."
Hants West Progressive Conservative MLA Chuck Porter said he believes more people will volunteer their time, but the centre also needs provincial funding.
"I don't know if it's a few thousand dollars or if it's $15,000. I don't know right now, but whatever it is we'll be asking for it. We're not looking for it every year. We're looking for something to carry us over."
Local leaders will meet later this month with the provincial minister of tourism, culture and heritage to discuss the centre's future.
For now, the centre is closed indefinitely.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/01/05/ns-hockey-birthplace-in-trouble.html?ref=rss#ixzz1AAfOcGzs
I enjoy your blog very much, and I enjoy the jabs in a friendly rivalry...(U!S!A! U!S!A!)...how's your Tim Horton's? Someone should have told Team Canada a game is 60 minutes...
ReplyDeleteTo use your own words " - it hurts me to say this - how quickly the [Canadians] (sic) speed and skill folded under this intense pressure brought by [Russians] (sic) in the game."
Canada only played 40 minutes, Russia truly showed what 2 goals in 13 seconds and why you must play hard no matter what the score...
Great game, and congrats to Team Russia!!