I guess there are really only three ways to get publicity if you are a female athlete...
1. You do something crazy.
2. You play against the boys.
3. You play tennis.
I suppose Women's hockey has ventured a little into category 1. After the Canadians defeated the Americans 2-0 in the gold medal game, they celebrated by breaking out the beer and champagne while a few even lit up a few cigars. Initially, I thought this was awesome. Where else do you see this kind of honest celebration by these teams? In an age where most teams are the products of corporate marketing machines, it is good to see a team that you know enjoyed the victory for the purest of reasons. I mean, there isn't a major women's hockey league, so these players are almost purely amateurs. They won't be playing for big contratcts or shoe (skate?) deals, so this is very likely the last time any of these women will be in a situation where they get to play on the biggest stage possible.
That said, there are a few things that are a little unsettling. First, one of the players enjoying the alcohol was underage, and whatever your feelings on underage drinking, this is a seriously bad message sent by this team. Which leads to point number two, these women are role models, and if they want to celebrate this way on their own time, then that's fine. However, doing so on an international stage makes the team appear irresponsible.
In the end, do I think it's a big deal? No. They just achieved something that is very important and special to them, but they kinda went overboard. The IOC should scold them, and they should apologize (which I think they have already). For me, that's enough; it's really a non-story.
Blame Canada!
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