The Olympics wrapped up today with Team Canada shutting out Sweden for the Gold. Finland put a hurting down on Team USA for the bronze yesterday – rounding out the medal podium.

Once again, it was a fantastic Olympics for hockey. There were great performances from NHL’s top stars. We saw a total of 49 former AHL players earn themselves medals. It was another great show for the game of hockey.

I feel like we were all cheering on our nations but also our players. This go-round, it was really special to have a player like Simon Moser to root for – having spent the majority of his season to date as a member of the Milwaukee Admirals. He, and Team Switzerland for that matter, may not have been an offensively explosive team as some were in the Olympics – but Moser really played brilliantly in the tournament. His highlight came with his game-winning goal in the opening game for the Swiss against Latvia. Even beyond that, the way that he played throughout was great – and, when the NHL season resumes, I do feel as if he has earned his way into Nashville’s roster for his efforts in Sochi.

Other solid performances from Admiral alumni included Shea Weber, Roman Josi, and Antti Pihlstrom. Weber earned a gold medal with Canada – and he was his usual beastly self from game one. Josi chewed up the minutes for the Switzerland defense – and was great playing both ways for the Swiss – especially for a Swiss defense that was fantastic. Pihlstrom played a great tournament for a Finnish side that perhaps surprised some teams for how complete they were despite some missing names in the mix.

Whenever the Olympics go away, I’m sad that we don’t get more of these major international tournaments with this level of talent. It is such a great watch. The passion from the players to represent their country and succeed makes the games absolutely thrilling -USA against Russia anyone? And, while World Juniors gives us a slice of the fun, seeing the big dogs play alongside one-another and against one-another – is hard to really top.

See you in four-years,  Pyeongchang Games!

Did you guess the medalists? What was your favorite moment of the Sochi Games? Who stood out to you as the tournament’s best player?