At this point, you probably don't know, but hockey is my favorite sport. So, after seeing that Team Canada released it's roster for the Winter Olympics, I felt enthralled to do some writing.

To start, I still find it somewhat odd that current NHL players play in the Olympic Games. Think of the 1980 Olympics, the Miracle On Ice. Part of what made that so special was that it was a close-knit group of college athletes coming together to play for their country. They pulled off something amazing against an astoundingly dominant and arrogant Russian team. Players that are in the NHL are established, and most are millionaires. I'm sure the thrill is there to play for their country, but for someone in college who hasn't had the success and made all that money probably feels a lot stronger and a lot prouder to pull on the sweater so they can represent Team USA or whomever. Those kids who played in '80 made names for themselves from that point and forever beyond. Don't get me wrong, it's neat to see great players play great, but you know what they can do. There is an element of intrigue if you have no clue who some of these college kids are while they're out there scoring goals in the name of your country.

Now we move to the rosters. There is plenty of room for discussion here in regards to who did/didn't get let in, but that can be petty. It's decided and we have no control over who gets in. But, I would like to point out that they did overlook Jon Sim, which is a huge disappointment. Just because he plays for the Dallas Stars minor league hockey team doesn't mean he shouldn't get consideration. He scored a hat trick the other night for the Utah Grizzlies, what does he have to do? Don't try and tell me that Mario Lemieux deserves a spot instead of Mr. Sim. Hell, at least Sim actually plays. Anywho, I'm just kidding. The rosters look good and I have much respect for the country north of us who live here in the States. Soon Team USA will release it's roster and that should be an interesting one.

One good point about NHL players being involved in the Olympics is the opportunity to watch your hometown players play. That can be very cool, although there is the All-Star game, so that could possibly cancel that out. But, where I was going was here : For you Dallas Stars fans, how great will it be to have the chance to watch Mike Modano (Team USA) skate in on a breakaway against Eddie Belfour (Team Canada)? For fans of the New Jersey Devils, there is a definite possibility of the same situation involving Martin Brodeur, Petr Sykora, and Patrik Elias. Always fun for both sides involved, even in a highly competitive situation such as the Olympics.

All in all, regardless of who wins, it will be fun to watch, but there will always be something missing until they get over having to have NHL players in the Games. Sure, it might sell the Olympics better, because they do happen to be a fairly sneaky organization who like to make as much money as they can. But it's time to get back to the magic of youth, and in a sense, innocence. That is what makes it special, not professional athletes.

Thanks for reading.

Gallion
Sports Bar Goon