My media credential got me into most venues, except those events that were “special ticketed.” This means that more journalists would go than there are spaces for, so you have to get a ticket from your National Olympic Committee to attend. This may sound easy since I work for the USOC, but we do our best to distribute tickets to the working press for these types of events. Others include the ladies figure skating final and some short track speedskating.
But the men’s gold medal hockey game? USA vs. Canada? These were truly the golden tickets of the Games. And my boss decided he wanted to recognize a few of us with the opportunity to experience it.
I lucked out, and I knew it would be an affair to remember.
Our tickets were near center ice but way up in the rafters. It took us all of 5 minutes to realize that all of the stares and photos directed our way were not intended for us. No, we were sitting two rows in front of Donald Sutherland, who was sitting directly in front of Wayne Gretzky and the Prime Minister of Canada! It added an entirely new level of intrigue to the game, as we were always slightly fascinated with how our famous seat-mates were reacting or cheering or rooting.
We’re not quite sure why they didn’t have the best seats in the house, but all I can think is that it was for security reasons. We were in an area that was easy to get in and out of. Plus, having them right by the media means they’re surrounded by a group that has been through background checks in order to get their credentials.
The game was captivating. I haven’t been a big hockey fan since high school (in Minnesota there’s no way around it), but this was a game for the ages. It was exciting and fast and gripping. Both teams put it all on the line. It was such high-caliber play. If you weren’t a hockey fan going in, you were by your way out.
You could tell the fans were nervous. Even with 10 minutes left in the third period, very few were standing or cheering. I think they were all biting their nails. The depression of the Games ending would be much, much darker if their hockey team had lost that game. It really represented the pulsating national pride of all those Cannucks, trying to prove themselves to their big brother to the south.
The fans were also tremendous. It wasn’t enough to wear red and white, or even a Canada shirt. They were all wearing Canada hockey jerseys. Seriously! It was like the mandatory dress code. There were Americans scattered throughout, but everyone was very friendly. During the commercials and ice makes, there was an in-house emcee who would go around and interview Canadian and American athletes who were in the stands. The crowd would go absolutely crazy for their medalists on the big screen, including the men’s curlers. And they were very respectful and welcoming to the American athletes who said a few words. Among those I saw were the men's bobsled team, Lindsey Vonn, Apolo Ohno, Billy Demong, Angela Ruggiero, Emily Cook and lots of speedskaters.
Throughout the tense game, Donald Sutherland was like a cartoon – big and looming and ominous, wearing a drooping trench coat and a full white beard, hiding behind layers of scarf. He stared seriously at the ice, only taking his eyes away to glare at people taking photos of him. One Chinese journalist got up the courage to ask him for something – a photo? An autograph? Either way, he was sent away defeated. But you couldn’t really blame Sutherland. It was almost like he was busy on a set, playing a part. The grumpy old man thing fit him well. We did hear him shout a few times as his voice was very distinguishable! This was the one happy moment I caught...
Wayne Gretzky and the Prime Minister were a tad more normal. They still seemed like there was a spotlight on them though – maybe a glow that follows around famous people? They chatted throughout and smiled here and there. Gretzky was not happy when Parise scored with :24 seconds left. He was breathing fire up there! Not yelling, but very upset. This, on the other hand, was after a Canada goal, and you can see how Donald spent the majority of the game in the bottom righthand corner on the very end...
When Parise scored that last minute, nearly-out-of-time goal, my American colleagues and I were jumping up and down! It was the most exciting goal I’ve ever seen. We were on the edge of our seat as the clock ticked down, and we knew it was possible with how Team USA was playing. It was amazing! Forcing the game into overtime was too good to be true.
I wanted to see a close game, and from there, I was more than fine with Canada winning. The house was packed with pride and it was neat to soak inside that sauna of red maple leafs and face paint. We high-fived the Canadians around us when Crosby scored the winning goal. And of all people to score! They call him the Next One in Canada; the heir of Howe and Orr and Gretzky. Canada Hockey Place let out one big sigh of relief and joy. And then, it roared! As the medals were presented and the Canadian National Anthem rang throughout, the place erupted and swelled and soared.
I felt like my Olympics experience was complete. It was much more of a high and a finale then the Closing Ceremony, which was quite anti-climatic after the rush of the game. Congrats Canada!
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