IMAGINE IF THEY HAD WON

When Malin Gustafsson scored for Sweden in its hockey game against the U.S. women’s team, the entire team--including backup goaltender Charlotte Goethesson--dashed off the bench to mob Gustafsson at center ice.

Coach Bengt Ohlson wasn’t pleased with his team’s exuberant display in the 7-1 loss to the U.S., but he couldn’t be too angry, given that Gustafsson’s goal was Sweden’s first after a 6-0 loss to Finland in its opener.

“They shouldn’t do that,” Ohlson said. “But I would willingly have more goals for them to leave the bench.”

LEARNING THE LANGUAGE

Vicky Sunohara leads Canada’s women’s hockey team in interview requests even though she’s far from leading the team in scoring.

Sunohara has attracted interest from the Japanese media because her grandparents were born in the town of Ueda, not far from Nagano. Her parents were both Canadian-born and she speaks little Japanese, but she has tried to oblige as many requests as possible.

“I wish I could speak Japanese. Everyone here has been very helpful with me, speaking very good English in interviews,” she said. “I know how to say hello and goodbye and excuse me.

“I’m learning, though. By the time I leave I think I’ll be able to carry on a small conversation.”