Ice Hockey Triumph Seals Record Winter Olympics for Canada
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Last gasp win in overtime brings Canada’s gold medal tally to 14 for the Games.
Victory for the Canadian Ice Hockey team at the culmination of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics was the “icing on the cake” according to one Canadian hockey fan, as Canada became the most successful host nation of the Winter Games.
The organisers in Vancouver had set the stage for a dramatic finale to their Winter Olympics, leaving the Men’s Hockey final as the last event that would close the Games. However, it was a move which could have backfired spectacularly, had a strong USA team managed to overcome Canada.
Fortunately for the hosts, the pinnacle of the Games ended on a triumphant note as Canada claimed gold in a nail-biting game which ended 3-2 in overtime. Canada led 2-1 and had plenty of opportunities to put the game beyond any doubt, but America’s goalkeeper Ryan Miller and several ricochets of the post kept the US in firm contention.
With nothing to lose and a final throw of the dice, USA subbed their goalie off for an extra outfield player to put pressure on the Canadians in the dying moments of the game. The all-out attack strategy was rewarded when Zac Parise netted a goal with just 24 seconds left on the clock.
In overtime, Canadian hero Sidney Crosby slid the puck underneath Miller to score the golden goal of the match after seven and a half minutes of tense play. Canada erupted in applause as the home side won their most important gold medal.
In total, Canada took 14 gold medals at the games. Whilst the US triumphed overall in the medal stakes, winning 37 medals across the disciplines, Canada can be happy with 26 medals, over half of which were winners’ medals.
