The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

While Canada was up 2-0, firmly in control of the game, I commented to Alex, "Sweden should score once to make it more interesting." No less than 30 seconds later, the Swedes made it 2-1. Be careful what you wish for! When the goalie was pulled and Sweden managed to tie it with less than a minute left, you had to think that maybe Canada was going to let this one slip away. But, in one of the shorter overtimes in recent memory, Canada bounced back and won the game and the gold medal. It was nice to see the players storm the ice in complete elation, no one is holding out for a bigger contract, a trade or coasting because they just signed an extension. Their motivation was to win, and nothing else.

So now after not achieving first place in seven years, Canada has since won four gold medals in a row. Seems like they've won it a lot more than that, doesn't it? Like I've said before, I think we've gotten a little spoiled with all this success. After Team Canada won the Olympic gold in 2002, Canada won the World Cup in 2004 and not too many people talk about that tournament today. In some ways, Canada losing in horrid fashion @ the 2006 Olympics might help us enjoy a win in 2010 a lot more.

It's a pretty nice spot to be in...winning so much that it's almost a formality. But the Juniors will hopefully make it five gold medals in a row next year in Ottawa. There's a party that'd be fun to be a part of.