EDMONTON – Bars, pubs, and living rooms across Edmonton were filled with the energy of hockey fans early Sunday morning, as people rose before the sun to cheer on Team Canada to Olympic gold.
“I don’t even know what to say, what words to use to describe the performance they put on today,” said Jeff Husted. “Complete, utter domination. Not even close.”
Husted was one of hundreds of people who gathered at Hudsons Canadian Taphouse on Whyte Avenue to watch Team Canada defend its Olympic title against Sweden in the gold medal match.
READ MORE: Team Canada wins gold, beating Sweden 3-0 in men’s Olympic hockey
For staff at the popular pub, the shift was long, but bartender Steve Jodoin says it was definitely worth it.
“It’s been non-stop since 8:00 p.m. last night. When we were shutting down to reopen this morning there was already a lineup, so you could feel the vibe already,” he said. “You’re getting paid to watch the game and the vibe here is just unreal, so it’s fantastic.”
Despite some initial hesitation by some about bars being allowed to open and serve alcohol at 5:00 a.m., Jodoin says the crowd at Hudsons was very well behaved.
“Everybody was just in such a good mood and it was so loud. My voice is gone right now, but it’s great.”
Watch below: Hockey game means increased business for some
The game was defensive, as expected, and goaltender Carey Price was perfect as Team Canada went on to shut out Sweden 3-0, winning back-to-back Olympic gold.
“They played amazing. Every play they played was on spot, everything they did was unreal and Sweden has nothing on Canada right now,” said Alyssa Wawryklw who also watched the game at Hudsons.
Following the victory, fans broke out into song, proudly belting out the national anthem.
Watch below: Fans in Edmonton belt out O Canada after the gold medal win
A perfect end for Canadian fans who say they wouldn’t even think about sleeping through it.
“I’m so proud to be a Canadian right now,” Husted said. “This is our game.”
Comments