Olympic Hockey

Have I driven you guys nuts with all the hockey posts lately? Too bad. I like hockey, and tonight, I want to talk about Olympic hockey, since it's one of the few things at the games that's worth tuning in to watch.

What are the U.S. chances for gold this time around? Pretty slim. Although the U.S. team lost to Canada for the gold medal the last time around, this year's U.S. team is led by 44 year-old Chris Chelios, and many of his teammates are similarly long in tooth. Yikes.

The Canadians, on the other hand, should dominate the competition. For example, the Canadians have all-stars Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo between the pipes. Defensemen include some of the NHL's best: Rob Blake, Wade Redden, Brian McCabe, and Chris Pronger. Forwards include the likes of Simone Gagne and Jarome Iginlia, not to mention Rick Nash of your Cowopolis Blue Jackets. Center Joe Thornton leads the NHL in assists and is second in points. In short, Canada's loaded for bear, and it will be a big upset if they don't come away with the Gold.

Other contenders include the usual suspects: Sweden, Russia and the Czech Republic. Slovakia is a dark horse, and Finland will be in the hunt, because they always are. The U.S. has the proverbial puncher's chance at a bronze medal. On the women's side, look for the customary showdown between the United States and Canada.

Canadians can be jackasses when it comes to hockey, but if the U.S. isn't a contender, I'm still rooting for them. I can't help it, I like Canada. They may think we're jerks, but their soldiers are standing side-by-side with ours in Afghanistan. Let's face it, as neighbors go, we're no bargain. On the other hand, say what you will about Canada, they beat the snot out of Mexico. By the way, they also have the best beer stores in the world, the best candy bar ever invented, and my pal Don Cherry.

Not to mention, of course, their greatest contribution to world culture: the good old hockey game.