It’s my Parting Shot for some Weekend Short Shots…..
I didn’t hold out much hope for Canada’s women’s hockey team to win gold at the Milan Winter Olympics. I was fearful that the United States’ re-tooled team of proven veterans – like Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne-Schofield, Becky Kellar and Aerin Frankel – plus exciting, young stars like Taylor Heise wouldn’t slaughter Canada too badly in the final – as they had during the round-robin! But, give credit to head coach Troy Ryan’s game plan and how well the Canadian girls did in executing it. They almost pulled off a stunning upset and, while they may not feel this way, the silver medal they earned was a very good runner-up finish!!
Having said that, it’s time for the Hockey Canada brass to do what the American women’s team did and re-tool the roster ahead of the next Olympics! Heck, even ahead of the next World Championship!! There has to be a series of good, young Canadian female players waiting their turn on the international stage at the highest level, right?!
Congratulations to Cianna Murray for being selected to work as one of the two referees in yesterday’s women’s hockey final! It’s a big deal, especially considering Canada was playing and the International Ice Hockey Federation and International Olympic Committee has frowned on allowing officials from a country competing in a game to work it. Fortunately, sanity has prevailed within the I-I-H-F and the I-O-C that officials be picked on merit to work the big games of international competition, not worry about what their passport says regarding country of residence!!
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it hundreds of times in this commentary – and I don’t think I’m exaggerating – best to lose a game in a preliminary round-robin competition, no matter the sport, than lose for the first time in the playoffs. Look at the Switzerland men’s curling team at the Winter Games – sailed through the round-robin with nine wins and no losses, and looked like they would cruise to the gold medal! Except they lost 8-5 to Great Britain in yesterday’s semi-finals and the best they can do is bronze today against Norway! Too bad, so sad!!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!
