Even after leading the Toronto Blue Jays to their first World Series appearance in over 30 years, manager John Schneider is finding more ways to endear himself with fans north of the border.
As the American League champions continued Spring Training in Florida on Thursday, the soon-to-be fifth-year bench boss didn't mince words when asked about who he'd be rooting for between Canada and the United States, specifically in men's hockey, at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
"I want (Canada) to win, not the U.S.," Schneider admitted. "I said it, documented. I think Canada has the best hockey in the world, so I want Canada to win the Olympics."
As does every other hockey-loving Canadian, as they cheer for a squad that includes NHLers for the first time in 12 years.
While Schneider was born in Princeton, N.J., the 45-year-old would like to group himself with those backing the red and white over the red, white and blue as he described himself as an "honourary Canadian."
Schneider added that he was gifted a Canadian hockey jersey that included his name on the back.
And thankfully for the Blue Jays manager, the team is off to a good start in hopefully making his hopes come true. The Canadian men opened their round-robin schedule with a dominant 5-0 win over Czechia on Thursday.
