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There is no greater honour in sport than to represent ones country. To carry the hopes and dreams of a nations fans onto the field of play is an immense privilege, and carries with it an equally immense responsibility. There is a mantra that is repeated to athletes who don the Canadian Soccer Association jersey: "You are not just representing yourself, or your family; you are representing your country." This mantra implies that athletes should conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values that we, as Canadians, hold dear. Values like hard work, sacrifice, teamwork, perseverance and humility. During their remarkable run to the bronze medal at last summers Olympic Games in London, Canadas womens national team demonstrated these values in abundance, and in doing so, captured the hearts of the entire nation. That they didnt come home with the gold medal is irrelevant; they overcame the disappointment of a heartbreaking, controversial loss to the United States in the semi-finals, then rode their luck against a dominant French team in the bronze medal game. An opportunistic Diana Matheson goal was all that separated the two teams at the final whistle, and the bronze medals that hung around the players necks during the medal ceremony – while not as shiny and lustrous as the golds that hung around the necks of the Americans - represented our Canadian values all the same. The media tidal wave that followed was unprecedented; yet throughout, the entire team carried itself with class - which only served to further endear the players to their legion of Canadian fans. When casting a critical eye over the group, one can come to no other conclusion than this: Canada is deficient in relation to the worlds top womens teams. A lack of technical ability in too many players, an overall athletic profile that lacks agility and speed, and no genuine creativity or goal scoring threat from anyone but Christine Sinclair are just some of the major concerns that head coach John Herdman must overcome leading up to the 2015 World Cup. Yet for all of these flaws, I would not want anyone but these ladies pulling on the red jersey of Canada and representing our country. As a group and as individuals, they are the most genuine athletes I have ever come across. If anyone has earned the right to be arrogant, it is Christine Sinclair. She is, without exaggeration, one of the best players in the world. Yet she is also one of the most unassuming and humble. She is only now - after being thrust into the spotlight by her three-goal performance against the U.S. in the Olympics and subsequent naming as Canadas flag-bearer in the closing ceremonies – starting to come out of her shell to the media. They are splashed across billboards and appear on radio and television frequently, always preaching the message of hard work, sacrifice, teamwork, perseverance and humility. They have not let their success go to their heads. They realize that what they achieved last summer is now in the past, and that they have an opportunity – a responsibility – to leave a legacy for the next generation when Canada hosts the FIFA Womens World Cup in 2015. That legacy began on Saturday, when 22,453 people filled every seat at BMO Field in Toronto to watch their heroes take on the United States. The result – a comfortable 3-0 U.S. victory – was expected. Canada has only beaten the Americans three times, and has not done so in over 12 years. But the desired outcome was achieved. The seed was planted in the hearts and minds of the next generation. As I sat in the stands watching the game, I overheard one father say to another, "After this, my daughter is going to want to quit hockey and focus on soccer. This is amazing!" Amazing, indeed. Hydro Flask 32 Oz Sverige . Schenn scored the game-winning goal and added two assists to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday. Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Sverige . -- Five former Kansas City Chiefs players who were on the team between 1987 and 1993 filed a lawsuit Tuesday claiming the team hid and even lied about the risks of head injuries during that time period when there was no collective bargaining agreement in place in the NFL. http://www.hydroflasksverige.se/ . Any real chance at payback wont come until the playoff. Still, Pittsburgh knows its taut 3-2 win over the Bruins on Wednesday night is a pretty good place to start laying the groundwork. "They are a very good defensive team," Penguins forward Brandon Sutter said. Hydro Flask Sverige . Here are his mid-season NBA awards. MVP: (KEVIN DURANT-Thunder) - Has been sensational this season and more importantly, the most consistent player in the league. Considering that his team has been without star guard Russell Westbrook and with the free agent departure of sharpshooter Kevin Martin, hes had to carry the majority of the load to not only keep his team afloat but more importantly, at an elite level. Hydro Flask Kaffe . The 17-year-old native of Marystown, N.L., pulled out of Skate Canada International last month in Saint John, N.B., with the same problem. Dont expect veteran Melbourne stars Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith to ask for a rest before the NRL finals.The duo have led the Storm to a top two finish with two rounds remaining but Cronk says theyre not interested in a break to freshen before the September finals campaign.And its not about trying to seal a minor premiership.Nor is it about - all things going to plan - Cronk making his 300th NRL appearance in the grand final.Instead, its all about maintaining momentum as Melbourne head toward the magical 20-win regular season mark.This teams performance and its ability to play football over the next couple of weeks is paramount, as opposed to us having a say on whether we play or not, Cronk told journalists on Monday.Its pretty important we get some continuity. Not only with our rostering and our team but also with our performance.Cameron and I like to play and like to continue our performances ... I dont think (a rest) will be happening.Cronk said he and skipper Smith would only be missing out on the advice of performance staff.The halfback is perched on 295 games, meaning the remaining two matches against Brisbane and Cronulla and two winnning finals appearances would see him celebrate game 300 in a premiership decider.ddddddddddddBut non one at the Storm is looking that far ahead.After the in-form Broncos on Friday night comes the top-of-the-table clash with the Sharks in round 26 and Cronk said theyd be cruelling their finals chances by thinking about it too early.Finals football is all about momentum, he said.Weve got pretty good tests coming in the next couple of weeks. We wont lift our eyes too high.Storm are perched on 18 wins, on track to claim 20 wins this season.Parramatta is the last club to achieve the feat in 2001, with Melbournes 2006 and 2007 seasons marked off due to salary cap breaches.Cronk insisted motivations were totally linked to finals footballAs a player and a part of the game the minor premiership is respected, he said.Is it at the forefront of our minds? Not really.Our performances, our structure, doing those things are more important.If that comes as a part of it, obviously well be very satisfied and well accept the honour. ' ' '