For the second straight Winter Games, Canada’s sledge hockey team fell short in the finals to the United States, this time at Beijing.
That 5-0 drubbing hasn’t deterred Armstrong – it’s boosted his drive to get ‘em next time.
“We have a young team and that’s not the last time we’ll see the U.S., and that’s not the last time we’ll see the U.S. in a gold-medal game,” said the eight-year veteran, on a phone call this week.
“We have a lot to prove and they have a lot to defend, so obviously those games will be exciting still.”
At only 25, Armstrong has multiple Winter Olympics and World Championships under his belt, and did his part to help this year’s rookies feel comfortable.
“The newcomers are so talented and so young, and you forget they get nervous too,” said Armstrong.
The Erin, Ont. native is one of the most versatile players on the team, starting as a defenceman in his first four years, and as of late playing forward.
“After 2018 we needed a little bit of help on the front-end, and they asked me,” he said. “They just needed someone to fill a slot, and I was the next person up.”
Armstrong is grateful for the ongoing chance to represent his country.
“You still get humbled every time you see the jersey,” he said. “It’s an absolute honor, it is great playing for Canada, and they treat us so well.”
While counting the days to his next chance to play the U.S., Armstrong is studying history and law at Carleton University, in Ottawa.