THE Gold Medal Game.....

Let me put some context around this...

In 2005, Canada launched the "Own the Podium" campaign to provide funding to Canadian sports targetting the 2012 Olympics so there was expectation that Canada would wallop the rest in the medal tally. Unfortunately, many of the medal hopefuls had not finished in the top three so there was a lot of pressure and much disolution in the Own the Podium mantra.

Hockey (as it is known here - the game played on grass is called Field Hockey) was first played in Ontario way back sometime in the 1800's and the theme was picked up in Olympic commercials "Whose game is it anyway?"

.... and with the girls winning gold - there was great pressure on the men!

So here we are on game day. Adrienne arranged a prime table at the pub for us in front of the screen. Peter was actually attending the game. Two periods down, and likely two bottles of wine down. Canada in the lead. 24 seconds from the end of the third period, the game is as good as won, the crowd is loud and ready to party. Adrienne is on the phone with Peter - "oh no, oh no" he cries, "oh what?" says Adrienne (slight delay in broadcast) and yes, America scores to tie the game with 24 seconds to go. The pub goes silent.

Overtime, sudden death, the first to score wins. You can hear a pin drop. Adrienne can't watch. Hold my hand Kate, I cannot bear it... And out of nowhere CROSBY SCORES!!! CANADA WINS GOLD! The pub erupts in a wave of red.

Who owns the podium?

Whose game is it anyway?

Oh Canada...