Winter Olympics Diary Day 17: Euphoria

Vancouver Diary / Vince Shuley / 01 March 2010 / Leave a comment

Jubilation on the streets of Vancouver after Sidney Crosby's overtime goal

In an exhilirating final instalment of his Winter Olympics Diary, Vince Shuley reports from a nationwide party as the hosts' celebrate after a thrilling men's hockey final.

"From Labrador, Nova Scotia to Tofino, British Columbia, fans filled the streets of Canada in celebration. There has never been such a showing of unity and patriotic pride in the nation's history. This was truly their moment."

Euphoria. There is no other way to describe the feeling in Vancouver and Whistler. Sidney Crosby's goal in overtime, assisted by Jarome Iginla, sealed Canada's fate as the most successful winter Olympic host nation in history. Fourteen Gold medals, including the most coveted one: the men's hockey.

In tonight's final, Canada held their 2-1 lead almost to the end, but the US would not relent. Goal tender Luongo faced six attackers and scrambled to smother the puck. With just 24 seconds on the clock, Zach Parise equalized the game and Canada held its breath. Would this be the end of the host nation's golden streak?

Not if Sidney Crosby was on the ice. After calling for the pass from Iglinla, he took the shot without looking. It was only after he heard the roar of the crowd he knew it had gone in. Team mate Ryan Getzlaf commented on Crosby's performance in his post game interview: "There's a reason he's the best player in the world. He always shows up in those big moments and scores those big goals."

From Labrador, Nova Scotia to Tofino, British Columbia, fans filled the streets of Canada in celebration. There has never been such a showing of unity and patriotic pride in the nation's history. This was truly their moment.

The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics will not be remembered as perfect, but it will leave the legacy that these were Canada's Games. When the pressure was the greatest, the athletes and the the thousands of dedicated VANOC volunteers delivered what they were trained to do. Both in front of Canada and the entire world.

The party on Granville Street in Vancouver will be going long into the night. The Olympics may have been officially closed, but the dream will live on in every Canadian's heart.

Congratulations Canada. See you in Sochi.

Tags: Canada, Ice hockey betting, USA, Vancouver 2010 betting, Vince Shuley, Winter Olympics betting