’It’s been great’: Canada vs Finland draws never-say-die fans to Calgary restaurant

In what is supposed to be our game, it was all on the line Monday for Team Canada, at the 4 Nations Face-Off versus Finland.

In a do-or-die game for Team Canada Monday morning, national pride was alive and well at Trolley 5 Restaurant and Brewery.

“We’ve been full every single game, it’s great to see best-on-best,” said the restaurant owner Ernie Tsu.

On Saturday night the restaurant was at capacity to watch Canada lose 3-1 to the American team. For Monday’s game against Finland, the establishment had a crowd donning the red and white.

Fans cheered loudly as Canada jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first period.

“My heart rate is going,” said Josh Fang who was at Trolley 5. “Really exciting time, and I think it’s great for fans across Canada.”

“It’s so exciting. Obviously, we’re here just to celebrate and cheer on Team Canada,” Adison Wiberg. “It’s super nerve-wracking.”

Wiberg admitted this was her first game, with a laugh.

Tsu, the president of the Alberta Hospitality Association, said the 4 Nations Tournament has helped many restaurants and pubs, especially during the recent cold snap that the city has been facing.

“When the weather is like this, to have any extra business is outstanding for us,” said Tsu. “It’s been great for all of the local pubs and the restaurants, to get to see people getting out to see the best-on-best in the world playing, especially for Team Canada.”

The game looked to be over early with Canada jumping out to an 4-0 lead after two periods, but Finland actually scored two late goals to narrow the margin to 4-3 with a little over one minute remaining.

However, Sydney Crosby scored an empty netter to seal the deal, as Canada ended up winning 5-3 to clinch its spot in the 4 Nations Cup Face-Off final -- and a likelihood that there will be a lot of busy bars and restaurants in Calgary Thursday night.

“USA game reservations are already coming in for Thursday,” said Tsu. “Thursday is going to be insane, Thursday is going to be full, full, full, full.”

Team Canada will play USA in Boston Thursday at 6 p.m. mountain time.