Feel bad for him? Sure. Feel like he behaved very poorly on international TV, embarrassed his family and disappointed a bunch of kids who look up to him? Absolutely.
Make no mistake, if a Canadian kid did that he'd be crucified in the press for weeks.
Yes it was. Gonna feel like a big letdown watching an Oiler game tomorrow.
ftr. despite what I've stated I don't disagree with this either. I don't doubt either that Canadian Media, if not Canadian NHL teams and GM's would view it as some kind of character flaw. But I think partly because the NA makeup, the identity, can run to puritanical and punitive grounds where actions like this are seen as the sign of a malcontent that would, in earlier times if not now, be deemed requiring punishment of some type. Discipline, sanction, being pulled from the team, etc.
tbh I was almost expecting some soap opera ensuing with the kid asking for the medal back and the fan in the stands and the authorities saying "no, you threw it away, its not yours now forever"
Which takes me to the poignant moment and the color commentary while Team Canada were getting their pictures taken that
"Some of these kids will make it to the NHL, some will not, and for many, this is the top moment in hockey that will be remembered forever for the rest of their lives and that regardless of where their path takes them they will eternally be team mates on this team."
Some tears welled up hearing that, and in one sweep, once again, the entire range of emotions is indelibly broadcast.
This isn't just hockey, its fine theater. In Canada, its the stage of our national lives.
