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

Canada's men's hockey team had a long and storied history, but they had not won an Olympic gold medal since 1952. In the 50 years that followed, the Canadians had come close on several occasions, but they always seemed to fall short at the final hurdle.

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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All of that changed in 2002, when a team led by Wayne Gretzky finally broke the drought. The Canadians defeated the United States in the gold medal game, and Gretzky was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

The Road to Salt Lake City

The Gretzky-led Canadians entered the 2002 Winter Olympics as one of the favorites to win the gold medal. They had a team full of NHL stars, including Joe Sakic, Mario Lemieux, and Paul Kariya.

Canada began the tournament with a 5-2 win over Germany. They then defeated the Czech Republic, 3-0, and Sweden, 5-2, to finish first in their pool.

In the quarterfinals, Canada faced off against Russia. The Russians were a tough opponent, but the Canadians eventually prevailed, 5-2.

In the semifinals, Canada faced off against Belarus. The Belarusians were a surprise team, but the Canadians were too much for them, winning 7-1.

The gold medal game was a rematch of the 1998 final, when Canada lost to the United States. This time, however, the Canadians were determined to win gold.

The Gold Medal Game

The gold medal game was a close and exciting affair. The United States took an early lead, but Canada came back to tie the game in the second period.

The game went into overtime, and it looked like it might be decided by a shootout. However, with just over a minute remaining in overtime, Paul Kariya scored a goal to give Canada the victory.

The Canadians erupted in joy, and Gretzky was hoisted onto the shoulders of his teammates. Canada had finally won the Olympic gold medal, and Gretzky had played a major role in the victory.

The Legacy of the Gretzky Men

The Gretzky-led Canadians were one of the most dominant hockey teams in history. They won the gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics, and they also won the World Championships in 2003 and 2004.

The Gretzky Men were more than just a hockey team. They were a symbol of Canadian pride and unity. They showed the world that Canada could still produce great hockey players, and they inspired a new generation of Canadians to play the game.

The legacy of the Gretzky Men lives on today. They are remembered as one of the greatest hockey teams of all time, and they continue to inspire Canadians to strive for excellence.

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