The Flyers practiced Sunday but had to stop for a few hours to watch (like everyone in Canada) the men’s gold medal game between Team Canada and Team USA. The States came out on top in a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory, but a few Flyers on both sides of the fence spoke about the game itself and their thoughts.
Trevor Zegras, who is a friend of the Hughes brothers, including game-winning goal scored Jack Hughes, was riveted to the screen like most people.
“Yeah, it was sweet,” Zegras said after Sunday’s practice. “Obviously, I kind of grew up with Jack in the US program. I mean they played so great and for him to get the winner, it was crazy. So, cool.”
When asked what the difference in the game might have been, Zegras pointed to Team Canada’s big three (Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Macklin Celebrini) being kept off the scoresheet when it mattered most.
“I don’t think they got on the board, those big three — that top line — which was pretty impressive,” he said. “The penalty kill I think it was 100 per cent all tournament. They killed off a pretty big five-on-three. And then Jack obviously took one at the end of the game (high stick) which was tough. I thought the penalty kill and the defense was outstanding.”
As for a friendly wager on the game, the Flyers winger said he was far “too superstitious” to put money on the tilt. He also said the game was a bit of motivation for him seeing his friends who he trains with and knows for some time coming through in the clutch.
Meanwhile, Flyers goalie Dan Vladar returned from representing Team Czechia in the tournament and practiced with the team on Sunday. “It was awesome,” he said. “Obviously you never know as a hockey player if you’re ever going to have a chance to go back to the Olympics again. So I was trying to enjoy every moment, every second there which I thought I did. But as we know, just one goal in overtime and it would’ve been a happier ending for us.” Vladar was of course referring to Czechia’s loss to Canada in overtime on Mitch Marner’s winner which sent Team Canada into the semis against Finland.
Cam York happy (and richer) with the outcome
Defenseman Cam York added that the competition is the best of the best. “To actually have that happen, especially right now with the talent that the US has and the talent that Canada has, it just made for a sick game,” he said. “Just really happy for all those guys who were able to beat that team.”
And unlike Zegras, York said he ended up pocketing $100 after making a bet with Tyson Foerster on the outcome. “Obviously everyone wanted Sanny (Travis Sanheim) to play really well and I thought he played really well. Obviously it’s tough for him to lose that, but happy for the Americans too.”
As for how he saw the game for the US, Sanheim credited goaltender Connor Hellebuyck but also the five guys in front of him at all times in keeping the likes of McDavid and MacKinnon from registering a point in the gold medal game. “It wasn’t a pretty game I don’t think, some of the blocked shots that they had, McAvoy saving one of the goals in there, that’s what it takes to win gold. There were so many crazy plays in that game, I honestly might watch it all over again to take some stuff from it.”
Now, while some people might have been a little more reserved, York said he was one of a few guys who were “hooting and hollering” when Hughes scored the goal that beat Jordan Binnington and Team Canada. “It was an incredible game to watch.”
It’ll be a game that is memorable for many reasons, depending on what side of the border you’re on.
