USA to Defend Their Gold Medal Against Russia

SOCHI —The United States sled hockey overcame its first major hurdle —soundly beating Canada, 3-0. The Americans now play in a not-so-surprising gold medal game, but against a surprising opponent: Russia. When the United States and Russia take to the ice Saturday at noon Eastern Time, both teams will be met by a thunderous hometown crowd.

America seeks its third gold medal in 12 years, while Russia has never medaled (this is Russia’s first time having a sled hockey team in the Paralympics). America’s average player age is 24.1 years-old, while Russia’s is 29.5 years-old. Both teams are 3-2 in the Paralympic tournament so far, and both teams shutout their semifinal opponent to reach the gold medal game.

Throw out all the numbers, though, and focus on the fact that it is the United States against Russia. We are past the Cold War and the Miracle on Ice is now 34 years ago. Regardless of what was, the hype now surrounds what is. Saturday is for the gold in the premiere event of the Winter Paralympics. The host nation battles a foe that seeks to defend its Vancouver dominance en route to the top podium spot.