Part of the Olympic experience is opening up the host country’s culture to the rest of the world. And the 2010 Vancouver games have done just that, integrating Canada’s multicultural heritage into everything from the opening ceremonies to those wooden medal podiums.

But not all aspects of Canadian life are being welcomed by the outside world. There have numerous news reports bashing the conduct of Olympic fans in downtown Vancouver and the binge drinking and partying that go along with any major sporting event.

That bad press has even forced liquor stores and downtown restaurants to limit the amount of booze dished out and forced them to cut back their store hours, as to not add to the drunken tomfoolery going on in the streets.

Even more fuel, or booze in this case, was thrown on the fire when the Canadian women’s hockey team celebrated their gold medal win over the rival Americans by having a couple brown sodas and sparking up some cigars on the ice at Canada Hockey Place Thursday night.

As most of my fellow Canadians know, hockey and beer go hand-in-hand in this country. Whether it’s an 11:30 pm ice time for shinny with the boys or the biggest international stage. Celebrating with a Molson, Labatt's or any one of our country’s fine brews is a tradition - let's say, as American as apple pie.

I think much of the stink has to do with the fact that this is the women’s hockey team. Although, most media outlets and the IOC are playing the “think about the children” card when it comes to this snafu.

Stanley Cup champs take the party to the ice as do World Series winners, spraying fans with the bubbly from the infield. And what about ole Red Aurebach? He used to light up a stogie before the final horn would sound. Hell, the background on my computer is Mario Lemieux chugging champagne on the Penguins’ bench.

If you know some Canadian girls, you are aware that underneath that friendly smile and natural good looks there is a raging party girl that could put you and your frat buddies to shame during a night of heavy drinking. It’s in our genes. It’s part of our culture. That why our beer is stronger than Americans.

And for these girls, women's hockey doesn't get any bigger. They don't get the pub that men's hockey does. This is the biggest thing in their careers. They should be able to get down however they like.

So poo poo the Canadian girls and their traditional hockey celebration, if you must. But you might as well poo poo other things we Canucks hold dear. Why don’t you bash us for free health care, the invention of the radio and kick over a totem pole while you’re at it.

I’m proud to see our girls celebrate with our people in true Canadian fashion. Cheers!