USA just doesn't get it
Sun, September 12, 2004
USA just doesn't get it
By MIKE ULMER, TORONTO SUN
HERE'S WHAT'S wrong with USA Hockey. Ron Wilson, a guy who you liked less and less with every word that tumbled from his mouth, was eulogizing Chris Chelios' career with USA Hockey after the Americans lost Friday night's semi-final against Finland.
Chelios is 42, a veteran of 20 years with the American program and has probably played his final game for Team USA.
"He has been a fantastic ambassador for U.S. hockey and for the NHL," Wilson said. "He's a class act."
Pardon me while I barf.
The biggest problem for USA Hockey is one of an almost constant delusion, that Chris Chelios is a fantastic ambassador, that Wilson can galvanize talent, that the Americans' win at the world juniors is a preview of a vast new wave of talent.
Let's blow up some myths here.
First, Chelios.
When Team USA distinguished themselves as the most disappointing team at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, Chelios was their captain. When they vandalized some otherwise innocent chairs in the Olympic village, it was Chelios and players' association maven Bob Goodenow who orchestrated the information shutdown. The Americans held ranks, and disgraced themselves and the game. Ah, unity.
When NHL owners locked out the players in 1994, it was Chelios who threatened Gary Bettman, albeit indirectly through the prospect of a demented fan.
Yeah, there's an ambassador for you. Let's see, Wayne Gretzky, Chris Chelios. Wayne Gretzky, Chris Chelios.
This isn't an attack on Chris Chelios. Despite his age, he took a regular turn on the American blue line and acquitted himself quite well.
It's just the delusion thing.
Through the tournament, the American old guard was eulogized as proud warriors, standardbearers for a vigorous program that built on the Miracle on Ice of 1980.
During Chelios' tenure, the U.S. finished fourth at the 1981 and 1984 Canada Cups, fifth in 1987, second in 1991, first in 1996 and out of the final this time.
In Olympic tournaments in which the U.S. could bring its NHLers, it finished second in Salt Lake and fifth in Nagano.
Yeah, sad to see that dynasty die.
Look, Chelios, Brian Leetch, Brett Hull and Mike Richter ushered in a vastly more competitive era of U.S. hockey. Good on them.
And yes, Scott Gomez, Jamie Langenbrunner, Jordan Leopold and Robert Esche give the Americans some building blocks for the future.
But some perspective here... (Story)
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by lordofgun
