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Around 2pm Canadians came stumbling and bumbling out of their houses and began the trek to friends, family or local bars. Traffic was the same as a weekday as every Canuck, following an imperative born of our passion for hockey, went in search of the perfect place to watch the game. The game. Our game. Tension was palpable and no one wanted to think the worst, that we could lose.  Shuffling Canucks, that’s all I saw as we approached 3pm.

I was completely taken aback at just how nervous I was. I had been losing sleep the night before every game but by Sunday I was at a boil. No Superbowl, Kentucky Derby or big fight had ever left me so wound up. I like having the best hockey team in the world. I wanted desperately to see a Canadian win. The thought of watching America win the Gold was as enticing a prospect as a date with Rosy O’Donnell.

I hit the Rail at game time and was delighted to find the Beat Poet in attendance. It’s been a wild eight years since we tore the roof off the since closed Manchester Arms when Canada won gold at Salt Lake. Eight years. Wow. It was just perfect to be together again as the puck was dropped. So much has changed and it would feel almost maudlin to run through a checklist. Suffice to say the best development was the emergence of Baby Beat Poet.

It was a game that surpassed even the wildest expectations. Canada had the initial jump, but the Americans were unrelenting as they continuously fought their way back into the game. For the first time since 1980 the home country won the gold at home. And, my oh my, how we partied…yeah, this is being typed one painful letter at a time - I think my blood is currently 20% Jagger, the rest beer. But it’s a sweet, sweet hangover, one I can live with.

Sidney Crosby has moved effortlessly through the momentous stages; prospect, phenom, Stanley Cup Champion and now, legend. With an overtime winner that ranks, perhaps, only behind Henderson’s dramatics, Canada was propelled to the top of the podium, a result that seemed scarcely plausible only a week ago.

It was a beautiful finish to an Olympics that took Canada by storm. The Beat Poet made the point that only the media has whined and complained. The Canadian populace has been absolutely enthralled. It’s a day for reminiscing and celebrating…and going to bed early. As in right now…