Men’s Ice Hockey – Canada vs. Sweden

 

On February 15th, we arrived in Provo after a 2 day drive from Fresno.  We had little time to rest, because we had to be at the E-Center by 4 p.m. for our first event:  a Men’s Ice Hockey game between Canada and Sweden.

 

Being a big hockey fan, I was really looking forward to seeing hockey being played by the best players in the world.  But, I wasn’t prepared for the fast-pace and astounding action of the sport’s Olympic version.  The speed and the crispness of this match took my appreciation of the sport to a whole new level. 

 

Given the two hockey powers playing the match, it would be no surprise to find out that both sides had some rabid fans in attendance.  It was as much fun to watch the rival fans as it was to watch the game.  The Canadians were the loudest at first.  But, the Swedes eventually became more boisterous as their team took control of the game.

 

Also highlighting the importance of the match was the number of celebrities who were found in the audience.  Elvis Stojko (the skater) and Wayne Gretzky’s dad were interviewed during the intermissions.  The Great One himself was shown on the Jumbotron, fretting after every Swedish goal.

 

The only downside to the game was the cheerleaders who came out during pauses in play, waving signs which exhorted the crowd to “cheer loudly.”  Yes, the reality was as ridiculous as it sounds. 

 

In the end, Sweden beat Canada 5-2.  After watching their performance, I thought that no one would beat the Swedes during the Olympics.  I also thought that unless Canada stopped playing Curtis Joseph in goal, they would have no chance for a medal.  The Canadian hockey brain trust must’ve felt the same thing, because Joseph would not play for Canada again during the Salt Lake City games.  And, I was wrong about Sweden, who lost to Belarus in one of the biggest upsets in Olympic hockey history.  Even though I turned out to be a lousy predictor of hockey results, I could still recognize that this match was a great way to start our Olympic experience.

 

Pictures (from top left):

 

  1. Me in front of the E Center.  (DL)
  2. Canada and Sweden hockey fans jostle for position.  (ML)
  3. Owen Nolan action shot.  (ML)
  4. Mario Lemieux doing what he did for most of the Olympics.  (ML)
  5. The teams shake hands.  See if you can recognize any players.  (ML)

 

 

Me in front of the E-Center.        Canada and Sweden hockey fans jostle for position.            Owen Nolan in action.

 

Mario Lemieux skating like he did for most of the Olympics.        Canada and Sweden shake hands.

 

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