Minnesotans celebrate 'Canada Day' after crushing U.S. Olympic loss

Fans at the gold medal hockey game
Fans watch the US-Canadian hockey men's gold medal game on day 17 of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics on February 28, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

How's this for bad timing? Minnesota lawmakers marked "Canada Day" a day after the crushing U.S. hockey loss to Canada in Sunday's gold-medal game.

Minnesota legislators were almost apologetic as they passed a resolution celebrating the long relationship between the state and its northern neighbor. Canada opened a diplomatic office in Minnesota 40 years ago.

House Majority Leader Tony Sertich made clear it wasn't a result of a lost bet. He playfully suggested a tiebreaker game, noting that the U.S. squad won the first head-to-head men's hockey game of the just-concluded Winter Olympics.

Canadian Consul General for the Upper Midwest Martin Loken addressed a joint session of the Legislature. He didn't miss the chance to remind his hosts of the outcome, but did so gently. "About that game yesterday," Loken said. "I'm sorry."

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.