Investigation Clears U.S. Hockey Players

Members of the U.S. women’s hockey team did not desecrate a Canadian flag at the Salt Lake City Olympics, American and Canadian hockey officials said Monday after an investigation.

Canada defeated the U.S., 3-2, to win the gold medal Feb. 21. After the game, Canadian players said they were angered that American players stomped on a flag in their locker room.

U.S. players repeatedly and vehemently denied the rumor.

USA Hockey and the Canadian Hockey Assn. issued a joint statement saying U.S. players had committed no “acts of disrespect” against the flag.

“This is a case of false information being circulated by an unidentified third party,” USA Hockey Executive Director Doug Palazzari said. “There is no question there is a healthy rivalry between the two teams, but there is also great mutual respect.”

Canadian Hockey Assn. President Bob Nicholson corroborated the findings.

“We congratulate the U.S. team on a tremendous season and look forward to continuing our great relationship with USA Hockey,” Nicholson said.

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Sarah Hughes’ performance landed her on the Olympic podium with a gold medal--and also put her on boxes of Wheaties.

The cereal company will make the 18-ounce package available in March.

Hughes joins fellow figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, the 1980 U.S. men’s hockey team and others who have been featured on the cereal’s orange box since the 1930s.

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It’s payback time for Utah taxpayers who shouldered some of the cost of the Salt Lake City Olympics.

Olympic organizers say they will deliver two checks to the Utah Capitol today, a week before the bills are due.

One check will repay Utah $59 million for building two of the Olympic venues. Another leaves a $40 million “legacy” investment fund to pay for venue upkeep.

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The Royal Palace at Madrid called off a welcoming reception Wednesday for Johann Muehlegg.

The German-born Spanish cross-country skier was stripped of the 50K gold medal he won at Salt Lake City because of a doping offense.

He won three gold medals at the Games.