Blame Canada
By David Barr on February 26, 2010 5:17 PM | Click here to comment
kristin kreuk.jpgEven though there's a toque-wearing, (possibly drunk on Sleeman's) hockey stick-wielding beaver on my passport, I've always had a difficult time not thinking of myself as somewhat-American. It's just too hard to ignore a cultural Juggernaut when nearly all of its media is shared with us hosers up North. [although I realize that culture is largely shared world-wide, this wasn't the case when my identity originally developed].

The only exceptions to this cross-pollination are the World Wars and hockey, so it's exciting to imagine a mini war (1812 part deux) erupting on ice for Olympic pride. But in this potential rematch, the stakes would be higher. Come to think of it, it's hard to imagine a single team having more pressure on them to win at Olympic... anything. Ever.
 
Canada has a tradition of Olympic hockey disappointment, largely because because anything other than a Gold is National embarrassment. Hell, after the loss to Hasek in Nagano, the Federal Government (!) got involved by devising a "WTF??" committee. And the 7th place finish during the last Olympics was so bad that I quickly fled, seeking asylum in California. I haven't been back since.
 
Maybe after this weekend, I'll have a reason to return.




Note: Congratulations to the women's teams!
 
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