A smorgasbord of hockey: An Olympic WHL Mashup Weekend

We are entering a vortex of hockey over the rest of the week that only occurs once every 4 years. If you have ever been on the fence of watching a game on TV, thought about checking out a local WHL game, or you just need to keep track of all things hockey this weekend, we have you covered.

Thursday

TV

Women's Gold Medal Game: Canada - United States, 9AM PST on NBC

The two superpowers of women's hockey square up in what is destined to be one for the ages. I have watched these two teams meet 3 times over the last couple of months and they always leave me wanting more. This one is for all the marbles and will not disappoint.

Friday

TV

Men's Semi-Final Game: Canada - United States, 9AM PST on NBCSports

This game needs no introduction. These are the only two teams made up with 100% NHL players. Four years ago this matchup decided the gold medal in Vancouver with Sidney Crosby scoring a golden goal in overtime. For any NBA fans not familiar with Olympic Hockey, imagine an All-Star game with a blatant disregard for player safety.

Men's Semi-Final Game: Finland - Sweden, 4AM PST on NBCSports

This is another great rivalry game from two teams with similar style. Sweden is the favorite to win the gold and Finland continues to impress, most recently with a 3-1 defeat of Russia.

Live

WHL Hockey: Seattle Thunderbirds @ Everett Silvertips, 7PM Comcast Arena in Everett

Great rivalry here as the Silvertips are fighting to stay in playoff position.

Saturday

TV

Men's Bronze Medal Game: 7AM PST on NBCSports

This game will feature the losers of the USA/Canada and Finland/Sweden games. Either way it will be a heck of a game with neither team happy to go home without some hardware.

Live

WHL Hockey: RMHC Hockey Challenge: Kamloops Blazers vs. Seattle Thunderbirds, 6PM at the ShoWare Center in Kent

The Ronald McDonald House Hockey Challenge is an annual tradition with the Seattle Thunderbirds. Several businesses and players participate in a series of games before the Thunderbirds game and raise money for the RMHC. After the Thunderbirds game, several Thunderbirds alumni, including a former NHL player, take the ice for an all-star game. There might be a couple pylons on the ice like me so if you are there, I need all the support I can get. It is a fun event for a great cause.

Sunday

TV

Men's Gold Medal Game: 4AM PST on NBC

Yes, I said 4am (replay at 10AM). The only thing bigger is Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, and I would argue that the Olympics is actually the bigger game.

...and by noon on Sunday, I sleep.