An Olympic addiction

I have many reasons to be thankful.

And now I have a new one: the Olympics are only held in North America once or twice a decade.

I don’t feel a burning need to watch the Olympics when they’re held in Greece, Italy or China. After all, none of the events are held in prime-time television for Canadian viewers. They’re held during the night, when I’m sleeping, or during the morning or early afternoon, when I’m working.

I joined equestrian fans across Canada (and yes, there are many equestrian fans out there – my parents and sister are among them) when Eric Lamaze won gold in China in 2008. But my cheering would have been much louder if I was at home watching the event, instead of tracking the results on TSN’s website while at work. (Sorry, boss).

The Olympics are in Canada. Events are on during the evening. Canadians have a shot at winning a lot of medals. And I can’t stop watching.

When the games started, most Canadians (myself included) hadn’t heard of Alexandre Bilodeau or Maelle Ricker. Now nearly every Canadian knows they are our gold medalists.

And their events are pretty exciting. Again, most Canadians probably don’t watch the moguls freestyle skiing event, or the snowboard cross. They don’t know the rules. They don’t know the beautiful intricacies of the sports. But Canadians have realized those fast-paced sports are fun to watch.

So if you think I’m excited for snowboard cross and the moguls, imagine how excited I’ll be if Canada is going for gold in hockey or curling, which are my favourite Olympic winter sports.

Incidentally, I’m picking Canada to win gold in men’s hockey. Were you expecting anything else. I’d be fit for deportation if I picked anyone other than Canada.

But it won’t be easy.

Russia has tremendous individual talent. They can change the complexion of the game in an instant with their offensive skill. Sweden has a very good all-round team, too. They’re more balanced than the Russians, but not as explosive.

Those are the top two challengers, on paper, for Canada. And it would be a shock if Canada, Russia or Sweden doesn’t win gold.

But chemistry and timing are everything in a short tournament like the Olympics.

Talent is irrelevant without chemistry and team play. Canada has a week to find that chemistry. If this team doesn’t come together quickly, then Canada will suffer a repeat of 2006, when Canada lost in the quarter-final, and fans were pointing blame in all directions.

And Canada has to avoid the proverbial “hot goalie.” In a best-of-one format, anything can happen. If the opposition goalie plays the game of his life, then Canada could lose even if they play their best game.

But hopefully that doesn’t happen, and Canada wins gold in men’s hockey on February 28.

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