This afternoon marks the 30th anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice” hockey game between Team USA and the USSR. I have blogged about the event previously, reflecting upon some recent trips I have made to Lake Placid, NY.
Last night I witnessed an incredible game as well. No, it was not even close to the drama surrounding the events of thirty years ago. Last night showed me how much I love Olympic hockey. With fewer commercial interruptions and teams playing as if every game truly matters, the end result is often end-to-end action. Last night we got to see two of the top teams meet during group play. If we are lucky, we will get to see these two teams meet again next Sunday.
But that’s not why I am writing this post. This post is about the empty net goal by Ryan Kesler (who happens to play for the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL). The effort displayed by Kesler was nothing short of amazing, and it made me think about luck, preparation, and opportunity. Watch the video for yourself. You’ll see Kesler start his sprint down the ice for the puck, giving every ounce of energy he had, and getting in position to swipe at the puck towards the goal:
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/assetid=e51ac19b-50fb-4853-8bfa-37a60b767cc1.html
Some can look back and say “lucky goal”. But I know better. Kesler has sprinted down the ice thousands of times in his life. This one was different. This was his moment. This was his time. It wasn’t luck. He was born to be a hockey player. He was prepared. He saw his opportunity. The previous 59 minutes didn’t really matter, everyone knows Canada can play better than they did yesterday and in six days we may find out that harsh reality, all that matters is watching one man give everything he had to make one play. I could watch video of that play again and again.
And I can also watch this one again and again:
Happy anniversary Team USA, and thank you for the inspiration you have provided to me for the past thirty years. Any time I think about what it truly takes to be a team, I think of you.
I agree, seeing someone go that hard is great to see. It was a great game last night and lots of fun to watch.