HOCKEY GOLD IS NOT THE ONLY PATH TO OLYMPIC SUCCESS FOR CANADA

By Beaker

With the Olympics right around the corner, I’ve heard it be asked “will the Olympics be a failure of Canada doesn’t win a gold in men’s hockey?”

In a land where hockey reigns supreme and runs paramount to anything athletic, I can see the temptation to ponder such a myopic question.

The answer clearly is no.

If Canada wins one gold and it happens to be in hockey, this won’t mean the Olympics were a success especially considering the ‘Own the Podium’  program in place.  Conversely, if Canada surpasses all expectations and wins, say, 11 gold medals and 35 medals, but no gold in hockey (let’s assume silver), how can it be asserted with any seriousness this wouldn’t be a success?

The Olympics are about many sports and not just one. Hockey is just a part of this equation; not above it.

In any event, I’m of the opinion professionals shouldn’t even be participating in a sporting event meant to be for amateurs. In fact, I would love to see amateur hockey players one day compete again.

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