PHOENIX -- Hats off to Brewers infielder Tyler Black for being a good sport on a heartbreaking morning for Canadian hockey fans.
While the Brewers’ American players celebrated Team USA’s scintillating, overtime win over Canada in the gold medal game at the Winter Olympics early Sunday, Black hung his head. He knew what he’d be hearing the rest of the day: chants of “USA! USA!”
“I’m feeling it, man, for sure,” said Black, who will play for Canada in next month’s World Baseball Classic with Brewers reliever Rob Zastryzny. “It’s going to be a long day after that.”
On the other end of the emotional spectrum was Black’s Spring Training roommate, outfielder Sal Frelick. He’s a Bostonian who, like Black, grew up playing hockey, and who had some extra reason to celebrate because the Americans' first goal came from fellow Boston College alum Matt Boldy.
“That was just an unbelievable game,” Frelick said. “So sick. Sick for the sport.”
He looked at Black.
“Congrats to your boys for putting up a good fight,” Frelick said.
The tables were turned last year at this time, when Brewers players including Black and Frelick gathered to watch the 4 Nations Face-Off during the NHL’s All-Star break. That also ended with Canada and the U.S. in the final, and Canada won.
This time, the watch group was a lot bigger. The game aired just as the Brewers and other Cactus League clubs were getting their workday underway, and most of the clubhouse televisions were tuned to the game. Players watched, groaned and cheered together before the Americans emerged with their first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since the Miracle on Ice in 1980.
“I played growing up and I know [Frelick] did. It’s just an intense, great game,” Black said. “Seeing all the guys in here watching it shows how good of a game it is.”
While the Brewers’ Americans celebrated, Black stood with his arms crossed and watched.
It was Zastryzny who snapped them out of it.
“Everybody get dressed!” he bellowed with a smile. “Let’s go play baseball!”