Alexandre Bilodeau is Canada's Golden Boy

It took until the third day of Canada's third Olympics on home soil, but Alexandre Bilodeau has instantly become a national hero by winning Canada's first ever gold medal on home soil.

Bilodeau out jumped Australian skier Dale Begg-Smith to win the mens moguls Gold.

After pumping millions into the country's 'Own the Podium' program, Canada has found instant gratification. Missing a gold medal in 1976 Montreal and 1988 Calgary, Vancouver 2010 has turned into a magical, golden moment for Canadians.

Expected to come from womens moguls skier Jennifer Heil, it was her male counterpart, Alexandre Bilodeau, who hails from Montreal, Quebec, who became Canada's first gold medalist.

The gold was especially sweet because Bilodeau denied Canadian ex-partiot and top ranked moguls skier,Dale Begg-Smith, who is now competing for Australia from winning.

Congratulations Canada and Alexandre Bilodeau, your gold medal was long overdue.

Let the games begin.

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What the Olympics mean to the World

After months and months of predictions, hype, and speculation, the Winter Olympics are finally here. Although the Olympic Games started on a sour note, with the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, the Winter Olympics in Vancouver promise better things to come.

In fact, the Olympics in general are a sign of world togetherness you don't often see. Where else would you see the USA standing beside Iran and North Korea? These countries aren't competing against each other out of hate; rather, they're competing in peace and sport.

The Olympic Games are unifying for all people. It's a chance for us to forget the wars we fight, the terror in our world, and to focus on a sense of togetherness that is often overlooked.

Starting with the spectacular and theatrical opening ceremonies and the lighting of the torch by hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, the Winter Olympics utlilize one of our planets greatest common grounds, sport, to bring people together...even if it is only for a few weeks.

Sure nations compete against each other, battle on the playing field, and will push, pull, and claw their way to a place on the podium; but athletes from countries at war, countries who are political adversaries, show respect and sportsmanship to each other during the Olympics.

97 nations are competing at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. 97 countries in one peaceful place for sport. I've heard people argue over and over that sports are just games, that people take athletics too seriously, and that athletics are not important.

Looking at the Olympic Games, it's obvious they are wrong. Sports can mean so much more, they can bring unity and peace. They can bring hope and inspiration. From the moment the torch is lit, to the moment the last medal is awarded, the Olympic Games are a tie that bonds all of humanity through sport.

Let the games begin.

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Brian Burke shows that family comes first

For anyone who has read my column or blog, you'll know what I think of Brian Burke as a hockey man. I don't like his current team, I don't like the way he builds his teams, and I think he is an overrated general manager and hockey mind.

Regardless of what I think about his hockey status, it is refreshing to see a true family man in professional sports. Following the death of Burke's son Brendan, Burke has opted to not attend the Opening Ceremonies for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver with his Team USA hockey team.

Not only this, but when Brendan Burke revealed his homosexuality to the world, Brian Burke stood by his son, publicly stating his love and support. It didn't seem phony either, it seemed heartfelt and sincere.

From a 'manly man' who prides himself in creating tough teams, this could not have been easy. Or was it?

In a world filled with infidelity, abuse, and broken families, particularly in professional sports, Brian Burke seems to be an anomaly. He stood by his son in life, and now he is standing by his son, and standing up for his family values in death.

The story of Brendan Burke is a sad one. You can bet however, that missing the Olympic Opening Ceremonies is the last thing on Brian Burke's mind. I still don't like the hockey man, I still don't like his team, and I will never like his management style, but I have a new found respect for Brian Burke the person, and Brian Burke the father.

Brian Burke will rejoin Team USA in time for the start of their Olympic hockey schedule and the Toronto Maple Leafs following the Games.

Sure Burke has made mistakes; however, his actions have shown that he realizes hockey is just a game and family comes first.

Let the games begin.

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