When we approach the final day of the 2010 winter Olympics, history will be written for both the host country Canada and it's neighbour USA. Canada will secure (or match) the highest number of gold medals ever won by a country, while USA will win the highest number of total medals ever in a Winter Olympics. These are great achievements for both countries who were not considered significant powers in winter sports until last 10 years. Sports fans of both countries are already happy that their athletes overcame European superpowers in these Olympics. But they are much less satisfied until the ultimate prize of the Olympics - the men's hockey GOLD - is added to their medal hauls.
On the eve of the Canada vs USA preliminary round hockey game, I wrote the article "
It's not just a hockey game as Canada's pride is on the line" to highlight the hype built up to that game. The general consensus was that the loser will be crushed by the great Russian hockey machine and the two teams will not meet again. But that didn't materialize. So the significance of that preliminary game is now blemished. But the lost to Americans awakened Team Canada to make critical changes in their lineups and most importantly to replace the starting goalie - the changes that proved to be the formula for success in next two matches. So the loss happened to be a blessing in disguise. Now that the Team Canada is stronger in both defense and offense, they go into the gold medal match against USA as clear favourites despite the loss a week ago.
The match has become a showpiece not only because it's for the ultimate prize of the Olympics, but also because of the history that leads up to it. In 2002 when USA hosted the winter Olympics at Salt Lake City, Americans were flying high with a historic medal haul before Canada spoiled the party by comprehensively beating them in men's hockey final. It was unbearable for Americans, but a redemption for Canada who had never won an Olympic gold before. Eight years later Americans have the opportunity to vindicate their pride by beating Canada on it's home soil. On the other hand, Team Canada knows the pride of the nation depends on them and they have the opportunity on their hands to make Canada
most decorated nation in the history of winter Olympics. As for most Canadian fans, being at the top of the medal table wouldn't matter unless the precious men's hockey gold is won. For a country where hockey is not a pastime but an obsession, this is the ultimate moment that arrives only once in four years. For it to happen on home soil, this is the greatest sporting moment of Canada. The whole World will be watching how Luongo and his team answer the call.
When we approach the final day of the 2010 winter Olympics, history will be written for both the host country Canada and it's neighbour USA. Canada will secure (or match) the highest number of gold medals ever won by a country, while USA will win the highest number of total medals ever in a Winter Olympics. These are great achievements for both countries who were not considered significant powers in winter sports until last 10 years. Sports fans of both countries are already happy that their athletes overcame European superpowers in these Olympics. But they are much less satisfied until the ultimate prize of the Olympics - the men's hockey GOLD - is added to their medal hauls. 
On the eve of the Canada vs USA preliminary round hockey game, I wrote the article "It's not just a hockey game as Canada's pride is on the line" to highlight the hype built up to that game. The general consensus was that the loser will be crushed by the great Russian hockey machine and the two teams will not meet again. But that didn't materialize. So the significance of that preliminary game is now blemished. But the lost to Americans awakened Team Canada to make critical changes in their lineups and most importantly to replace the starting goalie - the changes that proved to be the formula for success in next two matches. So the loss happened to be a blessing in disguise. Now that the Team Canada is stronger in both defense and offense, they go into the gold medal match against USA as clear favourites despite the loss a week ago.
The match has become a showpiece not only because it's for the ultimate prize of the Olympics, but also because of the history that leads up to it. In 2002 when USA hosted the winter Olympics at Salt Lake City, Americans were flying high with a historic medal haul before Canada spoiled the party by comprehensively beating them in men's hockey final. It was unbearable for Americans, but a redemption for Canada who had never won an Olympic gold before. Eight years later Americans have the opportunity to vindicate their pride by beating Canada on it's home soil. On the other hand, Team Canada knows the pride of the nation depends on them and they have the opportunity on their hands to make Canada most decorated nation in the history of winter Olympics. As for most Canadian fans, being at the top of the medal table wouldn't matter unless the precious men's hockey gold is won. For a country where hockey is not a pastime but an obsession, this is the ultimate moment that arrives only once in four years. For it to happen on home soil, this is the greatest sporting moment of Canada. The whole World will be watching how Luongo and his team answer the call.
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