Oh Canada, III

Talk about the game within the game. I was more excited to tear myself away from work early today to see what would happen during the national anthems than I was about the actual hockey game!

As it turns out, like is so common in international incidents, it was nothing more than a big misunderstanding. The folks north of "the world's friendliest border" really are our friends, and meant nothing by the ruckus the last time the Sharks andOilers met in Edmonton.

You see, the first time it seemed as if the Star Spangled Banner was intentionally booed. I thought it was a political statement — was Edmonton was the Berkeley of Canada? No, the jeering merely coincided with a poorly timed display of an image of one of the Sharks' best players, Joe Thornton.

Well, the San Jose fans took affront, and soundly booed "O Canada". It was a purposeful boo — both at the offense taken during the anthem and the offense taken on the ice, with Edmonton employing a strategy of beating up the Sharks hottest scorers (the Marleau line) while containing Big Joe Thornton.

So now… with the Tivo pausing the game (time-shifting so I can skip over the commercials), I felt a need to inform the blogosphere immediately. People need to know that the Edmonton fans stood and cheered during the entire Star Spangled Banner, and then in unison, sung "O Canada" proudly and loudly… glorious, and free!

Meanwhile, I drank a beer to our own anthem. But that story deserves it's own post… after the game. Go Sharks!!