When a community, a city or a nation is struck by tragedy what does one do? Some may turn to loved ones such as family and friends. Some may turn to religion to pray. These comforts that we seek can only last so long. The cruel reality is that life goes on. We must pick ourselves up, brush off the debris, and keep moving forward. This is easier said than done. Unfortunately, the citizens of not only Ottawa but the nation of Canada have been shaken from last week’s shootings in the nations capital. Once the dust settled, questions were answered, and lockdowns lifted, the strong people of Canada put on their boots, or ties, or skates and went on with life.
A community, a city, and a nation in shock needed a breath of fresh air. They needed and deserved, a time to forget and rejoice as a nation. Sporting events have presented themselves a temporary healing salve for cities and countries recovering from dramatic events. Who can forget the New Orleans Saints returning to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina almost destroyed their city? Who can forget David Ortiz’s inspiring and explicit speech to the people of Boston after the marathon bombings? Most famously, who can forget Mike Piazza’s homerun ten days after 9/11 that even brought a smile to firefighters and police officers around New York City? These sporting events offer a couple of hours of normalcy and togetherness that inspire cities and bring people together.
Canada had the unique opportunity to reunite the country through three hockey games on Saturday night. The Toronto Maple Leafs hosted the Boston Bruins, the Montreal Canadiens hosted the New York Rangers, and the Ottawa Senators hosted the New Jersey Devils. A nation joined in unison to watch their national pastime, and support the teams they love with one another. The pregame ceremony conducted in Ottawa was broadcast to both Toronto and Montreal as the nation honored the two soldiers who lost their lives. They also joined together in the singing of, “Oh Canada,” an anthem that has been embraced by the SLU community. For two hours a nation was able to relax, rejoice and enjoy rooting for their teams. Sometimes these sporting events whether it is a hockey game, a football game, or a baseball game, can be the cure for a city in distress. Even though the Devils spoiled a storybook ending for Ottawa in overtime fans left the stadium with a sense of satisfaction; a feeling that things will return to normal, and that Canada, “the true north strong and free,” will be stronger and more united than ever before.