'Prime' time for Canada

THE U.S. MEN'S HOCKEY team saw stars on the red, white and blue flags waved by fans during yesterday's gold-medal game against Canada.

The Canadians saw stars, too. Cheering from the stands.

Topping the list was Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who showed up to witness his country's overtime win over the U.S.

He even won a case of beer thanks to a bet he made with President Obama.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama wagered a case of Yuengling that the U.S. would win. Harper put up a case of Molson.

There was no word on when and where Obama would pay up.

Also cheering for the Canadians were actors Michael J. Fox, who grew up in the Vancouver area, and William Shatner, who was born in Montreal. Singer Bryan Adams, born in Kinston, Ontario, was also seen lending his noteworthy support.

Hockey greats Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier - Canadians all - were present.

Canada's women's hockey team, which won a gold medeal last Thursday, was in the third level, loudly supporting their male counterparts, as was Jon Montgomery, the Canadian skeleton gold medalist.

As for the Americans?

Well, actor Vince Vaughn watched from a skybox. But most of the stars were of the Olympic variety, including speedskater Apolo Ohno, the men's gold-medal winning four-man bobsled team, and the women's silver-medal winning hockey team.

Where's Oprah when you need her?

- Tom Mahon

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