I could start this article with the famous line from Kurt Russell as Herb Brooks in “Miracle.”
“Great Moments are born from great opportunity.” (I guess I just did).
But I’m going to steal a recent quote from Wayne Gretzky like I’m Michael Scott:
“Canada and the USA are like brothers and sisters. They’re going to fight and argue, but eventually you come together, right? And that’s the way I see it. – Wayne Gretzky”
-Matt Chance
I can attest to the Great One’s take. Growing up with four other siblings under one roof breeds competition that still remains today. Xbox, Uno, pick up basketball, or fantasy football, it doesn’t matter. There is love, but I want to be the premier Chance kid. Fights will be had.
I respect my Canadian brethren. You brought us Tim Horton’s. Schitt’s Creek was a fantastic show. Nickleback is making a comeback. You’ve been the hockey capital of the world, even though your NHL teams can’t sniff the Cup.
The compliments end here. When I roll out of bed in my John LeClair USA shirsey on the wee hours of February 22nd, I want to see Canadian tears.
This a golden opportunity (obviously) for the US hockey team on the 46th anniversary of the Miracle at Lake Placid. I know the players feel it because I feel it thousands of miles away.
I just had one of the best workouts I’ve had in a long time just thinking about this hockey game. Pubs across the country are opening early for this hockey game. People will come together as the casual fans ask, “what exactly is icing?” during this hockey game. All because it’s Team USA and it’s for gold.
That is the beauty of the Olympics; we are divided more than ever as a country, but this is the type of event that Americans put their political leanings and biases aside and unite in watching.
So what should you expect tomorrow?
Bad blood. Lots of it. And two teams willing to die on the ice for national pride.
Canada will be favored—and rightfully so—but don’t tell that to Team USA. This is the most skilled team that has ever laced up the skates in the red, white and blue and a win over the Canadians will be no miracle in their eyes. This is their expectation. A new normal.
The USA women already held up their end of the bargain in dominant fashion. Time for the boys to finish the job and send those maple syrup drinkin’, moose ridin’ hosers back to their frozen abyss.
Tomorrow, there will be no quarter. Labatt Blue will be dumped across the fishing holes from Lake Superior to Ontario. There will be no Bryan Adams on the radio…but there will be “Free Bird.”
Make us proud, boys. America is behind you.
