Canada will have to try and defend without their lucky loonie

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2006

TURIN, Italy (AFP) — It's back to being a simple game of chance for Canada as the head ice maker for the Turin Olympics has denied a request to have a one-dollar coin frozen beneath the ice at the main hockey venue.

Dan Craig was asked by Canada to once again place a 'loonie' into the centre faceoff circle of the hockey rink. In Canada the dollar coin is often referred to as the loonie.

Both the Canadian men's and women's teams captured the gold four years ago in Salt Lake City after Craig planted a good-luck coin at centre ice of the Utah rink.

Craig, who is Canadian and considered one of the top ice makers in the world, said he doesn't want to be seen as someone who plays favourites at the Winter Games.

"This is the Olympics," Craig said. "I can't...