Toronto Sun readers have voiced strong opinions on two contentious issues in the latest batch of letters to the editor, published on January 5, 2026. The focus is squarely on a controversial Olympic hockey team selection and calls for stricter consequences for impaired driving.
Olympic Omission of Connor Bedard Sparks Outrage
One letter writer, Dr. Steve Starkman of Toronto, expressed profound disappointment and disgust over the decision to leave young superstar Connor Bedard off Canada's Olympic men's hockey roster. Starkman argues that Bedard ranks among the top six players in the NHL and is arguably the third-best Canadian player behind only Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon.
The reader is baffled that management selected what he describes as a "goon" like Tom Wilson and an "average player" like Mark Stone over the speedy and highly skilled Bedard. The letter questions what Wilson adds to a tournament expected to be fast-paced and filled with elite skill, dismissing the notion that the team needs "tough guys."
Starkman rejects the idea that Bedard will "have his time" in the future, emphasizing a desire to win now. He concludes with a pessimistic outlook, stating he does not believe Canada has assembled a winning team and warning that a poor Olympic showing will lead to serious questions about the selection process.
Demand for Harsher Impaired Driving Penalties
Another correspondent, Thomas Geddes of Port Dover, Ontario, has written in response to the provincial government's revamping of impaired driving laws. Geddes criticizes all levels of government for being "weak-kneed" when dealing with crime.
His letter suggests that longer license suspensions are an insufficient deterrent for what he calls the "narcissistic practice" of drinking and driving. Geddes proposes a significantly tougher stance: charging anyone who kills another person while impaired with second-degree murder.
The sentiment echoes broader frustrations over the ongoing tragedy of impaired driving on Canadian roads, with the letter writer noting the incomprehensible nature of the behaviour in modern society.
Other Reader Contributions
The letters section also featured a lighter note from Frank Cain of North York, who responded to a recent editorial criticizing the "Elbows Up" slogan. Cain humorously suggested an alternative routine called the "Hockey Pucky" to be performed in front of former U.S. President Donald Trump, quipping that it would deter any thoughts of annexing Canada.
The published letters reflect ongoing public engagement with national sports controversies and critical social issues, highlighting the diverse concerns of Canadian readers as the new year begins.
