Living with my cousin Ryan (a Canadian whose brother actually has a maple leaf tattoo that says, "Made In Canada,") made the US, Canada Olympic hockey game on Sunday a MAJOR deal at my house. For the remainder of this story, picture Ryan decked out in an authentic No. 99 Team Canada Wayne Gretzky jersey, underneath an officially licensed Canada, Vancouver 2010 hoodie.
He, like every other Canadian, has said that there are only two medals that count in the Vancouver Olympics: mens and womens hockey gold.
Now, what made Ryan's head spin even more than the US's 5-3 win over Canada, was the fact that Canada clearly outplayed the US for the vast majority of the game. US goalie Ryan Miller simply stole it from the home team. Haha! In your face!
But the edge was soon taken off by the awful American post-game coverage of the win.
"How long before they compare it to 1980?" said Ryan, referencing the "Miracle on Ice."
Wow. Great question. There was no doubt in my mind that some ignorant, sensationalist moron would make that comparison. But surely any sports savvy journalist would see that NHL pros beating other NHL pros doesn't belong in the same breath as a group of college kids beating the best pros in the world.
But before these comparisons could be made, we must get to the fact that after losing the game, Canada would now implode.
Not Canada the hockey team, but Canada the country.
We take you live to our reporter at a Canadian sports bar for what will surely be the scene of a mass suicide.
Oops! Every single patron at the bar was singing "Oh Canada," loud and proud. Nice setup on the live shot. Truly a dark day for Canadians everywhere. And by the way, grab five random Americans off the street and I'll bet you at least three of them don't even know the words to, "The Star Spangled Banner."
Now, back to 1980.
Not even 10 minutes after the end of the third period, without even changing the channel, and here come the erroneous comparisons. Ugh.
Look, I know it was the eve of the 30-year anniversary and you desperately want to make that tie-in, but give me a break. Unlike Sunday, 1980 was the original "Pros vs. Joes." And unlike Sunday, the US win was in an elimination game.
We are joined now by Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 US hockey team, and game-winning goal scorer against the Soviets.
Mike, how does this win compare?
Well guys, it really doesn't. But thanks for marginalizing our accomplishment. Appreciate it.
By this point, Ryan has had a good laugh, and I no longer have a leg to stand on when it comes to rubbing it in. Not only do I know better as a sports fan, but I know better as an embarrassed part of the media that has overplayed its hand in the wake of what was a very good win.
The game was amazing. It had everything you could want, in the middle of an amazing atmosphere. I really hope a rematch in the medal round is on the horizon.
Win that game, and then we can go crazy sticking it to Canada.
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