Wednesday, February 13, 2002
Canuck amateurs pumped to see stars
By ERIC FRANCIS -- Team Sun
SALT LAKE CITY -- In Nagano, the U.S. men's hockey team left its mark at the Olympic village with an array of splintered chairs and night tables.
The Canadian hockey team also left a lasting impression, albeit through slightly more diplomatic means.
Based on the Canadian squad's conduct four years ago, it's safe to say when Canada's NHLers begin trickling into town and checking into the University of Utah's athlete residences today, they will be welcomed with open arms.
Although some Olympic athletes resent the fact their rare chance to garner international media attention will be overshadowed by the presence of millionaire hockey players, athletes like Catriona Le May Doan have a different perspective.
"I had said in Nagano I wasn't necessarily the biggest fan that the NHL was allowed in the Olympics because, to me, if you have professional status and amateur status in your sport, you have a choice -- we don't have a choice, we are amateur status," said Canada's flag bearer, whose husband, Bart, is a cousin of Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan.
"But they were the classiest guys at the last Olympics and they were as excited about everything as we were. They stayed in the village and they wanted to be a part of the team. It was pretty neat for us. When it comes right down to it, they're NHL guys and that's pretty cool."
Canada's first medallist of these Games, speed skater Cindy Klassen, agreed.
"I'm actually really excited about meeting some of the hockey players like Joe Sakic or Mario Lemieux and getting pictures or autographs," beamed Klassen, who turned to speed skating after being cut from the women's national hockey team in 1997.
"I don't have a problem with them being here at all."
Jeremy Wotherspoon said he had mixed feeling about the pros competing here but pointed out the Olympics should indeed be a showcase of the world's very best.
Teammate Mike Ireland shared similar sentiments but lamented the fact the media will put hockey front and centre.
"It kind of sucks that the media just focuses mainly on the men's hockey team and then when they lose they look at the other sports," said Ireland.
"They should look at every sport with equal weight."
Outside of her gold and bronze medals, Le May Doan says a Canadian jersey signed by the hockey team was her most treasured memento from the 1998 Games.
"The last night the Canadian athletes were bringing out things for them to sign and they were so willing to," said Le May Doan of the jersey that hangs in her Calgary home.
"Then somebody said, 'They might want your autograph,' which sounded so silly to me. I don't think I gave out nearly as many autographs as they did."
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
