York residents like Olympic hockey team's chances

Crosby the key, but watch out for Americans

YorkRegion.com
January 12, 2014
By Adam Martin-Robbins

The Olympic Winter Games are still weeks away, but people from across York Region are already getting pumped up, especially about Canada’s recently announced hockey team.

Ada Schiavello thinks the squad has a good shot at netting a gold medal.

“They’re young. They’re energetic,” said the Maple resident on her way to watch her grandson play hockey. “They look like they’re full of life and raring to go.”

Among the youngest on the 25-player roster are King City’s Alex Pietrangelo and Unionville’s Steven Stamkos.

The 23-year-olds make their Olympic debut in Sochi, Russia.

The games officially get under way Feb. 7.

Team Canada’s first game is against Norway Feb. 13.

Andrew Laprocina can hardly wait.

He thinks Canada could go all the way in hockey, especially with superstar Sidney Crosby the team.

But, he said, they might face some stiff competition from their rivals south of the border.

“I think the U.S. has a good shot as well,” the 8-year-old Woodbridge resident said.

Massimo Mastrangelo is a big Sidney Crosby fan too.

He and his father, Pat, are also quite optimistic about Crosby and the gang’s prospects.

“I think Canada’s got a good chance at winning gold,” Mr. Mastrangelo said. “They’ve got a good team. They deserve to win it.”

Of course, not everyone is super excited about the Winter Games.

Chris Vlad and his son, Matteo say they’ll probably watch some hockey and, maybe, some of the skiing events.

But Mr. Vlad really prefers the Summer Games.

Same goes for Heinz Mueller.

Frankly, he’d much rather watch soccer.

And he’s not convinced Canada’s hockey team can bring home the gold either.

“They don’t practise together long enough,” said the King City resident. “They should play together for months, not just a few weeks before.”