Just a quick thank to all the people posting congrats to our Canadian team.
I don't understand the hate just because we love hockey and produce a good amount of talented players. Too many other things in the world that are worth hating, where is the hate for the Netherlands for being good at speed skating?
I don't think it's hate, personally. Rivalry certainly....and let's face it...there's people here who hate the Habs as an NHL rival.
Like with anything, I think there's a small minority of asshats that spoil the name of good competition with chest-thumping (on both sides). At least on twitter (by far the best representation of all humanity has to offer
) there was a small contingent of Canadian acting like jerks and a small contingent of American fans acting like ignorant Americans.
The majority of people I know were cool.
I'll be honest though....I got some snarly comments from some "real life" friends who didn't understand why I wouldn't support the Bruins in the games over the players from my home country, and I've cheered for the Bruins since 97 and have held a STH package the last six years. However, I've said this story before but growing up and playing hockey in Minnesota in the 1980's, you were in the shadow of Herb Brooks and the university of Minnesota and above all, you wanted to play for your country. That sense hasn't changed for me in 30 years.
It's all about perspective for everyone. Most folks get that.
Some didn't and didn't bother to care. No sense in being bothered with those folks. It is what it is.
Plus, you Canadians can have winter. Winter sucks.