by Robert Cramer

Created on: October 07, 2009

I believe the "Arrogant Worms" said it best with their song, "Me Like Hockey". As long as I can remember, hockey has been number one with almost everyone I know. Even people who are not fans get swept away in the playoffs. A new energy sweeps over the nation when hockey season starts. People are giddy with excitement and trembling at the thought of the seasons start. So why is it that the NHL only has six teams in Canada? Are we losing our love for the game?

No. We love our game. The cities who have lost their teams pray for forgiveness to the hockey gods in hope that one day their Jets or Nordiques will return. That being said, AHL, OHL and many other organizations thrive in the smaller Canadian cities. Games sell out all over the place. Fans are rabid and passionate about their game, regardless of the level of play.

When the Winter Olympics roll around, all the talk is generally about the men's hockey team as we already know the women will dominate, however that is a debate for another time. I remember the Salt Lake City games. Would Canada finally return to glory and win the gold? This would be a classic in the annals of hockey history.

I was working in a restaurant in a mall. It was a Sunday which would usually find the mall alive with life. Not today. Today the mall is empty. The streets are calm, almost eerily calm. If not for the numerous bars and televisions everywhere, one would think the apocalypse had happened. Today is the gold medal game. Canada vs. the USA. Oh and how the Americans would love to hold this game against Canada. With anticipation, everyone awaits the drop of the puck. Would this be the year to return to glory? People everywhere are singing the anthem. The game begins and the energy felt with every hit, shot, goal, save and shift is amazing. Eyes are glued to the screen. USA gets an early lead scoring the first goal of the game. Faith is not waivered though. Canada strikes back with a goal. Shortly after, another goal by the Canadians is scored. This game is far from over though, and this country knows this. The Americans want this just as bad and they prove it by tying the game up at 2. All of Canada is momentarily silenced. Joe Canada, Joe Sakic to those who do not know, would restore Canada's lead though. With minutes remaining, Canada would score another goal to increase their lead to two. Even in Salt Lake, the fans were going nuts. Canadians have made their way down south to support their team. Joe Sakic would finish this journey

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>