the Russians
As hard as it is to lose, I had to smile at how very excited those kids were. More power to them. They deserved to enjoy every last second of their victory. They earned that gold and I know a lot of Canadians have said the same. I was happy to see most of the Canadians stayed in the arena and gave a cheer for the Russians at the end. They deserved it.
To my fellow Canadians: it looks like the legendary hockey rivalry of years past with Russia is now back on only now we also have the States and Sweden to deal with too. Should make things increasingly interesting. I just hope that next year our juniors aren't so psyched up to beat the Russians that they overlook the threat of another potential hockey foe.
I would note that the Russian hockey fan from old Stalingrad who I met online the night that Canada played the States was rooting for Canada and sure enough he said it was because the Russians wanted to be up against Canada in the final. Old rivalries die hard.
On a surprising and endearing note, he has posted some wonderful stuff about our team and about our game on my page and today surprised me by making up a special personalized graphic just for me to honour Canadian hockey and Canadian fans. What a wonderful and kind thing to do. Have to admit that it surprised me so much that I shed a few tears as it's been a low day for me as I'm sure it has been for many Canadians. Again, congratulations to Russia, they more than earned this gold and I look forward to future hockey battles with them.