From the Winter Games: Home hockey hopes are high

An hour before the puck dropped in the Gangneung Hockey Centre, fans of Team USA were ready to pack the arena. The winter weather unseasonably warm, the beer was cold and the fans were in a festive mood.

Dr. Peter Heetderks, of the Critical Care Unit at WakeMed is here. He and three friends skied for a few days in Japan then flew to the Winter Games. “We weren't sure we were going to hockey today.” This fan of the Carolina Hurricanes was happy to have a ticket.

Two of the quartet are from northern California. They ordered special coveralls online, and with beer in hand told me, “We’re just getting warmed up.”

All around Olympic Park people are excited about this game. Team USA has to win to advance to the quarterfinal. Sam Park’s parents live here in South Korea. She lives in Boston. Wearing a headband holding both small flags of the US and Korea she grins from ear to ear and says, “My family is from Korea, but I’m cheering for America today.”

If you enjoy hockey you know it’s a game that, once under your veins, stays forever. I saw my first game when I was 12. The old Southern League in Nashville and our own Dixie Flyers. Marv Edwards in goal. These were pre-mask days (56 years ago), and when he flashed a smile it was like a jack-o-lantern. Many teeth knocked out.

What a game to watch. In the south. Land of sunshine and little snow or ice, we had landed a winter sport. A sport where ten guys holding what amount to spears moving close to 20 miles an hour with razor sharp knives on their feet. They’re desperately trying to slap a tiny piece of hard rubber into a net. With the combined footwork of a boxer and ballet dancer they dart and move and pass while the other team is trying to knock them literally to the ice.

Dexterity, finesse and yes, some violence, in a game that is often low scoring but action that’s high octane.

Ralph Wuebker is here with his family today. While his wife and children held forth with chants of “USA, USA, USA,” Wuebker told me this is a sport that personifies “the Olympic spirit.” He spent money on airfare, Airbnb and passes to the games just for this moment. “We have the opportunity to experience other cultures and lifestyles and just to have a great time.” All the time, of course, hoping for a win.

In a sport where fists are often thrown in anger and frustration, and a king of the mountain attempt to dominate, that was not the case today. All of the fans we talked with saw a clean, hard-fought game. Professionals and amateurs here for the love of the game and love of country.

They should be happy. It’s on the quarterfinal and the Czech Republic.