subject: The top 5 most heartbreaking moments in Canadian hockey history ! [print this page] 5 : Loss to the Czech Republic Winter Olympics 1998
This would be the first time we would get a chance to see the worlds best players from each country playing in the Winter Olympic Games. Canadian hockey fans had high expectations for a gold medal and nothing less would satisfy. In the semi finals Canada faced the Czech Republic and goaltender Dominic Hasek ( the dominator ). Canada dominated the play in the 3rd period and the overtime. Even though the score was tied , Canada played the overtime like a team that was down by a goal and desparately looking for an equalizer. I think everyone on the ice , and all the fans watching new that if this game went to a shootout Canada was going to be in big trouble. The Czechs won the shootout and went on to win the gold medal !
4: Bench clearing brawl in the World Junior tournament 1987
Canada played Russia in 1987 in a game known as " the punch up in Piestany ". Russia had already been eliminated from the competition, yet Canda still had a chance at a gold medal. The game simply got out of control and a fight broke out , then escalated to a bench clearing brawl. The two goaltenders meeting at center ice to join in the action. I am not sure that these kids even knew what they were fighting about. In 1987 we were still in the middle of the cold war , and anti Russian and anti communist propaganda was everywhere. We were told that Russia was evil because they did not have freedom of speech and the government was spying on the citizens ? Hmm .. that sounds alot like USA today ? Anyay , Both teams were suspended from the tournament and Canada lost any chance of winning a gold medal.
3: Winter Olympics in Torino 2006
After winning the gold medal in Salt Lake City in 2002 , Canada looked to make it back to back victories with a gold medal in Torino. Canda lost to Switzerland 2-0 , and failed to win a medal. This was probably the worst preformance ever by a Canadian National team.
2: The Wayne Gretzky trade 1988
August 9, 1988 , The best player in Hockey history was traded to the LA Kings. Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington sold Canadas' hockey hero to LA for 15 Million in cash. The trade became knowns as " a kings randsom ". In the press conference to announce the trade , Gretzky broke down and cried , and the Nation cried along with him.
1: Loss to the USA in the World Cup of Hockey 1996
Canada faced USA in the final game of the 1996 World Cup of hockey. Brett Hull opened the scoring for the Americans, ironically Hull is the son of Canadian Hockey legend Bobby Hull. Canada took the lead and led the game until late in the 3rd period when Hull scored a controversial goal that may have been a high stick. The Americans then scored the winning goal just over a minute later. Brett Hull broke the hearts of Canadian hockey fans across the courtry. For the rest of his career he was booed in every Canadian arena he ever played in.
The top 5 most heartbreaking moments in Canadian hockey history !
