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THE OLYMPICS
SHOWCASES OUR GREAT SPORT!
By: John Gelement – Little Caesars Roller Hockey
 I
can’t begin to tell everyone reading this what a great experience
the last two weeks of hockey was for me. To watch the greatest
talent in the world come together on one stage was simply amazing.
We saw all of our athletic role models from all over the NHL display
amazing team work, and show us all how important playing for your
country is. I can guarantee that Sidney Crosby will cherish his gold
medal more than his Stanley Cup victory last year, and the young
United States team will be hungry for revenge in 4 years. (Let’s
just hope that Gary Bettman makes the right decision and allows the
NHL players to participate in Russia!)
The gold medal game was one for the ages, and one that I truly hope
people who aren’t hockey fans got a chance to watch. For me this
game had everything, speed, finesse, great goaltending, a dramatic
comeback, and an overtime game winner….how much more can you ask
for? This was the perfect opportunity for people to see why we love
this game so much.
People around our rink who didn’t know each other, or normally don’t
necessarily get along were sitting on the edge of their seats
together. When the USA tied the game late, the restaurant erupted.
People were high fiving, hugging each other, and cheering for their
country like they’ve never cheered for their favorite team before.
It was a simply amazing experience for me, and I can only hope that
everyone else enjoyed the Olympic experience as much as I did.
I believe that this could spring board hockey back into the main
stream, and I hope that the momentum from the United States vs.
Canada showdown carries forward to the final few months of the NHL
season. Please be proud to showcase that you enjoy this game, head
down to Joe Louis and support the Red Wings, watch the games at your
rink, and spread the word to non hockey fans about what they are
missing.
The hockey community is the tightest knit group I have ever had the
privilege of being a part of! This sport is more than just my job,
because of roller hockey I have had some amazing experiences, I have
made numerous great friends across the country, and most importantly
met my wife of almost eight years. I can’t thank the people enough
that introduced me to this great sport, and kept me in it for the
last 14 years of my life.
I hope today brought our hockey community closer, and we invite
anyone who isn’t already a part of it to join us with open arms.
See you all at the rink!!!
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