Out of the unspeakable tragedies that shook Canada emerged a nation more united and stronger than ever.
Canadians chose healing over hate, unity over blame this week as the nation coped with the deaths of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent. Hockey was integral.
Hockey Night in Canada's opening montage on Saturday night perfectly summarizes the nation's commendable response to this week's events. Canada mirrored what hockey teaches us.
"At times like these hockey can become a mirror, reflecting core values – resiliency, determination and resolve," says the narrator of the video. It was written by Chris Johnston.
Those values are precisely what Canada showed – whether it was honouring our fallen solider with salutes as he passed on the Highway of Heroes on his final journey home, or the clean-up efforts at Cold Lake Mosque.
Much of the strength to move on came from hockey, beginning with Wednesday night's heartwarming rendition of our national anthem sung by our southern neighbours at a Pittsburgh Penguins game.
As Canadians head back to work and daily life, let us not forget about the sacrifices of our fallen soldiers. And let us unite, around hockey, and around our love for Canada.
"We unite around this game, because we always unite around this game," the video says. Watch it above.
