Final news story

Hockey fans around the world watched as two of the greatest hockey nations battled into sudden death overtime during the final event of the 2010 winter Olympics. The weight of the world was on the shoulders of each athlete as they proved they were ready to battle to the final seconds of the game for their country, pride, bragging rights, and the gold medal. The heated rivalry between the two neighboring hockey nations has never been more glorified then this final game allowing it to come down to one final goal shot off the stick of Sidney Crosby in sudden death overtime making the final score 4-3. He clinched the gold medal for his home country of Canada. Almost 80% of Canada tuned in to watch the game from their homes. At that same moment countless Americans also watched as their dreams of gold were crushed. Crosby is used to being in the spotlight but now more than ever will he be remembered as a hockey hero, at least in the eyes of his fellow Canadian citizens. However, many Americans feel differently about “Sid the Kid”, as I discovered after interviewing some of my peers. When I asked Tony Companion how he felt about Crosby he said, “I think he is a solid player, but I hate that he plays for Canada.” I also asked Nick Taschner if he loved, hated, or respected Crosby’s overtime goal he said, “I hate it because I’m American, but I respect it because I love hockey.” I have not yet had a chance to speak with anyone from Canada, but I’m sure they would have only great things to say about their new hero. There will always be mixed feelings about an athlete who is so influential in the game, but it seems everyone can at least agree he’s a top player on a world wide scale now.
Amongst all the excitement and drama over the hockey game and the Olympics, there are concerns about the next upcoming winter Olympics. There is debate on whether or not the NHL will allow its players to compete overseas at a chance to live in immortal glory. This debate brings up many mixed issues. Some believe that the best players should compete whether or not they are professional, while others believe the Olympics and NHL hockey should remain two different things. I asked a few of my friends what they thought about the issue, they both basically agreed on the same thing. When I asked Nick Taschner how he felt about NHL players competing in the Olympics he said “I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game.” Tony Companion says, “Yes because they are the best players we have to offer.” Most people enjoy watching their favorite hockey all-stars play in the Olympics, unless they are representing a different country that beats them of course. It also gives the players a chance away from the NHL to showcase their talent in front of millions of fans who may not watch them because of the location of their NHL team. Others believe if a player wanted to pursue a professional hockey career they shouldn’t be side tracked away from the NHL to the Olympics because they should continue practicing with their team. Another thing some people do not like is that the hockey league has to take a break in order for the few selected players to be able to compete in the Olympics. The games receive much more attention by fans when they see players who they know on the ice. Either way when it comes down to it the final outcome of the pro player’s Olympic future is in the hands of the people who will decide on the new rule for the next winter Olympics.