The Men's Hockey Gold Medal Game of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games was one of those moments. Not just because it was hockey, there was a lot more to it.
There is the obvious point. Canada won. They beat the USA after the result was reversed in the Preliminary round. The Americans were the toughest test for Team Canada and they were overcome.
The game was won in overtime. There is something to be said for the old street hockey line, 'Next goal wins!' It was true yesterday afternoon. The puck goes in the net and the game is over. There is no count down, there is no singing, only tension followed by jubilation.
Sidney Crosby scored the goal. He has been anointed by Canadian hockey to carry this country's hopes and dreams. He is expected to be one of those guys like Gretzky, Lemieux, Howe, or Orr. He is it. By scoring that goal he has reached a place in hockey lore. No trophy can surpass the game winning goal, in overtime, of the gold medal game of the Olympics in your own country.
This was the 14th Gold Medal for Canada in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Not only is that the most Golds ever for a host nation in the Winter Games it is the most Golds ever by any nation in the Winter Games. It capped off a fine showing by a great nation while the world watched. It moved Canada up not only in hockey prowess but in overall sporting prowess. It made a difference.
There will be comparisons to the '72 Summit Series. I was not alive yet to see that historic match-up. I have heard from those who were around when it happened that nothing will ever top it. That may be true and I don't want to dispute it. That is, has, and always will be a moment in time. But for a generation of Canadians, February 28, 2010 will live on as one of the greatest moments in Canadiana. It is a national coming together, a shared experience of tension and exuberance. Many years from now when I'm sitting around at the Legion, I will still remember that moment and where I was when that goal was scored, and you will too.
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