Americans typically have no problem getting exciting to watch the Olympics which is completely understandable because we have undoubtedly some of the best athletes in the world.
However, what makes Americans the most excited about “The Games,” is when they can cheer on for a local hero.
The state of Wisconsin is in for a treat in the 2014 Sochi Olympics because former Badgers defenseman and Madison, Wis., native Ryan Suter is one of the top dogs on the United State Hockey Team.
Not only is Suter one of the stars in the NHL (inked a huge deal with the Minnesota Wild in 2012), he’s the next in line in a deep and rich tradition involving his family and international competition.
His father, Bob, was a member of the famous “Miracle On Ice,” team who won the gold medal in the 1980 Games at Lake Placid, N.Y. His Uncle, Gary, claimed a silver medal in the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ryan is the third in the family to showcase his skills on the biggest stage in the world. All three of the Suters played their collegiate hockey with the Badgers.
Suter is also joined by former Badgers’ Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks’ forward and his second Olympic appearance), Derek Stepan (New York Rangers’ forward) and Ryan McDonagh (New York Rangers’ defenseman).
Wisconsin’s ties don’t end there as former Badger Tony Granato (Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach) and Jim Johannson are serving as an assistant coach and Assistant Executive Director of Hockey Operations for the team.
Team USA will have their minds on revenge after falling to Team Canada in the gold medal game during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
The big difference in this year’s games is that the United States comes in to the competition considered by many to be the frontrunners. In 2010, Team USA shocked the competition by making it to the gold medal game.
History is not on the Americans’ side as Team USA has really struggled away from home in the Olympic Games, there only gold medals coming on U.S. soil (Squaw Valley, California in 1960 and Lake Placid, New York in 1980).
What will you be watching for in the upcoming Winter Olympics? Let me know by commenting below.
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He also enjoys sharing Fantasy Advice and pretends to be a Golf expert from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best. If social media is not your thing, shoot him an email at grays@uwalumni.com.
*Pictures obtained from uwbadgers.com.