Hockey fans pack bars and restaurants in London, Ont. to cheer on Team Canada

Hockey fans in London, Ont., are disappointed but still proud after watching Team Canada lose the gold medal game. CTV`s Brent Lale reports.

It was a roller coaster of emotions as fans watched Canada take on the US in the Winter Olympic gold medal hockey game.

“The atmosphere is awesome, and everybody’s so intense,” said Kevin Cole a fan watching at Mustang Sally’s in London, Ont.“Everybody was waiting in line just to come inside today. ”Restaurants and bars were packed before the 8:10 am puck drop with people hoping to get a spot to watch Canada play for the gold medal.

“I worked the night shift last night, and I had to stay up, so it’s crazy,” said Cam Bond.

The game went back and forth with Matt Boldy scoring for the US and Cale Makar answering for Canada.

The Canucks dominated the shots and carried the play but missed multiple opportunities to get the go-ahead goal.

“I’ve got goosebumps all over, I’m so excited,” said Chalen Ott.“It’s an exciting thing to be a part of.”

• PHOTO GALLERY: London residents watch Team Canada hockey final

Just days before the game, Ontario Premier Doug Ford allowed establishments to serve alcohol as early as 6 a.m.

It was intended to not only bring the country together but help small businesses.The phones at Mustang Sally’s were ringing off the hook.

“We’re excited that we were able to open up early, “said owner Sally Anastasiadis.

“We thank Doug Ford for allowing us to do that. We have been here since a 6 a.m. getting ready for all our customers. Hockey brings the whole community together, so it was very important for the bars to have been allowed to open up early.”

Unfortunately for Canadian fans, the bar went silent in overtime when Jack Hughes scored the winner.

“They left their hearts on the ice,” said Craig Warwick a hockey coach and OHL scout watching at the bar.

“The guys left everything out there and we’re obviously disappointed. The London and area kids can be proud; they played a really good game.”Warwick added he believes Team Canada will look much different next Olympic cycle four years from now.

London’s Drew Doughty and Nick Suzuki as well as Rodney native Bo Horvat are all bringing home silver medals.