One could argue Mario Lemieux was pretty good at hockey. And in the biggest and most important games, the best players always step forward. Lemieux was part of the Canadian national team for the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.
The team consisted of superstars, with players like Paul Kariya, Steve Yzerman, Adam Foote, Al MacInnis, Brendan Shanahan, Eric Lindros and Ed Belfour.
The team went all the way to the final, facing the United States in a fierce matchup. Team USA broke the game open by scoring in the first period, but shortly afterwards Team Canada equalized with Mario Lemieux showing his great hockey sense.
Mario Lemieux’s amazing ‘assist’
Paul Kariya scored the goal. But if it wasn’t for Lemieux stepping in and doing his bit, it probably wouldn’t have been a goal at all. Lemieux didn’t touch the puck during the entire attack. But just take a look at this awesome move, that we definitely think should be awarded with an official assist.
Mario Lemieux made his Olympic debut at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, leading Team Canada as captain. He helped end the country’s 50-year gold medal drought in Olympic ice hockey, recording six points in five games along the way.
Mario Lemieux first wore the Team Canada jersey at the 1983 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he put up 10 points in seven games and helped secure a bronze medal. He went on to represent Canada at the 1985 IIHF World Championship (silver), the 1987 Canada Cup (gold), and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey (gold). In recognition of his international impact, Lemieux was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2008.
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