(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

In case you missed this last week, the International Ice Hockey Federation ordered USA goalie Ryan Miller to remove “Miller Time” and “Matt Man” from his helmet for violation of IOC rule No. 51 that bars advertising, demonstrations and propaganda. Fellow USA goalie, Jonathan Quick’s helmet had “Support Our Troops” painted on his mask and was also ordered to remove his.

Miller acknowledged the rule with “Miller Time” but wasn’t happy about removing  “Matt Man” from his helmet which pays tribute to a cousin, Matt Schoals, who died of cancer.

Is the IOC going overboard with this rule? Although “Miller Time” is the slogan for Miller Beer, it is obvious that’s a catch phrase for the USA goalie and I seriously doubt that he is getting endorsements from it. There is no explanation of why “Matt Man” is a violation but I am sure they have a good reason….ya right!

As far as Jonathan Quick’s, “Support Our Troops”; the last time I checked, there wasn’t a team Bin Laden in the Olympics and since “Our Troops” are protecting half the world, the IOC should really worry about things that affect the performance of the athletes like steroids and stop being so petty. The irony is that Nike, Reebok, Coke and other major companies are plastered everywhere in Vancouver because they are “Corporate Sponsors”. Isn’t that a fancy name for advertising? Hmmmmm.