Congrats Canada Hockey

Ok, admittedly, I didn't watch as much Winter Olympics as I would have liked. However, today I did watch the gold medal men's hockey game between the United States and Canada. It was a dandy. The game was great. I have nothing but rave reviews for it, and I'm not really a hockey fan, at all. Since I'm not really a hockey fan, I can't really get into the technicalities of the game, I wouldn't know them, I don't follow the sport well enough. What I do know though is that this was one heck of a game. I know sports, and this was a good exhibition of sport if I've ever seen one. The heart and effort in this game, which was played not for the money, but for the pride of country (this is after all, the Olympics, even if played with professional players), was absolutely incredible. The honor exhibited on that rink, was spectacular. Players were dashing to the puck, selling out and diving to block shots, and all-around just leaving it all on the rink. The US fought hard to stay in the game. I feel like the US was a little outplayed and out talented in regulation, even if they did win the first meeting between the 2 teams. But the US hustled and scrapped and hit hard and scored a game tying goal with less than a minute left in regulation. US goalie Ryan Miller was absolutely astonishing in his effort. He stopped so many shots and pulled out so many saves in scenarios that gave the look that doom was eminent. In fact, Miller got a standing ovation as he received MVP honors for the tournament. It was a standing ovation that came from a Canadian crowd that had been hostile toward Team USA for the vast majority of the tournament, booing their successes. Miller earned their respect though, and he certainly earned mine as well.
In the end though, it wasn't enough. Canada was a talented team, probably the most talented in the world, maybe the most talented ever. Sidney Crosby, arguably the best player in the world, scored the winning goal in sudden death overtime. In an overtime that left one on the edge of his or her seat at every glide of the puck. In the end, the Canadians deserve this gold medal. Its their sport, and they certainly earned it in a hard fought win. My hat goes off to them.
However, my hat doesn't go off to all the people I've seen, mainly on facebook, bitter about the Canadian victory. People are being rude about who the Canadians are or how they live, or just stupid things because their great America didn't win. Now I'm very patriotic, I love America, but that doesn't mean I put down others or deny good work when I see it. I appreciate good work when I see it, whoever it comes from. The Canadians did great work. And to see people being bitter during a series of games meant to promote the good will and mutual respect between countries, makes me a little disappointed in my countrymen. I'm probably taking this too seriously, but that's how I feel. Its just a little ignorant if you ask me.
But regardless, congratulations Team Canada. They deserve the gold.