Though the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics are nearing their end, that doesn't mean both Portland Timbers and Thorns FC players haven't been watching closely.
Thorns defender, USWNT member and past Summer Olympic games gold medal winner Rachel Van Hollebeke has been visible throughout the Games via a McDonald's advertisement while yesterday's women's ice hockey gold medal final had forwards Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair cheering on their respective national counterparts. In a hard-fought, very tight game, Canada won 3-2 in overtime to grab their fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
On the men's side, Team USA battle Canada today at 9am PT in a heavily anticipated semifinal match with the winner advancing to the gold medal game on Sunday.
Portland Timbers midfielder Ben Zemanski got into the Olympic spirit earlier this week by spending time with some Portland Winterhawks in defender Keoni Texeira and forward Ethan Price (see video above). Zemanski, who played hockey as a child in Pittsburgh, was able to pick up a few tips from fellow Americans Texeira and Price. The Winterhawks duo, part of a team that's won 17 straight games and are the defending Western Hockey League Champions, were happy to lend a hand and help send a message to Team USA.
Watch the Olympic semifinal live on NBCSN and be sure to check out the Winterhawks as they host the Kamloops Blazers Friday night and then the Prince Albert Raiders Saturday night at Veteran's Memorial Coliseum. Both games are 7pm PT.
Zemanski and the Timbers continue their preseason campaign on Sunday in the Rose City Invitational against the Vancouver Whitecaps at 5pm PT.
