Canada's hockey gold medal celebrated in Winnipeg
A number of Winnipeg bars were packed with hockey fans on Sunday morning as people woke up early to watch Canada defeat Sweden in the Olympic men's final.
A total of 76 bars, cabarets, private clubs and cocktail lounges obtained permits to open at 5 a.m. CT for the gold-medal match.
Most of those bars and eateries were full by the time the puck dropped at 6 a.m., including the Shark Club downtown and Brogue GastroPub on Pembina Highway.
"It's sort of like everyone's bachelor party or bachelorette party. Everyone's having such a good time and celebrating every goal," said Brogue bartender Chris Laubenstein.
When asked about the crowd's reaction to the game's first goal, Laubenstein replied, "It was absolute chaos, it was fantastic. Pandemonium."
That first goal came from none other than Winnipeg native Jonathan Toews.
"For a Winnipeg boy to start the scoring for Team Canada … awesome!" exclaimed Chris Campbell, while others around him cheered at the Shark Club.
"Pretty intimidating," said Jar Swedenson. "I'm scared to show my real colours. I wore red to try and blend in."
About a dozen Swedish fans gathered at the Tavern United at Canad Inns Polo Park, with many expressing disappointment with the loss but while still being happy for Canada.
CBC reporters tweeted from venues around the city on Sunday morning. Check out their tweets, as well as game updates from Sochi:
- ON MOBILE? Check out our updates here.