Calgarians held watch parties as Team Canada got a silver medal Thursday in women’s hockey. Dozens of people gathered at Calgary’s Olympic Oval to support the team and watch the gold medal final. “Cheer on Team Canada and spend time with each other and enjoy cheering on women’s hockey,” said Julia Melnyk, who came with friends from her soccer team. “It feels awesome to have everybody come together the community be together, ” said Katie De Boer in marketing and communications at Olympic Oval. Team Canada led most of the game with one goal before the U.S. tied the game with minutes to go. In the 3-on-3 overtime the U.S. scored to win gold a heartbreaking loss but Calgarians are proud with Canada’s place on the podium. “You know silver is just as honourable,” said Janet. The watch party included a former three-time Olympian who understands the impact of knowing people are cheering back at home. “From my own perspective, I would say it sometimes it’s pressure sometimes it’s extra motivation. You want to do right by the people who were close and didn’t make it either,” said Vince De Hatrie, who has competed for Team Canada in speedskating and cycle track. Others cheering on Team Canada hope to make the Winter Games in the future. “It makes me feel very achievable you know to see people that I grew up with, compete against, and it’s an exciting moment to even support my friends,” said speedskater Bon Lowe. Hockey fans will now turn their attention to the men’s team Friday at 8:40 a.m. The winner will go for gold on Sunday.
