There is a certain level of history that is not lost on hockey players. Their sport requires them to respect their elders. This is what sets hockey players apart from their contemporary counterparts in other sports. The NBA is all about the big name scoring the most points, the NFL -- though hugely popular in comparison to the NHL -- caters less to history than it does to those with ADD. Even America's pastime of baseball is outsourcing its heritage to players from other countries (which, okay, okay, is not a bad thing, it just is).
But the NHL is different. The last thing these guys look at is the number of zeros on their paychecks. They want to be victorious, they want to do it for the cities they play in and for the players they suit up with, regardless of whether or not it's in the regular season or in the 2010 Olympics.
Last night this point was proven yet again. The U.S. came out and electrified an entire nation that may have forgotten at times that the NHL still existed. The Canadians pulled back and carried with them the arrogance not just of the plethora of future Hall of Famers on their current roster, but that of the rich and storied tableau that led their country and this sport to where it is now.
The U.S. pulled off a miracle alright, on the ice and in the hearts and minds of a fan base that at times lays dormant while other more popular sports overshadow the proceedings.
They wore their nation's colors and did their best to bring something special to us. We should all be thankful that their dedication does not reside on the dotted line. We should all be thankful for a sport that still leans heavily on respect, comradery and, above all, loyalty.
Our U.S. national team proved last night that, above all, they are loyal to us.
- Terrence Adams
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