Am I breaking some kind of international code by wanting Teemu Selanne and Team Finland to take home Olympic Gold?
Is it wrong to root against my own country as I have with the annoyingly good Team USA?
Is it wrong to look at Team USA's captain and cringe. Much like watching Canadian super baby Sidney Crosby whine at every call?
Inquiring minds want to know!
Selanne is retiring. We all know that. Selanne is known as the 'Finnish Flash' for very good reasons. First he is Finnish. Second, he one of the greatest to ever skate on NHL ice.
He has been everything to the Anaheim Ducks franchise, from super star to ambassador. He is probably one of the few Ducks that is recognized everywhere he goes...even from non-hockey fans.
Plus, in many ways, Teemu is a better American than most Americans. He's amiable. He's humble. He's approachable. He's a family man. He's heavily involved in charities, both in Orange County and beyond. Simply put....he is a fine human being, not just a fine hockey player.
I want HIM to be successful. Selanne played a significant role in getting his Olympic team by the hometown Russians. His goal and assist in the quarterfinals broke the heart of an entire nation and I enjoyed every moment of it. He deserves it. He is tremendous talent and a tremendous person.
Soemtime the good guy needs to finish first (no pun intended..OK maybe a little.)
Additionally, what would could possibly be better than winning a gold medal and a Stanley Cup in your farewell season? Talk about a story book finish...no pun intended (seriously, this time).
I'm am rooting for Selanne a Team Finland. I am rooting against the USA and Canada and that is all I have to say.
Finland! Finland! Finland!
Who's with me? Follow me on Twitter! @StevePalumboHTW
On Facebook at StevePalumboNHL
Email me at StevePalumboNHL@gmail.com
