I was surprised that one of my friends asked me to explain myself. So Here I am. An attempt to try and explain my reasoning for the above statement.
For me, for as long as I can remember, it has always been about The Toronto Maple Leafs. Watching games, browsing stats, talking about the Leafs with friends and family, and collecting memorabilia. SO my reasoning may not come as a surprise to you.
Why NOT Canada:
1. Sidney Crosby. Is he great for hockey? Ya, he sure is. Find me a girl on twitter that isn't in love with this guy. For me? Awful! There isn't a guy in hockey I dislike more! I can't cheer for this whiner, who cries to the ref after every shift.
2. P.K. Subban. He is also great for hockey. He has a swagger about him that not a lot of other players have. He has a great shot, and can skate really well, as well as his great 1st pass. For me? How can I, the biggest die hard of the Leafs, cheer for a Norris Trophy winning Defenseman from the arch rival Montreal Canadiens? Not happening!
3. Carey Price. He is what everyone classifies as a franchise goalie. A guy you can build a team around. He may not have a ton of playoff experience, but he makes the game look effortless. Again, how can I cheer for the starting goalie of the Montreal Canadiens? Makes the game look effortless? He really just looks like he doesn't want to be there. He doesn't look like he has that killer instinct that you need as a goalie. He doesn't seem like a good pressure goalie.
Ok, so if NOT Canada, than WHO?
Team USA has 2 of the Leafs top players on their roster. This makes the obvious choice on who I would be cheering for. They are Kessel and JVR. These two guys are lights out in Toronto. I want them to carry some success back to Toronto, and push it to the playoffs. For me, it would be great, if JVR set up Kessel, on the "Golden Goal" in overtime, against Carey Price. I would be super happy about that. If I can't have that, then yes, Go Russia!
I have watched Canada win 2 of the last 3 Olympic gold medals. If this was a 60 year drought, different story. But they won on home soil just 4 years ago. Isn't that enough? Let's not be greedy. In fact, that "Golden Goal" heard around the world was the moment I decided, that I will be cheering for Team USA next time.... Stupid Sidney Crosby, ruining everything for me...
With all this said, would I be upset if Canada won? Nope. I'd be happy with that. But for me, when it comes to International Men's Ice Hockey, its the name on the back, not the crest on the front. All other sports/events, Go! Canada Go!
