How Gretzky Men Ended Canada's 50-Year Olympic Hockey Drought

For 50 years, Canada had been waiting to win an Olympic gold medal in hockey. The last time they had won was in 1952, and since then, they had come close on several occasions, but had always fallen short.

Gold: How Gretzky's Men Ended Canada's 50-Year Olympic Hockey Drought

by Tim Wharnsby

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5199 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	230 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In 2002, all of that changed. Wayne Gretzky, the greatest hockey player of all time, was named the executive director of Canada's Olympic hockey team. Gretzky assembled a team of NHL stars, including Mario Lemieux, Steve Yzerman, and Joe Sakic, and set out to end Canada's Olympic drought.

The team faced a tough challenge. They were placed in a pool with Russia, the United States, and Finland, three of the top hockey nations in the world. However, Gretzky's team was up to the challenge. They won their first three games, and then defeated Russia in the semifinals. In the gold medal game, they faced the United States, and won 5-2 to claim the gold medal.

The victory was a huge moment for Canada. It was the first time that the country had won an Olympic gold medal in hockey in 50 years, and it was a major source of pride for Canadians. Gretzky and his team had finally ended Canada's Olympic drought, and they had done it in style.

The Team

Gretzky's team was a who's who of NHL stars. In addition to Gretzky, Lemieux, Yzerman, and Sakic, the team also included Paul Kariya, Chris Pronger, and Scott Niedermayer. It was a team that was loaded with talent, and they were determined to win the gold medal.

The Coach

Pat Quinn was the head coach of Canada's Olympic hockey team. Quinn was a veteran coach who had won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's Coach of the Year in 1992. He was a demanding coach, but he also knew how to get the best out of his players.

The Competition

Canada's team faced a tough challenge in the 2002 Winter Games. They were placed in a pool with Russia, the United States, and Finland, three of the top hockey nations in the world. Russia was the defending Olympic champion, and the United States had won the silver medal in 1998. Finland was also a strong team, and they had won the bronze medal in 1998.

The Games

Canada's team started the tournament strong, winning their first three games. They defeated Finland 5-2, Russia 5-1, and the United States 3-2. In the semifinals, Canada faced Russia again, and this time they won 7-2.

In the gold medal game, Canada faced the United States. The game was close throughout, but Canada eventually won 5-2. Paul Kariya scored two goals for Canada, and Joe Sakic added a goal and an assist.

The Legacy

Canada's victory at the 2002 Winter Games was a major moment for the country. It was the first time that the country had won an Olympic gold medal in hockey in 50 years, and it was a major source of pride for Canadians. Gretzky and his team had finally ended Canada's Olympic drought, and they had done it in style.

Gold: How Gretzky's Men Ended Canada's 50-Year Olympic Hockey Drought

by Tim Wharnsby

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5199 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	230 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE