Jan. 5, 2014 - Bronze and Gold Medal Games

The day started at 11:30 in the arena with our whole group (520 people) arriving at the arena early for a group photo.  We completely filled a section of the arena, and even with the photo being taken from across the ice in the stands where the TV cameras were located, John had trouble getting everyone in.  Finally it was done, then we went downstairs to the reception hall.

Here, we were treated to a luncheon of roast beef, chicken, pork tenderloin, salads, scalloped potatoes, and vegetables.  They certainly fed us well.  Then there were some farewell speeches and thank yous, before we got ready for the game.

Warm Up

2 Minutes to Start

This was it.  The final chance for medals.  Canada played Russia in the first game for the Bronze medal.  What a great game.  Canada played very well (as did the Russians), but the first goal was an own goal, going in off the defenceman's skate.  The Russians were very excited, as they should have been.

The other goal the Russians scored was a bit of a weak one for our goalie, although there was a bit of a screen.  The Russian shot from just inside the blue line and it when in high on the left side.  Another downer.

Now We're Done

Canada scored on another of their "hard work in close" efforts.  This caused the pro-Canadian crowd to go nuts, and the arena was hopping.  The effort and level of compete was very high, and there were many times when they completely dominated the Russians, beating the trap and forcing the play.  However, it was not to be, even when pulling the goalie for the last minute and a half.  We lost that game, 2-1.

Then it was back to waiting for the much anticipated Gold medal game. - Sweden vs Finland.  The crowd was excited, there was certainly a hum in the air, and the arena was loud.  When the Swedish team arrived on the ice, the noise was deafening.

This was another great game.  They were back and forth, lots of skillful plays, great defensive and offensive plays, and just exciting hockey.  We were really impressed.  Someone brought up the thing about fighting in hockey, and although there was a bit of pushing and shoving, the games were tremendously exciting without the "after the whistle" pushing and shoving, and testosterone pumping pushing talking.

Finland scored first, quietening the crowd.  Then they went into their trap, defensive mode.  The Swedes kept pushing, and it was back and forth.  Then Sweden scored and the place erupted.  From there, the Fins went back to offensive play, and basically seemed to be outplaying the Swedes.  The Fins scored again, and then went back into their defensive mode.

Sweden Watching Finland Celebrate

Finland Wins

Each time the Swedes came back, Finland started playing their offensive game and were able to go back up by one.  What fast, exciting hockey.  It was a real pleasure to watch.

As time wound down, the crowd got more and more anxious.  When Sweden scored to tie it up, the place went nuts.  After another full break to clean the ice, the teams came back on the ice and the house was rocking.  Strangely, the Fins outplayed the Swedes, 4 on 4.  It was like Sweden didn't practice 4 on 4, and the Fins did.  Finland outplayed them badly, finally scoring the overtime goal on a breakdown in the corner with nobody backing up the defenceman who was trying to tie up the scorer who skated out, waited until the goalie opened up, and slid the puck in 5-hole.

Heartbreak

What excitement for Team Finland.  What a crushing defeat for Team Sweden.  This team had been built to win this tournament, and the country (along with many others including me) felt they had this one "in the bag".  Finland pulled it off, and the Swedes were devastated.

The Medal Winning Countries

After the medals and closing ceremony, it was back to the hotel to get things ready for leaving, very early in the morning.