Gold for USA

I couldn't do anything but sit in front of the laptop and watch the World Junior Gold game tonight. I will say that was the best game I have seen so far this season.

This is the reason I fell in love with hockey. It was fabulous. It seemed as if they would take this game all the way to 10 goals each. But USA was leading in the third and then one penalty turned the game around with only minutes to go.

Isn't that always the way? Canada comes within one goal and then with less then ties it up before you can blink. I was in awe.

Congratulations to Dean Blais and Team USA for winning the Gold. When I spoke with Jason Blake on 12/23, I had asked him about his ex-coach. Of course, he wished him well and gave him credit for helping him become the player that he is.

This USA team was indeed very special. The fact that so many states were represented is a testament to hockey in the USA and the initiative by the NHL to expand the game.

These boys are very lucky, besides being talented. But they are still boys. The childish exuberance of the win was a stark contrast to the deep disappointment on the Canadian bench. These young warriors were on the brink of tears. They hung their heads. They won the Silver. It didn't seem to be good enough. While their country may feel only Gold was acceptable, they should be very, very proud of how they played on both an individual and team level.

It was just Team USA's year, in both the Gold Medal games today.

As these young men stood on the ice, received their medals, hugged each other and watched as their flag was raised over the ice, they heard their National anthem play. But they can't sing worth a crap. Stick to hockey boys.

So one NY Islanders prospect goes home with gold and two go home with silver. Nice job Ryan Jankowski! Awesome game. Now sleep