Calgary Flames Divided by National Pride Ahead of Canada-U.S. Olympic Hockey Final
The atmosphere at the Saddledome is electric with anticipation as the Calgary Flames find themselves split along national lines in the lead-up to Sunday's monumental Olympic men's hockey gold-medal showdown between Canada and the United States. With Canadian and American players on the roster, plus a European teammate playfully stirring the pot, the NHL club is fully immersed in Olympic fever.
National Lines Drawn in Flames Locker Room
On one side of the divide stand Canadian players like Connor Zary, Morgan Frost, and Zayne Parekh, who are passionately supporting their homeland. On the opposite side, American teammates including Joel Farabee and Matt Coronato are proudly backing the United States. Meanwhile, Belarusian winger Yegor Sharangovich has earned the nickname "shady fan" for his mischievous attempts to heighten the rivalry between his Canadian and American colleagues.
"Sharky's been stirring the pot," Farabee revealed, using Sharangovich's nickname. Frost added, "That's just the way Sharky is. When we were watching the last game, everyone was watching closely, and it was mostly Canadian guys wanting us to win, and then there was Sharky."
Unique Perspective as Professional Peers
The Flames players bring a distinctive viewpoint to the Olympic tournament, as they personally know most of the athletes competing on the ice. Having played with or against numerous participants throughout their careers, they watch the games with insider knowledge yet experience the same intense patriotic pride as any fan.
"I think it's awesome," Farabee elaborated. "For me, getting to play with some of the guys who were on the Olympic team is cool. It's the sense of pride for your country. It's not rooting for your favorite team or whatever the case is, it's rooting for your country, and I think that goes an even longer way than rooting for your favorite NHL team. I feel the excitement of just being a fan watching this stuff."
Friendly Banter and Early Morning Viewing
Lighthearted chirping has become commonplace among teammates, with side bets expected before the puck drops on Sunday's highly anticipated clash. The early 6 a.m. MT start time means players won't gather as a group to watch, but they'll be cheering passionately from their homes, mirroring the excitement felt across Calgary.
"As you're watching, it kind of grows and you feel the national pride," Frost noted. "A few of my best buddies are American, and I hang out with them all day, so there might be some side action."
Childlike Excitement Reignited
Despite their professional careers, the Canada-U.S. rivalry manages to transform these NHL veterans into enthusiastic supporters, rekindling childhood emotions. Connor Zary captured this sentiment perfectly: "It's kinda weird—you play against those guys, but once it becomes Canada in the Olympics, you're a little kid again. It's a little bit different when you play against these guys and see them on the other side of the ice day-by-day, but it's just so exciting when it turns into a Canada-U.S. game."
The entire Saddledome community is feeling the heightened energy surrounding this classic hockey rivalry, proving that national pride transcends professional boundaries and unites players and fans alike in anticipation of Sunday's historic Olympic final.
