This Day in History February 19, 1998

By Ruth on February 19, 2014 in history, sports

Now for a bit of Olympics trivia. On this date in 1998, the U.S. Hockey team (who had been defeated) participated in some hotel vandalism. It was not known how many took out their anger in this manner, but it took place in Nagano, Japan in the Olympics village. They had been eliminated from the hockey tournament about ten hours earlier. Ten chairs were broken, three fire extinguishers were emptied, and six of the chairs and a fire extinguisher were thrown from a fifth floor apartment to the courtyard below. While there were no injuries, this kind of behavior is deplorable. The team seemed to play down what happened, and discipline didn’t really happen. The damages were around $3,000, and restitution was made by both hockey groups who had provided players. I really don’t understand this behavior, and I never remember hearing about it. It seems like most people downplayed it as a drunken rampage, and no real harm was done. I completely disagree.

For more info:

http://www.canoe.ca/SlamNaganoHockeyMenArchive/feb20_angry.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/sport/hockey/articles/trash20.htm

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RuthView all posts by Ruth

“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

Tags: history, Olympics, sports

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5 Comments

Savvy Working Gal February 19, 2014 Reply

This is ridiculous. I think we need to have harsher sentences so people realize this behavior isn’t going to be tolerated. Interesting blog.
Savvy Working Gal recently posted…The Real Reason You Weren’t Invited Along on that Consulting Trip
Cristyl @ CHill Thoughts February 19, 2014 Reply

Interesting…I don’t remembering hearing about the vandalism, either. What a poor Olympic attitude. Just ridiculous!

-Cristyl
Cristyl @ CHill Thoughts recently posted…Toddler Approved and SAFE Homemade Playdough
April February 19, 2014 Reply

Huh. Who knew?? Oh, I love that you have “This Day in History” tab. As a fellow history geek, I really love it!
April recently posted…Home School Vs. Christian School Vs. Public School: Pros and Cons
Marie February 19, 2014 Reply

I couldn’t agree more. I do not understand the need to destroy. Hopping here from BYB and following on G+. Blessings to you and yours.
Marie recently posted…Counted Cross Stitch Cafe|Strawberry Sharpener
Yuliya February 19, 2014 Reply

Wow! I didn’t know that either! How interesting. I really agree with you that this shouldn’t have been downplayed, and is certainly inappropriate behaviour especially for people that are setting examples for others.
Yuliya recently posted…What I ate Wednesday