Ice Hockey at Winter Olympics Canada 2010
During this year’s winter Olympic Games, twelve teams of Ice Hockey participated in the men’s event and eight teams took part from women’s side. At this event, both the women’s and men’s medalling countries were identical; this has happened first time in the history of Olympics. At the men’s corner, the Gold Medal was won by Canada, followed by Silver medal which went to USA and bronze to Finland. Same were the results in women’s corner with Canada winning the gold, USA silver and Finland Bronze.
Qualification criteria for men’s ice hockey team took place according to 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF. The teams that were ranked top nine in 2008 Men’s Ice hockey Championship unconditionally entered into the Olympic Games. The rest of the teams went through a qualification process. The teams ranking from 19th to 30 played in the first qualification round. The top three teams in the first round qualified for the second round, where they were joined by teams from 10th to 18th. From there the top three teams in the second round qualified for the Olympic tournament. The women’s event also used the same format as used by men’s. Six top teams qualified directly for Olympic Games. The teams that ranked 13th in the table or below were further divided into two different groups. The two group winners qualified for the second round where they were joined by the teams ranking from 7th to 12.
The twelve teams that participated in the Olympic Games were distributed in three groups. Each group had four teams each. In the opening round, each team played against other teams in their own group. After the completion of the first round, all the teams were ranked according to their results. The top four teams were allowed to qualify for the quarter finals. The remaining teams played each other for remaining four spots for the quarterfinals. The final eight teams played to compete for the semi finals and then in the final for the gold and silver medal. The losing semi finalist teams played for the bronze medal.
All the teams consist of 20 skaters including both defenders and forwards and two to three goal keepers. The women team on the hand split into two groups each having four teams. Each team could play three opening matches. Two teams from each group had made their way to semi-finals, where the winner for gold and silver medal would be decided. The two losing semi-finalist teams fight for the bronze medal. Each team consisted of 15 to 18 skaters including both forward and defenders and moreover two or three goal keepers.
A few changes took place in the event as National Hockey League NHL players were allowed to participate this year. This was done for the first time, as an NHL team was participating and the game was being played on NHL ice rink. This helped in saving a lot of money and attracted more audience to watch the game.
During the men’s tournament, a new change was seen as two linesmen and two umpires were included. It meant that four officials took part in a match. However, for the women's tournament the same rule was implied as with previously placed Olympic Games. They consist of three officials instead of four including one referee and two linesmen. It was said that for a women’s ice hockey match, three officials were enough and at present, there was no need of an extra official.
The event was highly anticipated by the crowd. Even though this year Winter Olympic Games were not successful as they used to be, as its main purpose was to join the people of Canada together.
Tags: