MafiaMan

Thanks for making me re-live that memory, Siouxdonyms. I remember watching that move live thinking "ohmygoshwhatisKarldoing?".

That 1996 game #3 is still right up there in my memory of the two greatest games I have ever had the opportunity to watch. The other obviously is the 1980 USA/Soviet Union game.

I recall some of the Canadian rhetoric regarding the 1996 World Cup as well, Canuck, and it was along the lines of how dare that mighty Team Canada lose to its pathetic neighbor to the south, the United States of America. What was the Canadian news media saying about Gretzky? Frankly, I'm stunned the US media even cared and would agree with you on them flying off the handle and rushing to judgement. They treated Gretzky like Britney Spears or Madonna with their tabloid-esque headlines. Perhaps I should have clarified "Canadian arrogance" and not implied that members of this specific team have spouted off to the media. My comment really was directed at Wayne Gretzky's 2002 rant. I guess I just don't buy into this anti-Canadian conspiracy theory. Canada essentially boycotted the 1972 and 1976 Olympics because of their issues with Soviet officiating, then grumbled four years ago about anti-Canadian hostility from the rest of the world. Just because you invented the sport doesn't mean you're entitled to a gold medal every four years. Just ask USA Basketball.

"American propaganda"? You show ME an example of anti-Canadian propaganda by the US sports "machine." I think Gretzky's "us against the world" speech back in 2002 was pure genius, but I beg to differ on the level of "hate" people feel towards Canada. Besides, for being such a "proud Canadian," Wayne surely enjoys the benefits of living in the United States. At least Brett Hull received dual-citizenship. In Wayne's defense, he has toned it down a bit since 2002. Don't think I'm Wayne-hating here, either, Canuck. I admired his standing up and commenting on George W. Bush, even though someone decided to hang a nice sign around the Gretzky statue in Edmonton mocking him as a lap dog for the USA. I guess if Canada doesn't win gold at this Olympics, they at least have an excuse to take a couple of Olympics off and blame it on the 'anti-Canada' attitude that runs rampant in Olympic hockey.

Good for Sweden. Then we can hear Canada groan and complain, nevermind that they benefitted from a monster upset four years ago when Belarus upset Sweden. This is what happens when you have pool play. If you listed the eight teams left, I can guarantee you that anyone who knows anything about hockey would prefer to play either A) Switzerland or B) Slovakia in the first round. What they should do is make the tournament double-elimination from the get-go. Then there is no jockeying for position in the pool so as to avoid certain opponents in the next round.

I wasn't blaming the team's play on injuries. I think regardless of what team it is, you remove their emotional leader of it and it's a whole different ball game.

Don Cherry January 2004 Comments As much as I like Don Cherry, apparently he DOES hate Europeans as much as Gretzky thinks everyone hates Canada.

Here's some reading for you, Cancuk... Gretzky Comments in 2002

Given the Canadian team's arrogance (not to mention that I'm still miffed at the camera panning to Wayne Gretzky in 2002 and having to watch him yell "f*** yea!" after Canada scored the apparent clincher against Team USA), I'm pulling for anyone but Canada in this tournament.

In a completely unrelated story, I actually own an authentic Czech jersey (home white) that they wore in the 1998 Olympics. An awesome, awesome jersey.

I guess having Dominic Hasek, Patrick Elias, and Jaromir Jagr missing all or parts of games has nothing to do with the Czech's this-far disappointing results? Speaking of Jagr, the Jarkko Ruutu hit on him was one of the biggest cheap shots in Olympic hockey history. Seriously, the guy lined up Jagr from about 40 feet away, flew at him and crunched him into the boards face first. The Finnish coach, stunningly enough, said he felt it was a clean hit. On the planet Goon, maybe, but not here.

Thanks for the updates...what period is the game in?

LOL...way to go out on a limb, redwing77! Picking the two undefeated teams (thus far) to go 1-2 in the tournament. I'll say this...the Gretzky "distraction" has been more than Team Canada would like to admit. Finland or Slovakia may wind up with a medal yet, but not both.

I'll second that motion!

My avatar was a Canadian player trying on the new swift jerseys last summer. Note the LOL bubble from Gretzy and Bob Nicholson, President of Hockey Canada. Attached is a link...enjoy. Olympic Hockey Jerseys 2006

Hockeymom, The new Nike jerseys are their "Swift Jersey" line and are a tighter-fit, supposedly resulting in faster skating by the player wearing them. I recall an NHL pre-season game where a player was asked his opinion on them and said that he hated them, not to mention the fact that it took four training room staff persons to put it on over his pads. Reebok is supposed to debut the swift line in the NHL next season, but that is being met with stiff resistance by the players. As for the Olympic jerseys, they are "template-tastic". As you can see, it's a matter of switching jersey styles and sewing on appropriate patches. Terrible, in my opinion, because individuality has gone by the wayside. Along similar lines, SI ran a cover story at the start of the college basketball season entitled "Here Comes Michigan State" or Duke, Arizona, or one of several other regional choices. The practice uniforms were all done by Nike and were exactly the same, save for the school name. Long live the swoosh.

Don't even waste your money on a replica. Buck up and get the authentic and do it right. And if you want this fan's opinion, nothing sticks out more than a green jersey amongst the see of maroon and yellow at Mariucci Arena. For that reason alone, the Sioux green jersey is FAR AND AWAY my favorite. Black blends in too easily with anything and white blinds in with most home team's jerseys. Green, hands down.

Nice comments, BringDeanBack. Have you ever thought it might be a good thing for the Dickinsons, Willistons, Minots, and Bismarcks to do well in the state tournament, thereby increasing interest in hockey in those communities, and perhaps leading to some future Sioux hockey players from those areas? I guess not. In 1992, Bismarck and Minot played in the state title game. Several years later, Bismarck's own Mitch Vig became captain of the Fighting Sioux. Contrary to what you might think, competitive balance IS a good thing.

I can't wait to hear the uproar because the British "community" in Philadelphia voice their opinion on the nickname "76'ers".

I believe I said earlier...you can't make this stuff up. The moniker "1836," the year of the founding of the city of Houston, is now offensive to Latinos. Who knew? Houston 1836 Soccer...DOA

You're preachin' to the choir, my friend!

cinnaMAN, sioux-cia? Do you ever stop thinking about young men? Or was that just a typo?

Whoa oh Mexican Sioux-cia, bam a lam...whoa oh Mexican Sioux-cia, bam a lam... Oh forget it. Just doesn't have the same ring to it. I need more cowbell!

Good. Now let's all go back and listen to our radios and jam to "Black Betty," ok?

I would guarantee you that neither student had any idea that the song was written by a person of color.