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I spent Friday in a daze, worried that the dream match-up could not possibly happen (would Slovakia - Finland fire you up?).

Hey, I’m a fight fan.

But after one of the most heart stopping third periods in Olympic history, we have the mouth watering showdown every Canuck craves, USA vs. God’s Team of Angels, err, I mean Canada (biased much?).

Last night I even did the unthinkable and the unprecedented; I cheered for Patrick Marleau.

It’s the time to put aside all petty hatreds and objections and savour this poignant moment. I relish my recollections of the fabled 2002 win - all of Canada marching up and down streets, me and Mr and Mrs Beat Poet rejoicing in the middle of Yonge and Eglinton, laughing, singing, and celebrating in a fashion at odds with our reserved demeanor.

And, tomorrow, we’re going to do it all over again.

American hockey players have ceaselessly prattled on about how much they “hate” Canadian players. Tomorrow they’re going to have even more of a reason to be bitter. They’re going home with silver…

ICE…the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks and Detroit Red Wings, with eight representatives, all tied for the sending the most players to the Olympics. Strangely, the Ducks and Red Wings are in the fight of their lives to simply qualify for the playoffs…Marian Gaborik left Friday’s game against Canada with an injury. The New York Ranger sniper has had an astounding year, largely because he has avoided the groin and hip problems that have plagued his career…Miikka Kiprusoff, who threatened to boycott the Olympics if he wasn’t named starter of the Finnish squad, allowed four goals on seven shots before being pulled against the USA…the Boston Herald is reporting the Bruins are interested in Leaf Tomas Kaberle. Sheesh, do the Buds really want to trade with Boston again? The last two trades are still proving contentious and controversial in the Big Smoke with, in particular, the move of Tuukka Rask for Andrew Raycroft ranking as one of the worst trades in NHL history. The verdict is still out on the Phil Kessel move…

GRID IRON…the St Louis Rams are emphatically denying rumours that they may trade their brilliant running back Steven Jackson. The runner may be the best in the NFL but has struggled on an appalling team. Trading Jackson would bring a package of picks and allow the Rams to boost their rebuilding efforts. It would also be an act of kindness…do you know anyone who needs these daily updates on Brett Favre’s status? After ending his last two playoff runs with acts of incomprehensible stupidity, interceptions that cost his teams wins, I’m surprised the Minnesota Vikings are willing to cough up 13 million for Favre Part Two…

PUG LIFE…James Toney and promoter Dan Goossen are pushing hard for a fight with Vladimir Klitschko. The 41 year old Toney last fought in Sept and weighed a relatively svelte 217 lbs, his lightest in six years. Toney is 5-10 with a 72 inch reach. Vladimir Klitschko is 6-6 with an 82 inch reach. “Lights Out” is revered by purists and deserves status as one of the greatest fighters of all time. But his inability to train (he refuses to run) and his suspensions for steroid use have undermined his credibility. Can’t see allot of demand for this fight though, having said that, there is no way I wouldn’t watch…two weeks to Pacquiao - Clottey and the promotion seems to be building beautifully. The more casual fans look into the match-up the more they appreciate its weight and legitimacy. Clottey has fine wins over fighters like Diego Corrales and Zab Judah and probably deserved the decision over Miguel Cotto last June…

PONIES…D Wayne Lukas reports Dublin emerged from the Southwest Stakes in perfect condition and will use the Rebel and Arkansas Derby as his final preps for Kentucky. Lukas calls Dublin “a very special horse”…the second Kentucky Derby futures pool is scheduled for next weekend. I passed on the first pool. The only logical play was the “all others” option but, at a skimpy 3-2, it was hardly enticing. Some nice runners have emerged since that pool (and also some false runners) and I’m optimistic this pool will be far more intriguing…

RANDOM…classic Courtney Love; the lead singer of Hole has explained how she could arrive in any city in the world and find drugs. Interested? Here’s how; she would call up an escort agency and ask for their ugliest hooker. The homeliest sex trade worker, Love explained, always knew how to get drugs. Love claimed the trick worked in places as diverse as Cleveland, Ohio and Cologne, Germany…