Matt's Jr. Trappers Blog - Canada vs. USA rivalry

Jr. Trappers forward Michel Gamache has been giving us an up close and personal look at the North Bay Jr. A Trappers in his blog. Upon his depature, defenceman Matt Weisensel stepped up to offer his insight in "Matt's Jr. Trappers Blog." Enjoy it!

What an exhilarating week to not only be a hockey player, but to be a Canadian. Yes I am talking about the conclusion of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games; most of all, one the of the biggest hockey games of my generation. I know kids who aren’t even hockey fans and they were all over the hype and excitement of Canada vs. the United States. A new, but eager and competitive rivalry that was sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. A rematch of ’02 Salt Lake City games, when I was only a 10-year-old, it was a nail biter then and this year did not disappoint. A skilled American goaltender put up against one of the deepest offensive roster of all time.
Being a Canadian with American teammates, one could imagine that there was some playful banter going on prior to the puck drop. We are so much alike any average day, but when it comes to who you cheer for in that kind of game, one must choose words carefully.

It sure was an adrenaline rush going up by two, but the nerves were far from gone. Of course the relentless Americans tie it up with seconds to spare. Nobody said winning gold was easy and thankfully who better to snipe the “Golden Goal” (as it has come to be called) then Canada’s own Sidney Crosby.

A lot of people will be asking each other down the road: “where were you when this historic event went down?”

Well I along with the rest of the Trappers were strapping on our blades to play in a little Canadian vs. USA game all our own. We had heard the news about our gold medal just prior to our warm-up and that jacked us up even more. We came out strong and ended up beating Soo Michigan (the Americans) 7-3.

The Olympics have completed, but the Olympic fever has yet to wear off. The 2010 games has had an effect on everyone in this country, at least in some small way. The success that Canadians have experienced through our athletes over the course of these games, not only reaffirms our belief that we can compete with the best, but also how proud we are to be Canadian.

GO! Trappers! GO!