Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
I find myself of a similar mindset: I am undecided about actively cheering for Team USA to win the tournament, but I am absolutely fine with them doing so. Having said that, it wouldn't be the first time for me: by way of comparison I was actively cheering for a Team USA victory in 2013, and was ecstatic about Gaudreau's performance in that tournament, and against Canada in particular. I was born and raised in Canada and have lived here for almost all of my life, and I don't think this has anything to do with the matter.
I harbour some pretty strong views about shape and function of my Canadian patriotism—and the value of national patriotism more generally. This probably affects some of the way I approach this question. But moreover, I rationalize my approach by how I feel relative to my own perceived value of each international tournament:
· The Annual IIHF World Championships is basically meaningless
· The Annual IIHF-U20 Championship is significant, but not an accurate indicator of international rankings.
· The World Cup should be theoretically more reflective of international rankings, but is not adequately incentivized or nostalgic to evoke a strong sense of my own patriotism.
· The Olympic Hockey Tournament which features NHL players is the most important international tournament.
I would never cheer for another nation over Canada in the Olympics, but have and would consider doing so in all other tournaments, as they are relative.
|
Everyone certainly has their own reasons for who they cheer for. I have lived in the US for almost 20 years now but would never cheer against Canada or Calgary in any athletic competition. Most of my reasoning is probably rooted in nostalgia. Bigger fan now than when I lived in Canada.
I do find your reasoning rather clinical for describing your "rooting interests" which I consider to be more of an emotional consideration. How the competition factors into international rankings means little to me. I like the experience of seeing Canada win things.