I stayed up way past my Saturday night bed time to watch the white-knuckle overtime period between Germany and OAR (aka Russians who allegedly have past doping tests) for the gold medal. Sadly, I knew that OAR had it in the bag when Germany got hit with a high-sticking penalty because the faster Russians could capitalize on their 4-3 advantage.
Even if they’re just coming home with a silver medal, Germany still has much to be proud of. With or without NHL players, Germany has never been a serious contender in a sport dominated by the Canadians, Americans, Swedes and sometimes, the Finns. Beating Canada to get to the gold-medal match for them is about on par with our Miracle on Ice.
I do hope NHL scouts give all the Olympians a second glance but they probably won’t. I have a feeling Canada, maybe Sweden, will start a campaign to get the NHL to reconsider after how poorly these countries did. Hockey is a source of national pride to our neighbors of the Great White North.
Way to go Germany. Hope you give everyone hard time in 2022.