Sports Then and Now

Ryan Miller was the Hockey Tournament MVP.

The Men’s USA Hockey team fell short in their quest for Gold losing 3-2 in overtime.

There was no Miracle On Ice or Squaw Valley.

However, this team has NO REASON to hang their heads.

No one gave them a shot at a medal. No one gave them a shot to beat Canada in their first matchup.

But that’s what America is all about.

No one gives us a chance but we always rise to the occasion.

We always rally around each other.

We always bounce back.

Team USA trailed 2-0 going into the second period and cut the lead to one. U.S. Goalie Ryan Miller was all world in this tournament and he kept his team in it yet again.

The Americans continued to attack and pressure the talented Canadian team. Team Canada netminder, Roberto Luongo looked shaky and let up rebound after rebound.

The clock worked against the Americans as they trailed by one with less than two minutes left. They could have mailed it in. They could have conceded to the country that invented the sport.

However, Americans don’t quit or give up, we persevere.

And persevere they did.

Thanks Team USA. You made us proud to be American.

Zach Parise scored the tying goal with about 25 seconds left on the clock and the United States forced overtime.

However in overtime, Sid the Kid, arguably the best hockey player on the planet, beat Miller to secure gold for Team Canada.

Team USA’s dreams of gold were dashed in the blink of an eye, but the citizens of this country embraced them with open arms.

You made us proud to be Americans.

You made us realize that ice hockey is the best game on the planet.

People who don’t even like hockey, rooted on their country and their brothers on skates.

It wasn’t just men playing a kids game, it was our fellow Americans defying the odds and not listening to the doubters.

Most of the US players had tears in their eyes during the medal ceremony. They were disappointed and may felt they let everyone down.

Gentlemen when you put on those jerseys, you were playing for the name on the front and not the one on their back.

Herb Brooks would have been proud of you.

Our country is proud of you and we will never forget your fight and fire!

You made us cheer and you made the world take notice.

You encapsulated what America stands for. Hard work and the undying will to overcome.

Thank You.