Olympic Game Day: Switzerland vs. Canada 7:30PM EST. Thurs. Feb 18, 2010

Does anyone remember Gretzky's speech in 2002 after the tie? I remember vividly the comment he made that the other teams in the tournament hate Canada more than Canada hates them.

Every team goes into a game against Canada, hyped up thinking of nothing than putting it to them, but really how many games does Canada do that for.

Hoags wrote:

N4L wrote:
Canadian hockey has a lot of work to do on and off the ice. Canada could get place 8th and people will still say "Canada is still the best".

Hockey is a matter of national pride in Canada. We believe we're the best because that's what we're told. It's not a lack of respect as much as ignorance IMHO. We have to be the best because our national pride demands it. If we're not the best at hockey what are we the best at ?

Can we be the best ? Yes we can, we certainly have enough homegrown talent to do it. But we have to bring it for 3 periods, take nothing for granted and bleed just like anyone else.

Look at the other Olympic sports, are they dominated by the same countries that dominated them in past Olympic games ? no not really. It's highly competitive in all sports, not just hockey. The gold is anyone's for the taking.

I agree 100% with that statement but we are not the only nation that believes that, not even close. That's probably the most educated statement that has been posted in this thread, but the fact remains Canada does show a lot of disrespect to nations like The Swiss, it cost them in Turin and it almost cost them last night. They obviously respect and have to respect The Russians, Swedes, U.S other wise they will get their teeth knocked in.

Canada absolutely can win Gold in Vancouver, there is no doubt about it but that doesnt mean that what a lot of that team represents should be supported.

I'll ask this question again, how could people vilify Heatley then cheer when he scores a goal for Canada? If he got the OT winner in the gold medal game and I was cheering for that team, Id be sick and honestly question myself as a person.

Devo wrote:Does anyone remember Gretzky's speech in 2002 after the tie? I remember vividly the comment he made that the other teams in the tournament hate Canada more than Canada hates them.

Every team goes into a game against Canada, hyped up thinking of nothing than putting it to them, but really how many games does Canada do that for.

I think the better question is WHY dont they?

N4L wrote:

Devo wrote:Does anyone remember Gretzky's speech in 2002 after the tie? I remember vividly the comment he made that the other teams in the tournament hate Canada more than Canada hates them.

Every team goes into a game against Canada, hyped up thinking of nothing than putting it to them, but really how many games does Canada do that for.

I think the better question is WHY dont they?

When has it ever been in our nature to hate any team other than the Russian and the Americans. Even the Swedes who I would think would be up there just from past experiences doesn't garner the hate or dislike that maybe they should.

It's the way we are as a nation, you really really have to piss us off to get us to react. The good news, is once you've done it and woke the sleeping bear, then you're in trouble.

Let's hope Babcock can wake that bear

I would say in 2002 Canada was def an underdog. That Swedish team was easily the best team in that tournament and IMO may very well be the best international team assembled in the last 20 years. The Belarus game was just as big of an upset as The U.S in 1980. Sweden didnt take their opposition seriously and look what happend. Canada has been on that side far too much in the short past.

Canada and Canadians should feel they are the best because Canadian hockey players IMO are the guys that make The NHL clubs go and truly want to be champions, but on the international stage they play like it's their right to win and it shows in their play. The Canadian hockey fan is much the same way.

Jeebus f*cking cripes. This is a hockey thread, not a f*cking sociology debate. Canada played like sh*t. Their back checking was awful. I’m sure MANY people were happy to see that, because we are ONE of the favourites, and everyone loves an underdog. I despise half the players on this team. I don’t care who is representing Canada, I want my home country to win.

Moreover, your volleying of insults back and forth at each other’s OPINION, no matter how off base and/or jingoistic is immature, and ridiculous. You will not change each other’s minds, you will not force one another to “see the light”, all you are doing is polluting the air for others who truly want to discuss our love of hockey, whether our team wins or loses.

I’m not taking sides because both of your arguments are so far to either side of things that it would be fruitless to do so. I understand having your ideas challenged can be frustrating, especially by someone who opposes your thoughts so voraciously, but I implore you to let it go, and just love the game.

~MFP2

The following PSA is sponsored by HockeyCares:

Michael Fisher Portnoy II wrote:Jeebus f*cking cripes. This is a hockey thread, not a f*cking sociology debate. Canada played like sh*t. Their back checking was awful. I’m sure MANY people were happy to see that, because we are ONE of the favourites, and everyone loves an underdog. I despise half the players on this team. I don’t care who is representing Canada, I want my home country to win.

Moreover, your volleying of insults back and forth at each other’s OPINION, no matter how off base and/or jingoistic is immature, and ridiculous. You will not change each other’s minds, you will not force one another to “see the light”, all you are doing is polluting the air for others who truly want to discuss our love of hockey, whether our team wins or loses.

I’m not taking sides because both of your arguments are so far to either side of things that it would be fruitless to do so. I understand having your ideas challenged can be frustrating, especially by someone who opposes your thoughts so voraciously, but I implore you to let it go, and just love the game.

~MFP2

PKC wrote:The following PSA is sponsored by HockeyCares:

Michael Fisher Portnoy II wrote:Jeebus f*cking cripes. This is a hockey thread, not a f*cking sociology debate. Canada played like sh*t. Their back checking was awful. I’m sure MANY people were happy to see that, because we are ONE of the favourites, and everyone loves an underdog. I despise half the players on this team. I don’t care who is representing Canada, I want my home country to win.

Moreover, your volleying of insults back and forth at each other’s OPINION, no matter how off base and/or jingoistic is immature, and ridiculous. You will not change each other’s minds, you will not force one another to “see the light”, all you are doing is polluting the air for others who truly want to discuss our love of hockey, whether our team wins or loses.

I’m not taking sides because both of your arguments are so far to either side of things that it would be fruitless to do so. I understand having your ideas challenged can be frustrating, especially by someone who opposes your thoughts so voraciously, but I implore you to let it go, and just love the game.

~MFP2

God it was frustrating.

Michael Fisher Portnoy II wrote:

PKC wrote:The following PSA is sponsored by HockeyCares:

Michael Fisher Portnoy II wrote:Jeebus f*cking cripes. This is a hockey thread, not a f*cking sociology debate. Canada played like sh*t. Their back checking was awful. I’m sure MANY people were happy to see that, because we are ONE of the favourites, and everyone loves an underdog. I despise half the players on this team. I don’t care who is representing Canada, I want my home country to win.

Moreover, your volleying of insults back and forth at each other’s OPINION, no matter how off base and/or jingoistic is immature, and ridiculous. You will not change each other’s minds, you will not force one another to “see the light”, all you are doing is polluting the air for others who truly want to discuss our love of hockey, whether our team wins or loses.

I’m not taking sides because both of your arguments are so far to either side of things that it would be fruitless to do so. I understand having your ideas challenged can be frustrating, especially by someone who opposes your thoughts so voraciously, but I implore you to let it go, and just love the game.

~MFP2

God it was frustrating.

I know. I just can't stand around and have someone talk out of their Donkey and not say something about it.

N4L wrote:

Hoags wrote:

N4L wrote:
Canadian hockey has a lot of work to do on and off the ice. Canada could get place 8th and people will still say "Canada is still the best".

Hockey is a matter of national pride in Canada. We believe we're the best because that's what we're told. It's not a lack of respect as much as ignorance IMHO. We have to be the best because our national pride demands it. If we're not the best at hockey what are we the best at ?

Can we be the best ? Yes we can, we certainly have enough homegrown talent to do it. But we have to bring it for 3 periods, take nothing for granted and bleed just like anyone else.

Look at the other Olympic sports, are they dominated by the same countries that dominated them in past Olympic games ? no not really. It's highly competitive in all sports, not just hockey. The gold is anyone's for the taking.

I agree 100% with that statement but we are not the only nation that believes that, not even close. That's probably the most educated statement that has been posted in this thread, but the fact remains Canada does show a lot of disrespect to nations like The Swiss, it cost them in Turin and it almost cost them last night. They obviously respect and have to respect The Russians, Swedes, U.S other wise they will get their teeth knocked in.

Canada absolutely can win Gold in Vancouver, there is no doubt about it but that doesnt mean that what a lot of that team represents should be supported.

I'll ask this question again, how could people vilify Heatley then cheer when he scores a goal for Canada? If he got the OT winner in the gold medal game and I was cheering for that team, Id be sick and honestly question myself as a person.

I don't know, how can you cheer for Ottawa, and still have an over-the-top flaming hatred for Spezza?

My guess is your cheering for the greater good......like Canadians when the D-bag scores a goal for Team Canada

[/quote]I know. I just can't stand around and have someone talk out of their Donkey and not say something about it.[/quote]

I know - a$$ or not - an opinion is an opinion. i'm sure mine would be similarly attacked but its just not worth the aggravation

N4L wrote:
I think the better question is WHY dont they?

You don't think Canada as a country is far too nice when it comes to international competition ? we're usually happy with our "personal best" even the media reflects this.

As for Heatley, I'll never respect him as an individual but he's doing what a lot of others should be doing which is shooting the puck on net (which is what he is best at).

Michael Fisher Portnoy II wrote:
I know - a$$ or not - an opinion is an opinion. i'm sure mine would be similarly attacked but its just not worth the aggravation

Well if you're going to use sweeping generalizations, logical fallacies and outright hyperbole to justify your position, then you should be confronted by others.

It's one thing to have an opinion, but it's another to justify that opinion by using improper reasoning to re-inforce your stance.

You want to hate Kool-Aid because you don't like the taste, then that's fine. But calling out other people who like that Kool-Aid is ridiculous, asinine and unwarranted. The fact that he's being a giant hypocrite and has lost the point he's trying to make amidst all the callous boorishness is aggravating, to say the least.

M_Christopher wrote:

N4L wrote:

Hoags wrote:

N4L wrote:
Canadian hockey has a lot of work to do on and off the ice. Canada could get place 8th and people will still say "Canada is still the best".

Hockey is a matter of national pride in Canada. We believe we're the best because that's what we're told. It's not a lack of respect as much as ignorance IMHO. We have to be the best because our national pride demands it. If we're not the best at hockey what are we the best at ?

Can we be the best ? Yes we can, we certainly have enough homegrown talent to do it. But we have to bring it for 3 periods, take nothing for granted and bleed just like anyone else.

Look at the other Olympic sports, are they dominated by the same countries that dominated them in past Olympic games ? no not really. It's highly competitive in all sports, not just hockey. The gold is anyone's for the taking.

I agree 100% with that statement but we are not the only nation that believes that, not even close. That's probably the most educated statement that has been posted in this thread, but the fact remains Canada does show a lot of disrespect to nations like The Swiss, it cost them in Turin and it almost cost them last night. They obviously respect and have to respect The Russians, Swedes, U.S other wise they will get their teeth knocked in.

Canada absolutely can win Gold in Vancouver, there is no doubt about it but that doesnt mean that what a lot of that team represents should be supported.

I'll ask this question again, how could people vilify Heatley then cheer when he scores a goal for Canada? If he got the OT winner in the gold medal game and I was cheering for that team, Id be sick and honestly question myself as a person.

I don't know, how can you cheer for Ottawa, and still have an over-the-top flaming hatred for Spezza?

My guess is your cheering for the greater good......Canadians when the D-bag scores a goal for Team Canada

It’s always tough to split the love of club and the love of nation. I’m the same way with England. I hated Beckham as the captain of ManU because I am an Arsenal supporter, but when he took that kit off and donned the three lions he’s no longer the caption of my hated rival on the pitch, he and I are wanting the same thing. For England to win.

Yes, I despise Heatley for what he did to my club. Would I prefer he not have been on Team Canada? Sure. Not my decision though, so as long as he works his a$$ off in an attempt to help Canada win, I’m fine with him being there. If my boy David Backes takes his head off on Sunday, so be it, I’ll be the first to say KEEP YOUR HEAD UP.

I am all for the LEAF on the front, not the name on the back.

PKC wrote:You want to hate Kool-Aid because you don't like the taste, then that's fine. But calling out other people who like that Kool-Aid is ridiculous, asinine and unwarranted. The fact that he's being a giant hypocrite and has lost the point he's trying to make amidst all the callous boorishness is aggravating, to say the least.

Oh Yeaaaaaah!

SeawaySensFan wrote:

PKC wrote:You want to hate Kool-Aid because you don't like the taste, then that's fine. But calling out other people who like that Kool-Aid is ridiculous, asinine and unwarranted. The fact that he's being a giant hypocrite and has lost the point he's trying to make amidst all the callous boorishness is aggravating, to say the least.

Oh Yeaaaaaah!

Hahaha a Kool Aid video game! Awe man I missed out.

M_Christopher wrote:

SeawaySensFan wrote:

PKC wrote:You want to hate Kool-Aid because you don't like the taste, then that's fine. But calling out other people who like that Kool-Aid is ridiculous, asinine and unwarranted. The fact that he's being a giant hypocrite and has lost the point he's trying to make amidst all the callous boorishness is aggravating, to say the least.

Oh Yeaaaaaah!

Hahaha a Kool Aid video game! Awe man I missed out.

MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOUR AS A KID HAD THAT!!!!

oh man - memories

M_Christopher wrote:

N4L wrote:

Hoags wrote:

N4L wrote:
Canadian hockey has a lot of work to do on and off the ice. Canada could get place 8th and people will still say "Canada is still the best".

Hockey is a matter of national pride in Canada. We believe we're the best because that's what we're told. It's not a lack of respect as much as ignorance IMHO. We have to be the best because our national pride demands it. If we're not the best at hockey what are we the best at ?

Can we be the best ? Yes we can, we certainly have enough homegrown talent to do it. But we have to bring it for 3 periods, take nothing for granted and bleed just like anyone else.

Look at the other Olympic sports, are they dominated by the same countries that dominated them in past Olympic games ? no not really. It's highly competitive in all sports, not just hockey. The gold is anyone's for the taking.

I agree 100% with that statement but we are not the only nation that believes that, not even close. That's probably the most educated statement that has been posted in this thread, but the fact remains Canada does show a lot of disrespect to nations like The Swiss, it cost them in Turin and it almost cost them last night. They obviously respect and have to respect The Russians, Swedes, U.S other wise they will get their teeth knocked in.

Canada absolutely can win Gold in Vancouver, there is no doubt about it but that doesnt mean that what a lot of that team represents should be supported.

I'll ask this question again, how could people vilify Heatley then cheer when he scores a goal for Canada? If he got the OT winner in the gold medal game and I was cheering for that team, Id be sick and honestly question myself as a person.

I don't know, how can you cheer for Ottawa, and still have an over-the-top flaming hatred for Spezza?

My guess is your cheering for the greater good......like Canadians when the D-bag scores a goal for Team Canada

I dont hate Spezza at all, I hate his game sometimes but he is pretty legit when it comes to being loyal and TRYING to be a better player, team mate, and person. I dont think he is a 7 million dollar player or what a lot of people crack him up to be, but I dont hate the guy. Im usually pretty even keiled with Spezza until one extreme comes in then people force you to go to the other extreme. Look at how ASQ and myself talk about Spezza, that's usually where I stand. Sometimes it gets out of hand with him though.

As for Heatley it's a personal dislike, what he stands for, and what he has done. Face it, the guy should have been in jail and got a 2nd chance by everyone here in Ottawa and the hockey world. He spit in everyones face. Pronger is just an awful person, people will question that statement right there but trust me, that guys is scum.

I cheer for Spezza and I hope he does well, I just think he is the classic underachiever, if I'm wrong about that it only means good things for The Sens. Heatley, the guy is dirt bad, selfish, and about as anti Canadian in his general attitude as you can be.