Country vs. Captain

Today is a tough, tough day in my hockey fandom. Today is the day my beloved country plays my beloved captain in the Olympics.

USA vs Ovi

I guess technically its USA v. Russia but to many of us Caps fans, USA v. Ovi more accurately describes the battle.

It really is an impossible choice. I imagine it’s much like choosing your favorite child (unless of course you’re my parents, because then that choice would be an easy one).

I deeply want to root for the US. I love everything about this country, especially it’s Olympians. I love the feel good stories about their trek to the peak of their sport. I love how the red, white, and blue are the perfect combination of colors to represent the land of the free and home of the brave. And I wholeheartedly believe the Star Spangled Banner is greatest song of all time.

BUT...I find myself going back and forth as to whom I want to win.

The United States of America. How can I not root for the home team?? I mean, I’ve watched Miracle at least 700 times and I still cry every time Mike Eruzione invites the boys to share the gold pedal podium with him (in fact I just got chills as I typed that). It’s been 34 years since that last Miracle on Ice. It would be beyond cool to see this happen again in my lifetime. 

But Ovi. The Great Eight. The reason we cheer so loud and unabashedly at Caps games. I feel as though I’ve experienced his heartache right along with him when he lost the last Olympics, the last World Championships, and the last few playoff series. He gives his heart and soul to this sport and I would love for this sport to finally return the favor. I want him to experience the thrill of victory. And to do it on the world’s biggest stage.

In the end, whether its the good ol' US of A or the Great Eight winning the gold medal, I guess we can all just be thankful it's not Canada!