When Sidney Crosby scored midway through overtime to lift Canada to a 3-2 victory over the U.S. in the gold medal game at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, it was a fitting final athletic moment for the games.

Nobody could have scripted a better ending for the Olympics. Canada wins gold in the sport that matters most, in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.

It will go down as one of the biggest moments in Canadian hockey history. It will be the “Where were you when…” moment for fans younger than 40. Nothing can compare with Paul Henderson’s goal that beat the Soviets in the 1972 Summit Series, and no hockey event can compare with Summit.

But Crosby’s goal is arguably the biggest since Summit. It was scored on the biggest stage for international hockey, the Olympics, which were being held in Canada. And it happened during a game which was likely the most-watched telecast ever in Canada.

Canada had excellent depth and skill, and a good blend between experienced veterans and young stars. But it takes more than that to win gold. The talent has to come together in a very short period of time.

And that’s the biggest reason Canada won. There were bumps early on, but Canada was the best when it mattered the most, with four wins in six days.

It was also a thrill to see Carlyle's Brenden Morrow win a much-deserved gold medal. There were skeptics when he was named to the team. But he was fantastic playing on a line with Corey Perry and Regina’s Ryan Getzlaf.

As for the Olympics as a whole, they weren't as flawless as an ice dance routine from Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. The first few days were marred by the tragic death of a Georgian luger, a critical malfunction during the opening ceremonies' climax moment, and weather problems that forced the cancellation of alpine events.

Vancouver’s dreary, rainy and cool February weather was replaced by sunshine and temperatures that were well above normal. They certainly weren’t traditional Winter Olympic conditions.

But talk about tragedy, malfunctions and heat were soon replaced by praise for amazing athletic performances, Canada's record-setting 14 gold medals, and the passion and the hospitality of the Canadian fans.

I'll remember the men’s hockey gold medal above all. But I'll also remember the emotion and celebrations – from both athletes and fans – for every Canadian gold medal

I’ll remember Alexandre Bilodeau’s historic gold medal in men’s moguls freestyle skiing, Scott Montgomery auctioning off a pitcher of beer after winning gold in men’s skeleton, the gold medal celebrations for women’s hockey and men’s curling, and Joannie Rochette’s figure skating bronze medal days after the death of her mother.

The Olympics truly gave Canadians two weeks of memorable moments.