Like most other Canadian hockey fans, I'm really savouring this year's World Junior Hockey Championships.
After some round-robin "softies", Team Canada finally faced their first challenge Thursday night against Team USA. It certainly wasn't a technically pretty game for Canada...coughing up the puck on too many occasions...and giving up two short-handed goals. But, with the Americans leading 4-2 with just over 10 minutes left in the game, the Canuck Comeback began...ending with 5-4 shoot-out win to restore our national pride, and get a ticket straight to the semi-finals.
24 hours later, another chapter in the Canada/USA hockey rivalry would be played out - - this time by the national women's teams...an exhibition game in Ottawa in front of 18,000 fans - - their final meeting before the Vancouver Olympics. Senators' owner Eugene Melnyk was a driving force behind getting the game to be played there. Realizing that participation in girls' hockey has increased by 450% in the past 15 years, he sees the appetite for this calibre of women's hockey...and is a financial supporter of the game.
I first got to witness the Canada/USA Women's hockey rivalry 12 years ago...an exhibition game in Van City before the NHL all-star weekend festivities. Frankly, it was the most entertaining hockey we got to see that weekend.
Over the years, the two teams have developed a genuine distaste for each other. Every game (exhibition or with a title on the line) is fast and gritty. (Don't let anyone tell you there isn't any body contact in women's hockey - - body "checking" isn't allowed - - but there's plenty of physical force and intensity, especially at the elite level).
Last night's exhibition game in Ottawa was important - - the winner could go into the Olympics with a psychological edge. And, it looked like that edge was going to go to the Canadians. However, with a minute left in the game (and Canada holding a 2-1 lead) the Americans went on a power play...pulled the goalie....and scored with 17 seconds left on the clock.
It would take a shoot-out before the crowd at Scotiabank Place could erupt...having our national pride restored once again with a win.
Sure. I know that women's hockey is dominated by these 2 teams...and it's almost a "given" that they'll meet in the Gold medal game next month in Vancouver - - ALMOST. You don't have to remind the Americans about their stunning loss to Sweden 4 years ago, which sent them to the Bronze medal game. That's why the game is played on the ice...not on the stats sheet.
And, for thousands of young Canadian girls, it will be the opportunity to watch their heroes for two weeks....with dreams of being the next Hayley Wickenheiser, Jennifer Botterill, Jayna Hefford, Becky Kellar and Kim St. Pierre.
Eh-O! Canada Go!