Image Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesDuring the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, EW.com wanted to find out what music is inspiring U.S. athletes. With the U.S. men’s hockey team facing off against Switzerland in the quarterfinals today (3 p.m. ET, NBC and NBCOlympics.com), we decided to check in with Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler, who scored the game-clinching goal against Canada on Sunday. His song: “Public Service Announcement (Interlude)” by Jay-Z.
“Every time I hear this song I get hyped up to play, and it gets me to play with some swagger out on the ice. Without swagger, I wouldn’t be the player I am,” he says.
Go USA!
More Olympics coverage from EW.com:
EW’s Olympics HQ
Olympic Studs of the Day
PopWatch on Ice: Figure skating recaps
Olympic Songs of the Day: The music that motivates Team USA
All of PopWatch’s Olympics commentary
I think this is the first song that an athlete has chosen that I actually like. Thank you, Ryan. Go USA!
Awesome song. GO TEAM U.S.A. !!
Can’t wait to see the crowd response when the Canucks play their first home game, and he takes the ice. Nothing like endearing yourself to the hometown fans by putting the dagger in their national team’s back.
The team Canada fan in me was mad that Corey Perry screwed up and allowed that goal, but at the same time the Vancouver Canuck fan in me was proud of Kessler for making that outstanding play and showing why he’s one of the most underrated defensive forwards in the NHL. Louuuuuuuu!
Nah, there’s no dagger there. His goal just helped Luongo move to the front of the line. As for what we’ll do when he steps on the ice for the Canucks, we’ll cheer every good play he makes. Just not for another week. That’s what I like about hockey – fight hard, but when it’s over we’ll grab a beer.
Kick-ass song! Love some Jay-Z!
Jay-Z also helped the Yanks knock off the Frillies last October, thanks Hova!
That song is hot!! And a great hype song GO USA!
Hockey has been odd this year for both the men’s and women’s events. The Americans and the Canadians have universally kicked ass and only had each other as challenges.
Nice turtle again against Ladd.
You suck Ryan, LOL.
“He’s a coward.”
Nope, you are and everyone knows it girly boy who beaks off and backs nothing up.