Let's get something straight: I'm Canadian. I was born in Canada and even though I will likely live in the United States for the rest of my life, I will always retain the citizenship of my homeland.I married an American.
My children were born in the United States and I lovingly call them my half-breeds.
I am a woman with divided loyalties.
During the Olympics, I happily cheered for the USA.
This is not the case for hockey, where I am a tried and true Canadian to the core.
There was a lot on the line for the Canada vs. United States hockey game on Sunday night. Canada is the gold-medal favorite and was expected to coast into the medal round. The Motherland's citizens live and breathe hockey and there was oodles of smack-talking leading up to the game.
I should know. My husband and I did it with each other.
Even though Canada outshot the U.S. 45-23, the U.S. emerged as the victors in a 5-3 game. This now means they will have a bye for the quarter-finals while Canada must win a play-in game on Tuesday to reach the quarterfinals.
A gold medal for the Canadian team is still a possibility but this was an unexpected bump in the road.
Following the game, my husband Jamie tried to console me.
"Don't worry, Amber. It doesn't really mean anything that Canada lost to the U.S. tonight."
"It does mean something. It means that I'm mad."
Photo: Getty Images
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23 Comments:
I hear you. I'm Canadian and I'm ticked!
Jason
They just couldn't get it in the goal tonight. The goalie was absolutely on fire. Serious bummer for the canucks.
Lara Jones
Awww.
I do think they'll end up getting a medal still.
We're not too happy up here. I'm hoarse from screaming at the tv all night....:( Still got our fingers crossed though.
It doesn't matter how many shots you get off if you can't get it in the goal. ;)
I didn't watch the game but was tickled pink when I heard the result, mostly because I knew you would be in Canadian mourning. Do you have to wear all red for that, cover yourself in maple leaves?
there's always curling, eh.
he he he! Although usually when you take more shots- especially that many more- the score ends up a little differently-
Sorry you are mad- but- Yeah USA!
I have to say I was torn on this one, but the way I viewed it was that it was win-win either way for me. I want both the USA and Canada to do well.
I hear ya
Ha ha huh-ha-ha. That is me making fun of Canada! We beat Canada, we beat Canada! You would think they would at least beat us at HOCKEY! Sorry suckers! :)
I was so excited for this game and couldn't believe I couldn't watch it on TV! I had to go online to get updates! GRR!
It wouldn't be as fun to dominate the Canadians in these VANCOUVER Olympics, AND beat them at the thing that matters most, if they didnt talk so much trash TO and ABOUT the Americans. I have many Canadian comrades and I love our brothers and sisters up north, but after all the unearned arrogance we had to hear leading up to these Games on Canadian soil, it's great to say, HA HA way to go USA! Runnin' away with the medal count, and now THIS? Brilliant!!!! :)
Don't worry, we aren't out of this yet. Talk about dramatic finish.
Jennifer
Sigh. Trust the Americans to rub salt in the wounds.
What Americans forget is Canada's population is about equal to California's. Germany is in second place and their popular is sparse compared to the U.S. Frankly, I'd be worried if the U.S. was not leading the medals count!
I am an American and will root for my country's team but was also shocked they won. Our goalie played an insane game even though Canada had better overall control, your team was obviously frustrated with our goalie. I wish Canada well the rest of the tourney, this sport means a lot to you people.
Once Canada tied the Swiss (shootouts never declare a true winner) I knew they weren't what they were hyped up to be. Sour grapes - coming from Minnesota, a hotbed of US hockey, I know that hockey might not be our national sport, but I also know we're damn good at it. USA!USA!
Sad day hear in Winnipeg. I couldn't even watch the Canadian stations this morning--didn't want to see all the unhappy faces.
I got a text last night from one of my boys--USA USA USA USA... (No, it was not my Canadian son ; )
The goalie was indisputably ON FIRE.
Team Canada definitely needs to be more hyped! The problem with this tournament is they may be the best players in the world but most have been playing on different teams in NHL.
As a fan of the game, this has been amazing. The Russia/Czech Republic game was great too. The level of Hockey going on right now is just awesome. I'm hoping it will translate to more fans for the NHL in the States once the Olympics are over. Shaun Miller? What can you say? A team can back it's way into the playoffs and ride a hot goalie all the way to the Stanley Cup. Miller is the best goalie in the NHL and has brought his A game to Vancouver. Loved the game last night and would love to see a USA/Canada gold medal round. As an American, I'm obviously going to root for the Yanks, but if not us, I'd rather see it go to our North American bretheren than anyone else. Let's dial back the rhetoric and get on with the great Hockey!
Ryan Miller...Whoops, sorry:/
On Saturday my best friend and I started making plans for watching the Gold medal hockey final next weekend. We of course blithely assumed Canada would be in it - I still hold out firm hope, but yesterday was a downer for sure!
I am so upset that the USA had the arrogance to declare they were going to own the podium. What's that? Oh, yeah, it was the Canadians that declared that. My bad.
A little competitive rivalry is good for a marriage.
That was an awesome game between the United States and Canada at the Olympic games. As most of us know Canada and the United States players are all pro hockey players, however last night they went back in time when they were young and played hockey for the love of the game, like it should be in the Olympics. It was not about money or how famous and talented you are, it was about country, the game of hockey and olympic pride.
Martin Brodeur the goalie for team Canada had shown pride for both Canada and the United States, not only did he wear the Canada uniform, Brodeur wrote USA on the handle of his goalie stick. When I saw this I knew that this game was not about ego's or money, and made me realize that the score may say one thing, but showed that both teams played the game the all love to play.
Watching both teams play was a sight I will never forget, they were playing for their countries. They represented there countries in ways that would make you proud to be an American or a Canadian. It was the feeling you get when no matter if your team wins or not you will always remember how great the game was, not who made the most money.
The one player who stood out more than any other player was Ryan Miller. Miller was the hero of the night, over 46 shots on goal, that is crazy, think about it 46 shots, he was having fun and it showed in his play.
God Bless the United States of America and Canada, thank you for a game I will remember forever!!!
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