The word “miracle” in ice hockey is used to refer to the USA’s two biggest upsets in the sport — in the 1960 and 1980 Winter Olympics, both on US ice.
Another miracle happened on “Super Sunday” when the underdog Team USA shook down the towering powerhouse of Team Canada, decked with superstars from end to end.
1980 can’t be compared to, as it was essentially a college hockey team that defeated the mighty USSR in that legendary Olympic semi-final. But where the talent is so well spread across the men’s game right now, USA’s 5-3 victory over Canada on the 21st of February 2010 was something special.
Just like in 1980, a team picked as a team, not just as the best players, won the day.
It was, however, just a pool game.
Ultimately, I think the loss to USA was perfect for Team Canada, and perfect for the sport.
Suddenly the hockey-god talents of the Canadians will be the underdogs, and while an upset from Germany on Wednesday Australian time seems beyond fantasy, a mercurial Russia awaits.
Having to face adversity is the only thing that can forge Canada’s gold into steel.
Meanwhile, the Americans and Swiss have proven that anyone can have a crack, and we in TV land get hooked. Finally, a contest full of drama, passion and rivalries!
USA, Russia, Sweden and Finland await the winners of Canada Vs Germany, Switzerland Vs Belarus, Czech Vs Latvia, and Slovakia Vs Norway.
A USA/Canada, USA/Russia, Sweden/Canada final is in the works here and ice hockey will be the winner.
“Miracle” enough for me, though, is Foxtel’s coverage of the sport. I’ll be watching every possible minute, looking for new miracles.
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