Archive for February, 2010
Two For Two! Canada’s Mens and Womens Hockey Teams Take Gold!
She shoots she scores! He shoots he scores! With the wrap up of Olympic hockey Canada has swept the podium! The womens’ hockey team took their gold medal first followed by the mens’ team today.
Watching these games was a fantastic experience for many Canadians. The 2-0 win for the Canadian Women’s team over the United States on Thursday made it 3 Gold Medals in a row for the Canadians. Marie-Philip Poulin scored both goals and Shannon Szabados made 28 saves. After burying their goalie, the Canadian women’s team received their gold medals.
It was a huge disappointment for the United States as they took the silver medal. One would think that they would have been happy to receive a silver medal, but for these women it looked like they were in last place. As they were presented with their silver medals quite a few of them had tears in their eyes. It wasn’t until the end of the line when the medals were presented to two goalies when true Olympic spirit showed through. What wonderful smiles and excitement from those two women.
What an exciting game for the men’s team today. The Canadians had a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals scored by Jonathan Toews and Corey Perry. The United States got on the board with a goal from Vancouver Canucks centre Ryan Kesler in the second period. The United States pulled their goalie with 1:30 left on the clock. It looked as though it was all over for the United States until Zach Parise scored with 24.4 seconds left in the game forcing a 20-minute overtime period.
This game was definitely an “edge of your seat” type of game. With the Olympic Gold Medal up for grabs by either of these teams it was anyone’s game. But with a flick of a stick Sidney Crosby fired the puck into the American’s net. And the crowd went wild! Canada Hockey Place was full of red Canadian Olympic Team Jerseys that looked like a huge red sea. And the crowds continue to go wild all over Canada! What a great performance!
NHL Breaks for Olympics
The last few weeks, hockey fans from around the globe have shifted their attention from the NHL season to Olympic competition. Unlike baseball (where professional players don’t compete in the Olympics) and basketball (which doesn’t interrupt the NBA season), the NHL goes on hiatus for the Winter Games. This makes Olympic hockey one of the most competitive—and entertaining—winter sports to watch.
The NHL is one of the most diverse professional sports organizations, with many of the top players coming from outside of the United States. This breadth of talent means that many countries have legitimate hopes of reaching the medal podium. So until the Olympics are over, trade in your NHL gear for some hockey merchandise from your native land.
The Collecting Bug
Collecting is an ageless hobby that transcends cultures and generations. While the goods that are collected will vary, there is something undeniably compelling in amassing a trove of souvenirs or mementos. Although my collection hasn’t been added to in quite some time, like many American males my collecting is centered on sports memorabilia.
One of my favorite items to collect is autographs; there is something surreal in knowing that a legend of the game actually held the item that is now a part of your collection. Some people go for autographed pictures or playing cards, but I prefer the authentic uniform from the sport—it’s even better if it is actually game worn. My selection of autographed NHL jerseys is hands down the crown jewel of my cache.NHL
Leafs Win As Phaneuf Makes Debut
The Toronto Maple Leafs had something to cheer about last night at the Air Canada Center. The Leafs ended a six game losing streak to beat the New Jerseys Devils 3-0. The Leafs new defenseman, Dion Phaneuf, helped the leafs take a very needed win.
Phaneuf arrived in Toronto from Calgary as part of a seven player deal made on Sunday. Arriving from Calgary with Phaneuf is forward Fredrik Sjostrom. Sjostrom said that the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans can expect more of the same results. Sjostrom had an assist during his first game last night while Phaneuf failed to earn a point. Phaneuf, however, did prove himself as a force to be reckoned with. Sjostrom said; ”He plays with heart and soul out there, tough, tough hockey. You’re going to see that every night from him.”
Toronto coach Ron Wilson said; “Dion got a couple of good hits in early and just the fact that he’s on the ice, the other team is looking before they ever attempt anything, so that’s nice. Any puck that gets in his wheelhouse he’s going to pound it in the general direction of the net. He moves the puck really well. He’s an excellent skater. It really wasn’t anything I didn’t know about him.”
Being a Leaf fan myself I will be watching the Leafs with a new sense of hope and perhaps even be able to toast the Leafs with one of my Toronto Maple Leafs Glasses.