Monday, February 25, 2002
The gold was Mario's goal
By TERRY JONES -- Edmonton Sun
SALT LAKE CITY - Mario Lemieux had a much different look on his face when they hung the gold medal around his neck than when he missed the open net on a shot that would have been the winner.
"This was the chance of a lifetime, to play in the Olympics. To do something great for your country is awesome,'' said No. 66 of the thrill of captaining the team to Canada's first Olympic hockey gold in 50 years.
"Three and a half years ago I was sitting on a beach in Florida. To have a chance to come back and play with these great players is very special.
"All we've talked about since August is winning the gold. I brought my three daughters, my son and my whole family down for this because it was a chance of a lifetime.''
Lemieux could have had the winner.
He missed a shot Lemieux doesn't miss which would have given Canada a 3-1 lead.
"I just couldn't believe that I hit the post or missed the open net,'' he said. "It's not something I have done too many times in my career.''
Lemieux took a lot of grief in Pittsburgh for removing himself from the Penguins lineup to be healthy enough to contribute to winning the gold.
"My goal was to come here, win a gold medal and play with these great players. You don't have that opportunity too often in life. I certainly took a lot of grief the last couple of weeks, but this is definitely worth it.
"I said all along that my goal was to play in the Olympics and that's why I skipped a lot of the games back home. I didn't play any back-to-back games because of my hip surgery a few months ago.
'`Whatever happens after this I'll do my best for my team and the city of Pittsburgh, and hopefully I can get the guys back in the playoffs.''
It was an excellent experience every which way for the Penguins owner.
"It was great for hockey to have Canada and the U.S. playing for the gold medal. It was exciting for both countries.
"I grew up playing hockey in Canada and played minor hockey there until I was 18.
'`Once you are born there you're always going to be a Canadian and will always do whatever you can for your country and that's what I did this week.
"Hopefully this is going to help Canadian hockey in general, all the programs and all the young kids who were watching today.
'`And I'm sure the whole country was watching today.''
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2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
