USA men's hockey team didn't quit

Re: "Team USA shows plenty of quit in dismal finish" article of Feb. 23.

Many people after watching the USA men's Olympic hockey game believed that the team merely quit after their loss the day prior to North American rival Canada. However, optimistic hockey fans like myself would contend otherwise.

Take the first period for example. USA shots on goal: 12 to Finland's 8. The U.S. team showed up to play right off the bat. However, Finland realized that their goal of victory was not going to come easy and they would have to fight hard to capture the bronze medal, which is exactly what they did.

Two goals within the first 2 minutes of second period play, and just like that, Finland took control of the game.

After scoring three more, heartbreak was evident on the faces of the stunned American men as they shook the hands of the elated Finnish athletes.

Yes, the U.S. didn't play their best game, but did they simply 'quit'? Not exactly, they played a full 60 minutes, but unnecessary penalties as well as lack of offense proved to be the killing factor in the our nation's hopes of a men's hockey bronze. However, don't say that this capped off an unsuccessful Olympics for these men.

Think back to the nationwide pride that we experienced just days prior when the U.S. miraculously pulled out a win over Russia thanks to TJ Oshie's stick and Jonathan Quick's glove.

And let's not forget to tip our helmets to Finland. The team who knew they weren't the best, but believed that their work ethic would shine through.

They won fair and square, with more class than many NHL teams have. That, shows the true spirit of the Olympic Games.

Bryanna Howard

Mundelein