It’s usually considered a disappointment when Canada wins a non-gold medal at an international hockey tournament.
That wasn’t the case at Pyeongchang 2018, though, as Canada’s men’s team — a group of journeymen, NHL castoffs and misfits from around the hockey world — was all smiles after avenging a preliminary-round loss to the Czech Republic and winning bronze on the penultimate day of the Games.
It had been 50 years since the last time Canada’s men’s hockey team won Olympic bronze. Canada had taken home gold in three of the past four Winter Games and hadn’t played for bronze since 1998 in Nagano, Japan when it fell to Finland.
Saturday’s game had plenty of chances at both ends of the ice but it was Canada’s veterans that proved to be the difference.
Derek Roy, of 738 regular-season NHL contests, finished the tournament with seven points in six games and chipped in with a key goal in the first period.
Derek Roy nets a 'beauty' from Brandon Kozun 3-1 #PyeongChang2018 @RBC pic.twitter.com/GrE0GPDu6I
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 24, 2018
Andrew Ebbett, the epitome of a journeyman who has played on 13 teams across three leagues in the past 12 years, had a pair of goals including this nifty tip-in.
Andrew Ebbett tips one up top 4-1 #PyeongChang2018 pic.twitter.com/SjRVQBsf2w
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 24, 2018
Chris Kelly, Canada’s 37-year-old captain in what might have been be the final hockey game of his career, also had two and scored what ended up being the game-winner.
Chris Kelly scores his 2nd of the game making it 5-2 #PyeongChang2018 @RBC pic.twitter.com/ks69zHSc3W
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 24, 2018
It seemed every time Canada scored to extend its lead the Czechs would fire back only seconds later, yet the Canadians held on for a 6-4 victory.
Here is some more reaction to Canada winning bronze.
Ice Hockey – Men Bronze Medal Game
Bronze #CAN
Congratulations! #PyeongChang2018 #IceHockey #Canada pic.twitter.com/3rHMkC6kFx
— PyeongChang 2018 (@pyeongchang2018) February 24, 2018
Bronze baby! #PyeongChang2018 pic.twitter.com/x2ZslKxi2w
— Team Canada Men (@HC_Men) February 24, 2018
Canada wins men's hockey bronze, defeating the Czech Republic 6-4
29th medal of the Gameshttps://t.co/NMok01UOW8 pic.twitter.com/abzRqmjmZ5
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 24, 2018
Congratulations @HC_Men! Bring that bronze home.#BelieveWeCAN pic.twitter.com/3Hp088mWWE
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) February 24, 2018
Watch the Canadian men's hockey team get their bronze medals after defeating the Czech Republic 6-4 #medalmania pic.twitter.com/wcQivtG3DJ
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 24, 2018
#TeamCanada
pic.twitter.com/sGMYkXD14B— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) February 24, 2018
That sweet bronze medal feeling @HC_Menhttps://t.co/SJNQfmQP4Y pic.twitter.com/vdZRxMlv2W
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 24, 2018
Always great to win your last game. Bronze for Canada.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) February 24, 2018
#TeamCanadaArmy back at it for a men hockey bronze! This @TeamCanada is money #GoCanada #Olympics pic.twitter.com/OVEgIe8kVt
— Philippe Marquis (@MarquisPhil) February 24, 2018
This wasn't your typical "Elite" @HC_Men' team were used to seeing @ the #Olympics. These guys played with so much pride and determination, they deserved to be there, they DESERVED to play for @TeamCanada! Thank You and Great Job on your #bronze victory! #WeAllPlayForCanada pic.twitter.com/jVWRchHzCx
— Jeremy (@jeremy_habs) February 24, 2018
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