Canada Olympic Hockey Hopefuls

In China, the number eight is supposed to bring good fortune. The Irish kiss their beloved Blarney stone to assure the gift of the gab.

And here in Canada we have Don Cherry giving our “Lucky Loonie” the Midas touch at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto to boost our Olympic team. When it comes to rituals and superstitions, some folks will do anything to get an edge.

The Lucky Loonie certainly has Olympic history. Before the 2002 Olympics, Canadian ice maker Trent Evans buried a loonie at centre ice in Salt Lake City.

After Canada went on to win gold in men’s and women’s hockey that year, the buck with the luck was removed and given to Team Canada general manager Wayne Gretzky. He donated it to the Hall and it was deposited behind a glass case.

On Monday, the case was opened and Canadians — starting with Cherry– were invited to touch it to give Canada’s Olympians good luck at the 2010 Games.