Under Pressure

By Ryan Papa

What a crazy trip this has been.  Starting from the time we left Waterloo, all we could talk about is making it to the Gold Medal game, and we finally have achieved that. 

Tomorrow night we will be facing Canada in the final game for the gold medal.  Getting to this spot did not come easy.  We had to play some very good teams and face lots of adversity along the way.  After winning our first game against Czech Republic, spirits were flying high, but we got a wake-up call when we lost to Belarus the second time out. 

With our backs against the wall we were able to defeat Norway along with the host team, the Omsk Hawks.  Taking second place in our division, we were matched up against the top seed in the other division, an undefeated team from Sweden. 

Having a 3-0 lead going into the third period, Sweden came with their biggest push in perhaps the whole tournament.  They scored 4 goals before the halfway mark of the period putting us back on our heels.  It wasn’t until 1.7 seconds left in the game when we finally tied the game forcing overtime.  Both teams went ten minutes of four-on-four hockey without scoring, leading to a shootout.  Both sides’ first scorers missed.  Sweden’s next shooter scored, putting some pressure on Vinnie, who scored also.  Their third and possibly final shooter scored as well.

Then I was up, and I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t nervous.  Having the fate of the team with this one shot was pressure I have never faced before.   I am glad I was able to keep our team alive.  Vinnie was then up next and scored once again which ended up being the game-winner due to Sweden’s next shooter’s failed attempt. 

This was such an intense game and one I will remember for a long time.  Now, all that is on our minds is bringing the gold back for our country, the USHL, the Waterloo Black Hawks, and our families.