An Olympic Hero, Hockey in the Olympics
Ice hockey games weren’t an actual event in the Olympic Games until the 1920’s. It was originally part of the Summer Olympics. However, people found that didn’t make much sense at all, seeing as all the ice had melted in the summer. So, in 1924, ice hockey was transferred to the Winter Olympic Games. The most well known of the ice hockey Olympic games was probably the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. This Olympic was right in the heart of the Cold War Era, when the United States was fervently competing with the Soviet Union in anything and everything from schooling to sports. The Soviets were believed to have the upper hand and were the favorites coming into the match. However, the United States managed to pull a victory against the Soviets, which resulted in the event being deemed, “The miracle on ice”. Ice hockey has steadily grown in popularity in the Winter Olympics. Usually, twelve teams compete in the ice hockey event and winner is decided by a point system and elimination. The United States has faired well in the past years with the largest rival being Canada. In 2006 however, the United States lost to Sweden, the first time it was defeated by another country other than Canada. Originally, NHL players were not allowed to compete in the Olympics. However, for the 2010 Olympics coming up, NHL players will be allowed to join the ice hockey team for the first time in history. It ought to be an exciting tournament, so don’t forget to tune in and watch!
