OT: WJH Championship
So, I just got to witness my first WJH action last night with the pre-tournament game between Canada and the Swiss. I am excited to see the tournament this year, as it isn't often Canada doesn't come in as the favorite.
It appears that my good friends to the south are the favorites this year and I am glad to sy that you are our biggest rivals now and people have finally realized the Russians haven't really been a top notch hockey nation for a while now.
It should be a great tournament and I look forward to seeing an all North American final again this year. Good luck guys.
Anyone have any thoughts on how the tournament will go?
December 21st, 2010 at 10:15 AM ^
I guess all the hockey fans are still asleep...
Anyone from UM on the US Junior team this year?
December 21st, 2010 at 10:20 AM ^
I haven't followed the series at all so far this year like I frequently do, but it seems to me that the US has a super loaded team and is the favorite according to pretty much everyone. It seems like a NA Finals is pretty likely.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:26 AM ^
But from what I have seen of it, the forwards look solid in both offense and defense but not necessarily flashy, and the defense looks like it might be a bit suspect with the ability to score when given the chance.
Tournaments like these usually come down to goaltending and if Campbell is on like he was last year, they've got as good a chance as any team.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:29 AM ^
Going to the Canada-Sweden exhibition game tonight. Can't wait.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:33 AM ^
Sweden always manages to put a solid team together. I would say as far as Juniors go, Sweden would be third behind Canada and USA. The top two seem like they could be interchangable any given year.,
December 21st, 2010 at 10:34 AM ^
The way I look at it, and I'm a fellow canuck btw, is that Canada has about a 1/3 shot at winning. The States also have 1/3 odds, and Russia/Sweeden splits the final piece of the pie.
The States and Canada are essentially the same team, so the only thing that would suprise me is if the game is a blowout. Russia and Sweeden are good, but they don't really know how to win, so the best they can really do is knock one of the two off of their perch. The rest are more or less pushovers.
Just as a note to all those who don't really follow this tournament ( the belief here in Canada is that we are the ony ones who do) : It's probably the best hockey you can watch.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:43 AM ^
You are absolutely right. I ove all hockey and could go watch pee wee games and enjoy myself, but the world juniors is the best hockey there is IMHE.
The passion these guys play with is inspirational and the quality of play when two good teams meet is second to none. I don't know what it is about amatuer sport, but it just captures my interest so much more than professional sports.
The two things I enjoy watching most on TV are CFB following my beloved wolverines and the WJH championships. The pro game doesn't hold a candle to these in either sport IMHE.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:39 AM ^
The Punch-up in Piestany again... ah memories... was that considered a draw after 15 rounds, or do both sides still claim they won that fight?
December 21st, 2010 at 10:38 AM ^
US team hasn't been announced yet. Is going to be announced on Wednesday at 9:10 am on the USA Hockey page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/USAHockey?v=wall
Brown, Lynch and Merrill were on the initial evaluation roster (so was Campbell), but Lynch didn't make the final evaluation list. http://www.usahockey.com/Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=TU_04_01_06&ID=290…
Doesn't seem like they'll be cutting that many more (at 28 now) so both seem to have a good chance of making it, but can't say for sure.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:38 AM ^
Brown and Merrill are on the US team
December 21st, 2010 at 10:46 AM ^
I have really enjoyed watching the World Juniors. The gold medal game last year was epic...I have high hopes for the US team this year. What I am not happy about is the traditional (as in the past couple years have been US/Canada on this night) new years eve game will not be the US vs Canada. It has been a good double header with the traditional red wings new years eve game before going out for a night of drinking. Hopefully the US can pull out a repeat title.
December 21st, 2010 at 11:01 AM ^
Sunday 12/26: Canada v Russia, 4:00; USA v Finland, 8:00
Tuesday 12/28: Canada v Czech Republic, 4:00; USA v Slovakia, 8:00
Wednesday 12/29: Canada v Norway, 7:30
Thursday 12/30: Sweden v Czech Republic, 3:30; USA v Germany, 7:00
Friday 12/31: Canada v Sweden, 4:00; USA v Switzerland, 8:00
Sunday 1/2: Quarterfinals, 3:30 & 7:30
Monday 1/3: Semifinals, 3:30 & 7:30
Wednesday 1/5: Bronze Medal game 3:30; Gold Medal game 7:30
That CAN-RUS, USA-FIN doubleheader on the first day will easily be the best day of hockey until the semifinals. The USA-FIN winner should have a relatively comfortable path to the group championship and a bye into the semifinals.
December 21st, 2010 at 1:20 PM ^
A: United States, Finland, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany
B: Canada, Russia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Norway
I think the US got an early Christmas gift. I had not looked at the groups until you posted the schedule...and I really like our chances now to get the bye to the semifinals.
December 21st, 2010 at 3:42 PM ^
the pools are quite lopsided this year. You have two good teams in the USA pool and four in the other, It should still be good though. Good luck to the Americans, hope to see you in the final again this year!
December 21st, 2010 at 11:27 AM ^