There's a Difference

VANCOUVER—So Canada-US or Canada-Russia. Which is bigger?

An interesting debate. On the surface, Canada and Russia have been going at it longer, and the '72 Summit Series remains an indelible symbol of our national hockey pride.

But here's why the rivalry with the Americans may be greater.

First, it's growing, and has been growing since the early 1990s.

Second, it exists on more levels.

Canada and U.S. men compete at the NHL level, and obviously, the Olympic level.

Canadian junior teams and American college battle for the affections of the same players.

Our national junior teams are rivals, with the U.S. beating Canada in Saskatoon last month.

Our women's national teams are rivals. In fact, neither has any other.

Our paralympic sledge hockey squads are bitter foes.

And our children of all ages, if they play the game at a competitive level, are well-versed in playing against American competition. On Friday, my daughter and her varsity team from Appleby College in Oakville – coached by national under-22 coach Margot Page, by the way – travelled to Buffalo to play Nichols School in the final game of the best-of-three CISSA championship series.

Delaney, my daughter, figured the previous night's result, with Canada's women beating the U.S. in the Olympic gold medal final, was a good omen. She was right.

Appleby 3, Nichols 2, in overtime.

So our kids know the rivalry with the U.S., as do our paralympians, as do our elite women, as do our juniors, as do our very best players.

Only a few of that number would have played against Russian teams, and only occasionally.

That's the difference.

Comments

[JR Jake]

That is the beauty of it though, because the 'best always wants to play the best'. In this case being friendly neighbors (for the most part sans sports) we would just as soon yell over the fence line than send a blurb through diplomatic channels elsewhere in the world.

Stiff competition creates advantages for both sides because many compete against each other through various venues. Honing one's skills through sport and not dire competition hopefully breeds a comradry that few venues allow.
Commerce and technology allows us to share, but the hand to hand competition breeds a brother/sisterhood if given a chance.

Canada should know if anything dire EVER occurred to the country or the people, they should know we will be there AT ALL COSTS to ensure that one day we can compete vigorously but with a fondness and a handshake that 'we will see you later in good times and bad'. Have a great weekend.

[Keith]

I think a bigger factor is the decline of Russia as a world superpower and the USA being the only big dog left. Also helps that we are obsessed with the USA and hockey is one area where we feel superior to them in and losing to them is not an option.

[Colton]

But ask any even young Canadian, I myself am 19 and when it comes to most things, yes, I'd say that the US-Canada rivalry is bigger, except in men's hockey... I despise Russian hockey, and so does every other person I know, it's different, if the gold medal game had of came down to Russia-USA I would have to cheer for USA.

[Dan]

As a Canadian who is 36 years of age, the Canada-U.S.A., while entertaining, does not yet compare to CAN-RUSSIA. Maybe it's because of my generation, and if I were 16, I'd think differently. Can-Russia has a "us against them" feel to it. Can-U.S.A. has a bit of an inner family squabble. Not the same.

[Jermaine Green -]

as an American who loves Canada ,I always wonder why there is this knee-jerk reaction to allthings American.I wonder often why when our two nations are more alike than any other two neighbors in the world .It puzzles me particullary because I like many Americans admire Canada because you actually care about your people you have national healthcare and we don't.The truth is there are many American who wish their country was like Canada. We all are not George Bush. -GOD BLESS CANADA! -J.Green,Philadelphia

[Robert]

As a Canadian living in the USA, I'm stunned at how big this game is here. There's a very, very good chance that this game will set the American record for most watched hockey game ever.

[John Okie]

Remind me to become a reporter Damian. My niece goes to Applebys and theyre an elite school. The facilities and quality of education is amazing...

Im a little worried about the game. Miller has been stellar and Luongo was a little shaky the other night. The Canadians need to play like they did against Russia and keep the pressure coming.

[Edward Cabrera]

When stationed in the CDN army abroad and while working in CDN embassies in many countries, I can tell you I always felt I could tap into the know how and experience of my American colleagues. who were always glad to help. and share their experience. I felt they were like close relatives...we used to have a somewhat similar relationship with the Brits but since they joined the EU they now always bond with the Euros and nottheir Commonwealth opposites...we and the Yanks are so alike. The gold medal match on Sunday is only a game. Let the better team win on Sunday. If Canada loses so what! Le's not go into mourning...I am pulling for Canada but my American son in LA is cheering for his "Amaraca"..

[ShelbyBell]

USA-Canada is a friendly rivalry. Remember Salt Lake? Players posed together for pictures after the game. I don't see that happening with Russia. CCCP had missiles pointed at North America for a good chunk of my life. The Summit Series and The Miracle on Ice were sweet for Canada or the U.S. because the enemy was feared and hated. You'll never be able to manufacture that kind of angst between nations whose biggest disagreement is over who makes better beer.

[Harry Albright]

In hockey, Canada is the big brother to the US. And with all sibling rivalries, the younger brother always wants to beat the older brother. Afterwards, we'll congratulate each other and do it again at the next worlds, under 20, under 17, etc.

[ejhickey]

Congratulations Canada. Great game and great tournament. See you in 4 years . Be ready!

[Jack Murphy]

It's about time Americans were shown that they are NOT the centre of The Universe and that the world does NOT revolve around the stars and stripes. I guess we have put a stumble in the American swagger! I did feel sorry for the American team. Their faces said it all. They played great, but Canada prevailed. Maybe, next time. Long live Canada!

[bk]

with the NHL acting as a not-so-silent partner to the excited states' various hockey programs at the grassroots level, the imperial power that insists that it is not really an imperial power is going to be a major force in the sport going forward. The yanks are classless, obnoxious, disreputable, have no respect for the sport or its heritage, and frequently boorish - but the number one hockey league in the world is committed to pumping millions into USA! USA! USA! hockey development (and already has); that, along with sheer population figures, is a massive advantage for the jingoistic yankees. Beyond that, the russians, sadly, are in terminal decline and demography dictates that canada faces an uphill battle if it wants to remain on top or even close to the top. The grim reality, folks, is that the excited states will have a stronger team in Sochi than they did this time around, so canada will have to find a way to get better, too. Right now, that means increasing the footspeed of our kids because that became an issue today.