Schedule & Groups for the 2010 World Junior A Challenge

The first major international event of the 2010-2011 season is the World Junior A Challenge that will be taking place in Pentiction, B.C. next season. Well the schedule & Groups have been released as the tournament will have the same format as the tournament has 6 teams divided into 2 groups of 3 as the Americans will look to win this event for the 3rd straight year.

As usual, 2 Canada Teams rep. the East (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., & New Foundland) & the West (B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba) will make up the Canadian rep. at this event. For the first time ever, both Canadian Teams didn't make the podium as Canada East was the runner up while Canada West was 4th. Overall, Canada West has won the Gold twice in 2006 & 2007.

Also 2 Silver Medals in 2008 & 2009 make Canada West the only team ever to medal in every year in this tournament's history. Canada East has never won this event as they have won the Silver in 2006 & 2007 while winning a Bronze in 2008.

While Sweden is looking to improve on a surprising last place finish from last year, while Russia brings a team that won the Bronze Medal last year which matched its best performance in 2006. Switzerland who rounds out the field will be making their tournament debut next season.

With the Swiss gradually improving their Junior Programs in recent years which included a 4th Place at the WJC & a 5th Place Finish at the U18's. Tournament Org. are hoping that this could possibly be one of the most exciting years for this event in the tournament's short history since it was created back in 2006.

If it does turn out to be what they hoping for, some are hoping that this event can be expanded to 8 teams and possibly start allowing other places (Especially in the USA to host this event in the Near Future).

It was also benefit the event to see more places that are looking to further develop their Junior Programs to compete in this event, especially if they not in the World Junior Championship and/or the U18 World Championship to get their players more experience. Teams like Denmark, Norway and Austria come to mind as good examples.

This year's event will be taking place in Pentiction, B.C at the South Okanagan Events Center (Home of the BCHL's Pentiction Vees).

The Coaching staff for Team USA won't be revelled till sometime in late summer where the USHL is expected to have a majority of the coaching staff for the team as the Americans have won the Gold the last 2 years. In addition to the Coaching staff, 21 of the 22 players on Team USA at the WJAC came from the USHL, the only exception came from Beau Bennett who played for the Pentiction Vees of the BCHL last year.


Team's USA History at the World Junior A Challenge

2006: DNP

2007: Bronze Medal

2008: Gold Medal

2009: Gold Medal


Tournament Groups

Group A:
Canada East
Sweden
USA

Group B:
Canada West
Russia
Switzerland


Link to the Tournament Schedule: www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/71747/la_id/1.htm

IHWC Quarterfinals Part 2: Germany Makes History, Russia gets Revenge

As the Quarterfinals went into Thursday Night in Mannheim and Colonge, Germany. Many German fans were happy that they were able to get back to the Quarterfinals after some poor performances in recent years (Or in some years, in DIV. 1).

But German Goaltender Dennis Endras put on the game of his life and a 2nd period goal by Philipp Gogulla helped make the difference as the Germans put a shock to the Swiss who were looking strong towards breaking through and winning a major international medal.

Russia used their superstars to get revenge from the Olympics as 2 goals in both the 2nd and 3rd periods help decide the game for Russia as they quest for a 3rd straight IHWC Gold Medal is still alive.

It will now be the Heavy favorite against the host Germans. But with Germany's home crowd and a feeling of nothing to lose, it could be an interesting game here. Could Germany pull off another huge upset and Germany making the final, or will Russia end their miracle run?


Russia 5 Canada 2 (1-0, 2-0, 2-2)

Russia VS. Canada Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/RUS%20-%20CAN%20%28QF%29.html

By Alan Adams

In Colonge, Germany: Russia continued its march to a third straight Gold Medal with a 5-2 triumph Quarterfinal victory over Canada on Thursday for its seventh straight win at the 2010 World Championship and its 26 straight victory. In the Semifinals, Russia will meet Germany.

"That game will be a lot of fun," said Russian captain Ilya Kovalchuk. "It's the first time ever they will be in the Semifinal and it will be fun."

The 26 game run at the World Tournament began with a Bronze Medal game in 2007 and now the Russians are two games away from keeping a promise they made when Canada humiliated them in the Quarterfinals at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. Kovalchuk was asked whetever the Russians can be stopped.

"We'll see. They play hard" he said.

As for Germany, he said: We'll play the home team with the crowd will be with them."

After they lost 7-3 and people questioned their character, the Russian Olympians vowed then to show the world they had more to their mettle then what they showed in Vancouver and with 14 Olympians at the worlds here in Germany, they've answered those critics.

Russia has skill and and speed and the players are listening to the coaching staff," which hasn't always been the norm in the international events.

Russia has now advanced to the medal round for the third straight world championship.

Canada, with one player in the Line up who mined Olympic Gold in Vancouver, finished seventh for its second worst showing since 1992 when they finished 8th. The 2010 Tournament marks the first semifinal that Canada has not qualified for since 2002.

"The game was an extension of the tournament," said captain Ray Whitney.

The Russians went into the game against their longtime rivals saying there was no comparison to the competition here and he best-on-best Olympic competition of three months ago.

But as history has shown, a Canada VS. Russia game at any level brings out the best and worst of each hockey super-power and the quarterfinal was another installment in their fabled way.

Goalie Chris Mason and Russia's Semyon Varlamov were called on to make spectacular saves, much to the delight of the sea of red Russian Jerseys in Laxness Arena. The fans chanted "Rossiya, Rossiya, Rossiya" throughout the game.

"They were a couple of chances that we'd like to have back, had we scored a second on those, it would have been a different game." Said Corey Perry.

It didn't take long for the bad blood between the longtime rivals to boil over and there was no shortage of hard punishing hits, faces being washed by gloves, and cheap hits being delivered by both sides. The Russians and Canadians didn't have much working on the power play chances in the first period.

The Russians executed a boatload of crisp passes and dazzled everybody with their skill but it produced only one good goal scoring chance. Evgeni Malkin tipped a point shot and Mason did the splits to rob him of a goal with five minutes left to play in the 1st period.

The best scoring chance for the Canadians had come midway through the period when Steve Stamkos got the blade of his stick on a low shot and the puck hit a surprised Varlamov in the shoulder.

The Russians took a 1-0 lead at 19:02 of the first period on a wrist shot by Maxim Afinogenov that Mason got a piece of but not enough to stop the puck from trickling into the net.

With Canada's Steve Stamkos in the penalty box for boarding, Pavel Datsyuk doubled Russia's lead at 1:34 of the 2nd period when Datsyuk showed the European Audience what people in the NHL arenas have seen him do so many times before when he lifted the puck high over Mason from the lip of the crease.

Then with Perry in the penalty box for a slash on Russian Star Alexander Ovechkin, Malkin made it 3-0 at 17:31 of the 2nd period on a shoot from between the faceoff circles that slid under Mason has he dropped to his knees in the crease in an attempt to make the save. Sergei Federov tipped a point shot for the 4-0 lead at 7:31 of the third period.

John Tavares scored at 13:52 of the third period for Canada only scoring play and with Canada's empty net for an extra attacker, Malkin scored his second goal of the game at 16:56. Matt Duchene made it 5-2 with 14 seconds left in the game.

Canada ended the tournament with three straight losses.


Switzerland 0 Germany 1 (0-0, 0-1, 0-0)

Switzerland VS. Germany Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/SUI%20-%20GER%20%28QF%29.html

By Andrew Podnieks

In Mannheim, Germany: A quick goal from Philipp Gogulla Midway through the 2nd period and sensational goaltending from Dennis Endras was all Germany needed to beat Switzerland 1-0 to advance to the Semifinals for the first time since the current IIHF World Championship Playoff format was introduced in 1992. The Germans now play Russia in Colonge at 18:00 on Saturday Night for a place in the Gold Medal Game.

"Russia is a huge favorite, I think," said Michael Wolf. "With that lineup they have, it's almost like the Olympic Line Up. It's tough to play against them, but we'll try to play as a group again, with good goaltending, and never now."

The game was played before a raucous, sold out SAP Arena crowd of 12,500 that saw Endras stop all 41 shots he faced, some in sensational fashion. The Czechs and Swedes play the other semifinal on Saturday at 14:00.

"I think it was the biggest win of my career," said Endras. "For Germany to make the Semifinal is huge for a team, for the whole staff. The guys worked for the entire 60 minutes and it was such a great feeling tonight."

The only dark side of the night occurred when the final horn was blown when a full scale brawl almost erupted, including Swiss player Timo Helbling and German assistant coach Ernst Hofner, who both got match penalties.

The win guarantees a fourth at least a fourth place finish for the Germans. They last finished as high at the 1976 Olympics when they won a Bronze Medal in Innsbruck and at the 1953 World Championships when they also won Silver. Switzerland now finishes in fifth place, its best showing since a fourth in 1998 when they hosted the World Championship and Zurich and Basle.

Marcel Jenni was praiseworthy in defeat. "It's one of the worst losses I've ever had in my career. We controlled the play in the first period, but we couldn't find the flow we needed to beat them. The Germans deserved the win. They played well."

The first period saw both teams have only one great opportunity each to score, but after 20 minutes there was a nary a goal to be found. In the early going it was Switzerland's Paolo Duca who hit the post, and then toward the end of the period Germany had a colossal opportunity to break the game wide open.

Martin Pluss was given a five minute major and game misconduct for spearing at 15:28. the vicious little play was actually a back-swing with the tip of his stick into the groin of Christian Ehrhoff, but on the ensuing power play the Germans were able to generate few decent shots much less score. They had one other fruitless power play in the period. Coming into the game they were 16th in the tournament with just one goal in 21 chances with the extra man.

Germany showed its great weakness - lack of offense - but the Swiss didn't generate many chances either in a dull period enlivened only by the incredible fan support by the home side.

The 2nd period, however, was a vastly different story. It began with a stifling defense, but then Germany started to take over and dominate. The Swiss couldn't generate scoring chances off the rush, and the Germans skated with greater inspiration. They were rewarded halfway through the period with the game's first goal.

Alexander Sulzner took a weak shot along the left wing boards, but it was high and caught goalie Martin Gerber by surprise. He had to jump to make the chest save, but the puck dropped onto the stick of Philipp Gogulla and quickly rapped it open side of the 1-0 lead at 10:46.

The third period was predictable in that the Germans tried to protect the lead and the Swiss mounted their fiercest attack. The result was several terrific scoring chances, but Endras was sensational in the German net, stopped everything that came his way.

Of course, the Swiss attacked, the more they were vulnerable to odd-man rushes the other way, and Germany had a few quality scoring chances to get their all important 2nd goal.

The brawl erupted after a crazy series of events. As the clock wound down to zero, German Players leaped off the bench to celebrate the win, but refs pointed out there was still one second left on the clock. Order was restored, the puck dropped, and the game was over. But pushing and shoving occurred as the players left their benches. Order was restored but gave an otherwise sensational night a bit of a black eye.

"We have great team spirit," said Alexander Sulzer of the winning team. "We talked before the game against the USA Started, and we sat together. We said we were just going to play the game and keep it easy, do the little things. Enjoy the moment, go from shift to shift and, period to period and game to game."

And now they have at least one more game to play, the biggest of their lives.

IHWC Group F: Sweden shutouts Switzerland while the Czechs surprise Canada

It was a bit of a minor surprise, the Czechs were looking to get their offense going on what has been a luck luster tournament scoring wise. But 2 goals in the 2nd period allowed the Czechs to hold on and overtake Canada for 3rd and giving Canada a tough road to the IHWC Gold Medal by finishing 4th in the Qualifying Round and having to face Sweden who looked very strong against Switzerland.



From the International Ice Hockey Federation: http://www.iihf.com/





Canada 2 Czech Republic 3 (1-1, 0-2, 1-0)



Canada VS. Czech Republic Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/CAN%20-%20CZE.html



By Andrew Podnieks



From Mannheim, Germany: The Czech Republic got two goals in the 2nd period to break a 1-1 tie and skated to a 3-2 win over Canada. As a result, they finish at least in 3rd place in Group F and advance, with Canada, to the Quarterfinals. It was a bitter and tense battle that showed signs of being one more punch or check away from getting out of hand.



Canada finishes fourth and will play the winner of the Russia-Finland Game tonight as the Czechs will play the loser of that game. All the Quarterfinals will be played on Thursday.



"We're going to have to go through the tough teams eventually," said Canadian forward John Tavares. "In whatever order it is, it doesn't matter. It's a new slate for everybody, and it's do or die now."



Today's loss was a historic one in the worst way for Canada. It marked the first time since the playoff system was adopted in 1992 that the motherland of the game has lost three games prior to the Quarterfinals.



It made for a strange afternoon as these teams met for an important game - and it was only the Qualifying Round. A loss by the Czechs meant a trip back to Prague, and a loss by Canada meant a likely quarterfinal date with Russia, the heavy favorites this year. The result was a very orney Czech Team that took two boarding penalties and started a fight. (That went into the books as a double minor for Tomas Rolinek and Steve Ott) in the first period alone.



As well, the Czechs came out flying, the more desperate team playing more aggressively. They had a couple of good chances early, but goalie Chris Mason, playing his best game of the tournament, stood his ground and made a couple of important saves.



However, it was Ray Whitney who drew first blood, for Canada, on a great play. He took a pass from Marc Giordano while coming down the right wing on a power play and cut in on goal as players from both teams converged on goalie Tomas Vokoun. With so many options, it seemed certain that Ray Whitney would pass, but the right-hand shot cut in on goal and slipped a backhand between the goalie's pads. Goalie Mason drew the 2nd assist on the play.



Canada was in control for most of the first period and was certainly the more disciplined team. The Czechs took three straight penalties, but Canada could not extend the lead. With less then two minutes to play, however, the inexperience of the 19 year old Jordan Eberle cost the team a goal.



He was too casual taking a pass in center during a power play and was checked off the puck by Jiri Novotny who fed Lukas Kaspar on the fly. Kaspar skated alone and deked Mason, sliding the puck between the goalie's pads at 18:20 to tie the game, 1-1. Eberle, meanwhile, sat on the bench for most of the rest of the game.



"I was a bit nervous when I was going in there," Kaspar said. "Because i'd missed an open net a couple of minutes before. I got the puck from Jiri and I was going in on the goalie. At first I thought shot, but it instead I deked him a little bit and put it through the legs."



Both teams continued to play on the edge in the 2nd period, with plenty of pushing and shoving and face-washes after the whistle, and both sides had some fine scoring chances. Mason and Vokoun were rock solid when tested, and an open period soon became more defensive, the next goal becoming more and more important.



Much of the 2nd half of the period was played between the blue-lines, but the Czechs got the go-ahead goal at 12:19 off a faceoff circle in the Canadian end. Jakub Klepis won the faceoff back to Ondrej Nemec sensational, one handed deflection of the puck while being checked, and the puck bounced past a helpless Mason (although it looked like Petr Vampola was the player who deflected the puck.)



They made it 3-1 near the end of the period on the power play when Michal Rozsival hit Kelpis with a pass between the defensemen, and Kelpis beat Mason with a stick-side deke to make it a 3-1 lead. This time, Vokoun had the assist.



Canada came within one on a wild play. Vokoun played the puck behind his own goal but was checked hard by Corey Perry, who knocked him hard into the ice. As Kelpis came into punch Perry in retaliation, the puck came out in front and Matt Duchene put it into the open net with 1:11 left in the 3rd period.



Canada couldn't tie the game with Mason on the bench in the final minute, but a wild melee broke out at the final horn and threatened to turn into a bench clearing brawl. Players from both benches remained disciplined they watch the players all over the ice pair off.



"There were scrums everywhere at the end and guys falling all over the place," said captain Whitney. "Unfortunately for Canada, there is no fighting, because were pretty decent at that."



And so, it's on to the Quarterfinals for both teams on Thursday, and then the real fun begins. Win 0r go home. The question for Canada is simple: where is the team speed and scoring? For the Czechs, it's about momentum. Can they build on their last two wins in a do-or-die game on Thursday?

Switzerland 0 Sweden 5 (0-1, 0-2, 0-2)

Switzerland VS. Sweden Game Photos: www.iihf.com/en/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/SUI%20-%20SWE.html

From Lukas Aykroyd

From Mannheim, Germany: Forget about neutrality. Sweden convincingly beat Switzerland 5-0 in their final Qualification Round game to clinch the top spot in Group F. The Swedes will take on Denmark in Thursday's Quarterfinals, while the Swiss will play the host Germans.

This anticipated showdown simply turned into an exhibition of Swedish Puck Control, discipline and patience. The tone was the polar opposite of the chippy victory over Canada earlier. Apart from the maintaining of good civil order (Both teams took two minor penalties apiece.) There was also little to cheer about for Swiss fans among the 5757 on hand at the SAP Arena.

"The score might have looked easy, but it was a tough game for us," said Sweden's Victor Hedman. "We played well, and knew we had to come out strong. The Swiss have had a good tournament, but Markstrom was unbelievable game in net, too. We scored on our chances, and that was the difference."

Sweden Tony Martensson set the tone with a goal and two assists, while team scoring leader Magnus-Paajarvi Svensson added a goal and an assist.

The Swedes are fixtures in the final 8, never having missed out on the IIHF instituted the playoff system in 1992. In fact, Sweden had never finished lower then seventh (2000) in its modern history. Switzerland gradually emerging as a hockey power, will make its sixth straight appearance in the Quarterfinals.

Both teams dressed their backup goalies, and Swedes Jacob Markstrom recorded his first ever World Championships shutout over Switzerland's Tobais Stephen. Switzerland out-shot Sweden 28-25.

"We had the chance to finish first for the first time in our history, but the Swedes came out really hard and pressured us." said Swiss Defensemen Goran Bezina. "And it seemed like after that, we didn't have the juice to battle in the corners."

Sweden has historically dominated Switzerland. The Swedes earned the playoff wins over Switzerland en route to World Championships gold in 1992 and 1998, and beat them in the Quarterfinals prior to claiming the 2006 Olympic Title.

The Swiss who posted surprising wins over the Czechs and Canada, need to rediscover their game quickly after dropping two straight, including a 3-2 loss to underdog Norway.

At 3:02, the Swedes drew first blood as Paajarvi-Svensson finished off a sweet give-and-go play with Martensson, taping the puck into a wide-open net. It was the highlight of a conservatively played first period, in which Sweden out-shot Switzerland 8-4.

Just 48 seconds into the middle frame, Tre Kronor went up 2-0 when Johan Harju blasted a shot from the top of the left faceoff circle over Stephan's glove.

"The first period was 1-0, and we felt like we had a chance, but after the 2nd goal they played really solid defense and it was very tough to come back," said Bezina. "We didn't have the energy to attack the net, and they got all the bounces."

The confident Swedes started to relax at this point. Controlling the puck, Linus Omark twice gestured with his stick behind the Swiss net as if he was about to attempt the "lacrosse goal" pioneered by University of Michigan forward Mike Legg. However he simply elected to make a centering pass.

At 3:40 of the 2nd, Victor Hedman made it 3-0, deftly converting a cross-ice pass from Martensson over Stephan's glove. It was the 19 Year Old Tampa Bay blue-liner's first career World Championship Goal.

The Swiss called a timeout to regroup, but the game had already slipped away from them. Seconds later, Sweden's Niklas Persson got a breakaway and backhanded the puck high off the post.

In the third period, the Swedes continued their dominance. Jonathan Eriksson hammered a shot off the end boards and Fredrick Petterson smartly snared the rebound, tucking it home for a 4-0 lead. Less then a minute later, Martensson's centering pass deflected in off Swiss defenders for the fifth Swedish goal.

With under 10 minutes left to play, Markstrom made some of his best saves of the game during a Swiss power play with Mikael Backlund off for slashing.

"We knew they would never give up, even when it was 3-0, so we had to keep the forecheck high and make simple plays all the time," observed Hedman. "And now, we look forward to the Danish Game."

Sweden is hoping to win this tournament for the first time since 2006, while Switzerland is gunning for its first world Championship Medal since 1953 when they won Bronze.

Final Group F Standings

1. Sweden 4-0-0-1 12 PTS 18-7

2. Switzerland 3-0-0-2 9 PTS 12-11

3. Czech Rep. 3-0-0-2 9 PTS 10-11

4. Canada 2-0-0-3 6 PTS 22-12

5. Norway 2-0-0-3 6 PTS 9-26

6. Latvia 1-0-0-4 3 PTS 12-16

Advanced to the Quarterfinals

Eliminated from the IHWC

Final Rankings for teams ranked 9-16. Plus the 2 Teams that have won Promotion from Division 1.

9. Norway

10. Slovakia

11. Belarus

12. Latvia

13. U.S.A.

14. France

15. Italy

16. Kazakhstan

Austria and Slovenia won promotion from the IHWC Division 1 Tournaments and will compete in the 2011 IHWC in Slovakia.

IHWC Qualfiying Round Group F: Canada crushes Norway, Sweden Controls Latvia

Canada used a 7 goal 2nd period turned what was a decent effort by Norway and into an absolute blowout as Canada used that to springboard them to a 12-1 win. Bettering Denmark's 6 goal 1st period earlier in the day.

Meanwhile between Sweden and Latvia had little issues to deal with Latvia with 3 first period goals by 3 different players gave them a 4-2 win over Latvia who's still looking for their first points of the 2nd Round. So far, their only win came against Kazakhstan which got them to the 2nd Round.

From the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

From Andrew Pondieks

Sweden 4 Latvia 2 (3-1, 0-0, 1-1)

Sweden VS. Latvia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/SWE%20-%20LAT.html

From Mannheim, Germany: Sweden had little trouble defeating Latvia, 4-2, tonight at SAP Arena. Four different goalscorers contributed to the victory while Martins Karsums had both Latvian Goals.

The win gives Sweden six points and a place in top spot of Group F with Switzerland and Canada, although the Swiss have a game in hand. Latvia remains in 6th and last place with no points in three games.

"We let the game slip away," Latvian defensemen Janis Sprukts said. "We made it easy for them. They have a lot of speed from their forwards, and we couldn't shut them down."

"It was a pretty good game for us," Henrik Peterson suggested. "We got the three points and have time to work on a few things now."

The game started out with a feverish pace, the first minutes packing more action into it then most of the rest of the game. It began with Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson picking up a rebound in his own end to open the scoring. He simply blew by defensemen Georgijs Pujacs and slid the puck along the ice to Edgars Masalskis fell sideways to give Sweden a 1-0 lead just 37 seconds into the game.

On the ensuing faceoff, the Latvian's replied. This time Sprukts made a nice pass from the side of the net of to net to Karsums, and his quick shot to the far side surprised Markstrom. Only 56 seconds from the opening faceoff the game was tied, 1-1.

Four minutes later, the Swedes took the lead again when Olivier Ekman Larsson's harmless-looking wrist shot from the point made its way through traffic in front past a screened Masalskis.

Tre Kronor upped its lead to 3-1 at 14:30 on a beautiful three-way passing play off the rush. The attack ended with a great pass by Rickard Wallin bring to the trailer on the play, Mikael Nylander, who walked in and drilled a great shot to the side of Masalskis. The play started with a pass coming over the blue-line from Christian Backman.

The Swedes dominated the 2nd period and Markstrom had previous few difficult saves to make in the middle 20 minutes. At one point, Tre Kronor had the puck in the Latvian end for about four minutes straight.

During this time, Fredrik Pettersson enlivened the proceedings when he had the puck behind the net and tried to score a lacrosse style goal. That is, he flipped the puck onto the blade of his stick and tried to stuff the puck in the short side. Masalskis got his shoulder and head over to the near post in time to keep the puck out, but full marks to Pettersson for originality and entertainment.

"It's something I've tried before, but tonight the goalie saw me I think and was able to get over. But I was in a good position to do it, and if I see the chance I'll try again."

The Swedes were on a constant to puck-possession hockey, and the Latvian's had no seeming answer to cut into the lead. But five minutes into the third period, Markstrom muffed a routine play allowed Latvia back in the game. Karsums came off the left side and barged in on goal, jamming the puck between Markstorm's pads.

The puck trickled down behind the goalie who then knocked the puck over the goal line in trying to squeeze his pads. This made for a move interesting finish then what Sweden had hoped for given their significant territorial and shots advantage in the game.

Tony Martensson finished the scoring late in the game with a bullet slapshot just inside the blueline that caught Masalskis napping.

Both teams play on Sunday. Latvia plays Norway in the afternoon followed by Sweden-Canada.

"We played a pretty good game tonight," Pettersson said, "but we still have a lot of little things we have to work on. We're much better as a team today then we were a week ago, but we can still improve."

Canada 12 Norway 1 (1-1, 7-0, 4-0)

Canada VS. Norway Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/CAN%20-%20NOR.html

From Andrew Podnieks

In Mannheim, Germany: Canada scored an easy 12-1 win victory over Norway this afternoon at the SAP Arena. Jordan Eberle, the 19 year old activated to the roster because of injuries, had a goal and 3 assists. Evander Kane had two goals and an assist, and the third member of the line, Rich Peverley, chipped in with a goal and two assists. It was Eberle's international debut at the senior level. He had played at the 2009 and 2010 World Junior Championships.

John Tavares had a hat trick for the winners in the tournament's leading total to six. Canada wore retro jerseys to honor the 2009 U20 U20 team, a fitting tribute that four of the players in today's game wore a year and half ago.

"The game almost gets a little easier when you're playing with such good players, Eberle observed. "Passes are always right on the tape, and you can do things you can't do in juniors. The guys are always talking to you."

The win puts Canada into first place tie with Switzerland in Group F of the qualifying round although the Swiss have a game in hand. Norway remains in 5th place with three points.

Canada's defensive trouble's cost the team the opening goal. Chris Mason made a save off a harmless shot, but the clearing in front of him was poor and the puck ended up on the stick of Jonas Holos at the top of the circle. His quick shot went under the blocker arm of Mason just 1:35 into the game for an early and surprising 1-0 lead for Norway.

"It's not the start that we wanted," Marc Staal said, "and it happened to us in the last game as well. It wasn't a good thing for our confidence, but we knew there was a lot of time left and we could score."

The period was mostly an unmitigated disaster for Canada and team was as flat as the crowd was small and quiet. The low point came midway through when defensemen Kris Russel and got the puck and at the same moment Corey Perry broke out of his end.

All Russell had to do was put the puck on his stick and Perry had a 40 meter breakaway. Instead, he drilled a too-hard pass easily three to four meters wide of his teammate, and instead of a breakaway, it was an icing call.

Canada tied the game at 13:09 off the rush. Marc Staal's original shot was stopped by Ruben Smith, but Evander Kane backhanded the rebound between the goalie's pads to tie the game. Smith was playing because number one goalie Pal Grotnes was serving an automatic one game suspension for a match penalty in the team's last game.

Later in the period, on a power play, Mac Zuccarello Aasen hit the post, but the period ended 1-1.

Canada found a bit of its mojo at 3:51 of the 2nd period on the power play. Ray Whitney's point shot was nicely tipped by Perry in front past Smith to give Canada a 2-1 lead.

"We didn't control the game in the first period," Marc Staal admitted, "but we were patient and then got some shots some time on the power play and got some goals."

Jordan Eberle made a fine little play to key Canada's third goal later in the third period. He made a nice back pass off the boards at the Norway blue-line to Matt Duchene. Duchene took the puck to the net and passed off the trailing defensemen, Marc Giordano made no mistake with his shot from the slot.

The 19 year old Eberle was called into action with injures to Ryan Smyth and Steve Stamkos and was a solid if unspectacular player. He didn't dominate the game by any means, but he also played smart, shifted well, and gave the team some valuable minutes.

And then the roof fell in for Norway. Canada scored three late goals in the period to make it 6-1. That last goal, by Steve Downie, resulted in two penalties for Norway. Ole-Kristian took a roughing minor and Captain Tommy Jakobsen took a five minute major and match penalty for bumping a ref. during discussions.

On the ensuring 5-on-3, Ray Whitney made it 7-1 and with the major penalty still in effect, Kane got his second of the game standing to back side and drilling a delicate and perfect pass from Eberle past the beleguered Smith.

In all, Canada scored 5 goals in a span of 3:06 at the end of the 2nd period. It had 7 goals in the period, four of which were on the power plays.

"We had a good first period, but then we took some stupid penalties and let them play their game," Mathis Olimb said. "We didn't follow our game plan, and then we got a couple of goals and then it just fell apart."

Eberle got his first goal of senior play early in the third period on a nice shot from in close. Tavares added two goals later to finish his hat trick performance and Duchene got the 12th goal on a pretty shot from in tight.

"I knew before the game i'd be on the power play with the second unit, but our line played very well early on and he (Coach Mactavish) kept playing us. It's nice to earn your playing time like that."

Canada's next game is Sunday Night against Sweden while Norway plays Latvia earlier in the day.

Group F Schedule

5/14: Canada 12 Norway 1 (1-1, 7-0, 4-0)

5/14: Sweden 4 Latvia 2 (3-1, 0-0, 1-1)

5/15: Switzerland VS. Czech Republic

5/16: Latvia VS. Norway

5/16: Sweden VS. Canada

5/17: Norway VS. Switzerland

5/17: Czech Republic VS. Latvia

5/18: Canada VS. Czech Republic

5/18: Sweden VS. Switzerland


Group F Standings as of 5/14

1. Canada 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 19-3

2. Switzerland 2-0-0-0 6 PTS 7-2

3. Sweden 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 10-5

4. Czech Republic 1-0-0-1 3 PTS 4-4

5. Norway 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 6-19

6. Latvia 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 4-13

Sidney Crosby Fights off USA comeback, Canada wins Gold in a game for the ages

In what was truly a game for the ages between the North American Powers and Neighbors. The U.S.A. and Canada faced off for Olympic Gold for the 2nd time in less then decade. However, like in 2002 in Salt Lake City, the result was the same as the Gold Medal that Canadian Hockey Fans wanted the most of all the Medals that Canada could have won in the Olympics.

This was the big one and the most important one of these games. The game started out with a very physically presence with both teams bringing out the hits like in the Group Stage game, the Canadians went up 2-0 midway through the 2nd period.

The U.S.A. Came back with Zach Parise who had a fantastic tournament and definitely had a great case for Tournament MVP, especially if the U.S.A. had won the game. In the 3rd period, both teams were playing their hearts and proving that both nations wanted this gold so badly.

For the U.S.A., it would have been revenge for Canada winning gold on American Ice in 2002 by winning gold on their ice. For Canada, it would have been their 2nd Gold Medal in less in a decade and getting revenge for the early matchup.

In the end, Pittsburgh Penguins superstar finished off on what was a surprisingly quiet tournament by scoring the game winner nearly 8 minutes into the extra period. After that, the Canadian fans went into a frenzy across the country as it was the most watched sporting event in Canada's history.

It also put an extra spark into the Closing Ceremonies later that night and fans were celebrating across the country long into the night to celebrate the end of a very successful Olympics in all parts from winning the most golds to creating one of the best atmosphere's of any Olympics, winter or summer in recent years and will give upcoming host cities, mostly London in Summer 2012 and Sochi in Winter 2014 in the near future.

For the U.S.A., finishing with the Silver Medal was painful for right now, they will realize that they have successfully turned the page in U.S.A. Hockey. Out are players like Mike Modano, Keith Tkachuk and Jeremy Roenick who gave the U.S.A. numerous great moments, in are players like Ryan Miller and Zach Parise who look to create many more moments and to help out and inspire the youth and junior players to help compete to make the team even better in the future.

This is Canada's biggest national success in a nation where Hockey is a religion and that is saying something when your team wins on home ice and the player that a lot of people are hyping as the next Wayne Gretzky who's already won an Olympic Gold, and a Stanley Cup the last few months. He's legacy is only going to grow. I should mention that he was the youngest captain in NHL History to win the Stanley Cup as well.

And to bring home the nations first Olympic Hockey Gold Medal since the Miracle on Ice Team. Also with the U.S.A. claiming both the U18 & WJC Championships right now, the future of USA Hockey is certainly is just amazing right now.

From Andrew Pondieks of the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

Sidney Crosby scored at 7:40 in OT off a lovely pass from Jarome Iginla to give Canada gold on home ice. Crosby's quick low shot beat Ryan Miller to give Canada a 3-2 win.

Likely the single-most anticipated game since the game was brought indoors in 1875, this remarkable contest lived up to and exceeded its buildup.

"Every kid dreams of this opportunity (to score the game winning goal in the Olympics)," said Crosby, "and any guy in the room could have done it. Doing it in Canada is the opportunity of a lifetime. You dream of that moment a thousand times growing up."

Crosby had been quiet all game long-the past 3 games in fact,-but as usual he elevated his game to extraordinary heights at the exact moment required. In retrospect, who else could have scored the game winning goal? Jonathan Toews and Corry Perry scored for Canada and Ryan Kesler and Zach Parise for the United States in regulation before teams came back out for the 20 minute sudden death 4-on-4 hockey.

The game featured two teams with almost identical styles of play, but on this day was a twist. Both teams like to get the puck deep into enemy territory, chase it down, and cycle the puck to generate scoring chances.

The twist was that American coach Ron Wilson clearly told his players before the game to shoot wherever the chance to presented itself. In other words, make Canadian goalie Roberto Luongo handle the puck as much as possible. As for the two NHL refs-Bill Mcceary and Dan O'Halloran-they let the North Americans play a physical game, knowing that these quality players, appearing in the game of their lives, would not resort to cheap shots. "Let'em play" and with gold on the line, rightly so.

Canada opened the scoring at 12:50 on a harmless-looking play. The Americans won a faceoff deep in the own end and had a puck behind the net when Mike Richards checked Eric Johnson off the puck. Richards came out in front with a shot which Ryan Miller saved, but the goalie didn't control the rebound. Jonathan Toews snapped it home early for the critical 1-0 lead. It was exactly the kind of play for Richards was named to the team by executive director Steve Yzerman.

The period was marked by good scoring chances at both ends but also by many whistles and sometimes nervous play, and it ended with Canada with a slim lead.

Canada got an early power play in the 2nd period off a sloppy high sticking penalty by Ryan Malone at the Canadian blueline but although there was good puck possession. there was no score on the power play. Moments later, Eric Staal was called for interference, and the Canadians had their first penatly-killer situation.

They passed with flying colors-and then got that vital second goal. Getzlaf came down the left side and tried to throw the puck in front, but the puck caromed off Ryan Whitney back to Corey Perry who had a whole open side as Miller was playing for an initial pass. He made no mistake, and at 7:13 it was a 2-0 game.

The Americans got another power play moments later and came close with an open play to the net, but Patrice Bergeron and Rick Nash led the penalty killers. After that, it was end-to-end action, heart throbbing for fans of both teams.

And then it happened: At 12:44 the Americans got one back after a simple shot along the boards by Patrick Kane was redirected past Luongo who got a piece of the shot, but not all of it. On the next shift, Zach Parise took a stretch pass down the left side and had another great chance. The Canadians invincibility so far in the game was now in doubt, as was the game.

As in the first, there were great scoring chances, huge amounts of action around the crease of the two goalies, and no more goals. Canada was now 20 minutes away from gold with a 2-1 lead, but it was a tenuous lead. The Americans speed to the outside was obvious, but Canada's strength up the middle was also very much in evidence. The best chance in the later part of the period came when Staal took a long pass from Dan Boyle and shot over the net on a clear breakaway.

One shot, one bounce would ensure victory for Canada or start an American comeback. That shot nearly came early in the 3rd period when a Chris Pronger point shot rattled off the post while Miller was screened. But still, the score remained the same at 2-1.

Canada sat on the lead for the rest of the period, and it almost worked. But with Miller on the bench, Parise knocked in a loose puck in front of Luongo's crease to force OT.

"With 24 seconds left, we were obviously celebrating," Getzlaf admitted, "but our guys did a great job of believing and staying poised."

Said Staal: "We've got so many guys that have been through the Stanley Cups, Game Sevens situations like that. We knew we just had to get it back. There's nothing you can do. It's the past. Obviously it was tough to give up that goal. At the end of the 3rd, we just said: "It's going to feel even better when we win it in overtime." "I"m sure it did for every Canadian out there."

Captain Scott Niedermayer agreed: "Lots of guys stepped up, and everybody kept their composure. We knew what we had to: continue to go out there and play our game, and just believe that it was going to happen."

Canada dominated the OT, and when Crosby and Iginla came out they worked the puck along the left-wing boards. Crosby got the puck in the corner to Iginla and went to the net, shouting for the puck. "There was a certain urgency in his voice," Iginla said later, "so I just tried to get it him before it was too late." Crosby's quick one timer beat Miller cleanly, and an entire nation ran into the streets to celebrate the greatest goal since Paul Henderson defining score in 1972.

"A few years down the road we will be proud of it but not right now." said Dustin Brown. "We had good momentum and had one breakdown and they capitalized."

Twitter Updates during Men's Olympic Semifinals

The first of the Semifinal Games will be starting in a few minutes as the U.S.A. will take on Finland while at 4:30 PM PST it will be Canada taking on Slovakia with both games taking place at Canada Hockey Place. It's very simple today, win and your in the Gold Medal Game on Sunday afternoon, lose and you will play for the Bronze Medal on Saturday Evening.

U.S.A. VS. Finland 12:00 PM PST

Canada VS. Slovakia 4:30 PM PST


Bronze Medal Game: Saturday at 7:00 PM PST

Gold Medal Game: Sunday at 12:15 PM PST

Canadian Women use 2 early goals to win 3rd straight Gold Medal

Canadian Olympic Rookie Marie-Philip Poulin used 2 goals in the first 10 minutes to help the Canadians win their 3rd straight Olympic Women's Gold Medal over the U.S.A. and by doing so, have overtaken the U.S.A. for the top spot in the Women's World Rankings.

After the 2 goals were scored in the first 10 minutes, Goalie Shannon Szabados used a great performance by stopping all 28 U.S.A. shots to keep the Americans off the scoreboard as Canadian domination of this tournament since 2002. The U.S.A.'S only Women's Gold came in the inaugural tournament back in 1998.

In a game that had the physicality and the exicment of the Men's Prelim Round Game last weekend, the best Women's Teams in the World didn't disappointment the fans of both sides to give the game that fans of the U.S.A. and Canada deserve for the Gold Medal.

However, as we end another Women's Olympic Tournament. What should the U.S.A and Canada when it comes down to helping teams from around the world improve their game to make this tournament more competitive.

Do these players have an obligation to help young girls take up the sport around the world, or is that the responsibility of their own national team federations to help them out to make this tournament more competitive in the near future in both the Women's World Championship and the Olympics?

One thing that could help is the recent creation of the World Junior Women's Championship where this can help increase the number of players, especially at the younger age groups where you have very few Major College Teams and no Junior Leagues or teams at all.

Even though the tournament has only been around for 2 years, they has been some success already. The Czech Republic was able to medal at the first event in 2008 and then got back to the Bronze Medal Game back last year where they lost to Sweden is a very close game.

Also some of the lower seeded games have been greatly competitive such as all 4 of the placement games being 1 goal games last year, including 3 of them going to OT, so hopefully this can be a huge step forward for the Women's Game, especially for the younger players looking to play at the Olympics and WWC.

Also last year was the first year to include a Division 1 Tournament with the winner getting promoted to this year's tournament. This is good news because it was recommended that the IIHF wait 3 years before adding a Division 1 Tournament for new teams to have a shot at competing and getting promoted to the Main Event which will be in Chicago this season in March.

Canada VS. U.S.A. Women's Gold Medal Game Photos: www.iihf.com/de/channels10/olympics-2010/pictures/page/0/game/CAN%20-%20USA%20%28F%29.html

Canada VS. U.S.A. Women's Gold Medal Game Summary: www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/womens-gold-medal-game---game-20_ihw400101Cf.html

From Andrew Ponieks of the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

Marie-Phillip Poulin scored two first-period goals to lead Canada to a 3rd straight Olympic Gold Medal in a 2-0 win over the United States. Shannon Szabados was nothing short of brilliant in goal for the Canadians, stopped all 28 shots.

"We trusted in ourselves," said veteran forward Jennifer Botterill. "Steve Yzerman came and spoke to us before the game, and that was one of the biggest pieces of advice: to trust yourself. We were excited, but had confidence all the preparation we did."

Coming into this game, Szabados had exactly two games of top-level experience under her belt, both here in Vancouver over the last two weeks. The game was watched by Wayne Gretzky and Prime Minister Stephen Harper as well as a full complement of both the Men's and Women's Teams from Canada and the U.S.A.

"I'm proud and very honored to be Canadian," said Meghan Agosta, the MVP of these Olympics. "To represent your country in Canada is honor and of itself. We had no doubt that if we played hard and worked together that we would be successful."

Coach Melody Davidson gave Szabados the surprise start despite many years of experience in Kim St. Pierre resume. Six minutes into the game, Szabados proved her worth in the first period-but not the last-time, making a huge glove save and ripped a wrist shot to the glove side, the game's first good scoring chance.

"Team Canada's a great team," said American Hilary Knight. "It just shows their perseverance. We had tons of opportunities tonight and couldn't capitalize. Hats off to Szabados for doing a great job. The puck didn't bounce our way, but she did a great job."

Indeed, while Canada's men's had been scrutinized for the intense pressure they had felt, the women, with mostly easy games so far, hadn't faced any. But they started this game nervously and tentatively. Midway through the period skated their way into a more confident team, drawing a couple of penalties but unable to capitalize.

Then it was Canada that took the quick penalties, creating a five-on-three for the Americans for 38 seconds. Szabados was sensational, and Wickenheiser made an heroic sliding block of a hard shot to keep the U.S.A. at bay. Soon after the team were playing at full strength, Canada struck. Jennifier Botterill took a loose puck along the left boards and swept a pass to Poulin in the slot. Poulin ripped a one timer over the glove of Jessie Vetter at 13:05.

Poulin got her second goal of the period at 16:50. This came off a faceoff deep in the U.S.A. end to the left of Vetter. She won a draw to winger Meghan Agosta. but the weak backhander was easily blocked. The puck came back right back to Poulin, however, and she drilled a low shot to the glove shot which Vetter couldn't reach.

"Poulin's just a little sniper," said Botterill. "You try to get her the puck, and she gets off some good shots."

It was a fast and furious period marked by a great scoring chances. The big difference was Szabados at one end and Canada's ability to nail its chances at the other. The Americans came out as a determined group and spent most of the first 90 seconds of the 2nd period in Canada's end, generating some good chances but not able to beat Szabados.

Canada then incurred two delay of game penalties within a span of 23 seconds, but the penalty killers during the 1:38 two man advantage was amazing. They blocked passing lanes, got sticks and bodies in the way of shots, and had Szabados as a surperb last line of defense.

"Szabados played great", said Lamoureux. "She stole the game for us." We had two 5-on-3's and we just couldn't bury the puck. They had blocked a lot of shots. We had rebounds to capitalize and made some great saves, I tip my hat to her. She played awesome."

The rest of the period featured spectacularly exciting, and end-to-end action. Both goalies had several close calls, the glove of Szabados often made the difference. Both teams also had their chances with the man advantage, and nearly the end of the period each team had a power play which has spent almost entirely in the offense zone. But, after 40 heart-pounding minutes, Poulin's two goals were still the only ones on record.

Canada's outlet passing and poise under pressure were impressive, and the team was able to contain the speed of the Americans for the most part, keeping their fleet-of-foot forwards on the outside. The Americans still generated their fair share of chances, and with a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes to play (or more), this game's results was by no means secure.

It was clear from the drop of the puck to start the 3rd period that Canada wasn't about to gamble, knowing that the Americans had to start taking chances. Szabados made another sensational save near the seven minute marks. The Canadian Defense made a dangerous clearing right through its own crease and the puck bounced off Monique Lamoureux's skate and headed right between the legs of the goalie until she squeezed the pads together.

The pace never let up, but the Canadians played brilliant defense and maintained their composure until the final horn when Canada Hockey Place erupted into a deafening moment of joy. Canada has won gold for the 3rd straight Olympic Games. While the U.S.A. has won Silver for the 2nd time (2002).

"This is definitely my last Olympic Games." Becky Kellar said, "and this is a good way to go out. It felt like a dream to be out there with that many people in the stands."

Twitter UPdates during the Women's Gold Medal Game

As the U.S.A. and Canada prepare to take the ice, I will be doing twitter updates during tonight's Women's Gold Medal Game as the game will get under in just a few minutes from Hockey Canada Place in Vancouver. The U.S.A. will look to end the Olympic Drought that has last since the Americans won the first ever Women's Hockey Gold back in 1998, while Canada is looking to make it 3 straight. Who will take the gold tonight. Find out as the game will be on MSNBC in Vancouver.

Here's my Twitter Account: www.twitter.com/tanman9

Women's Gold Medal Preview

Usually we would have the Men's Semifinals first as we are down the Final 4 of the Men's Tournament. But today, with the Women's Gold Medal Game coming up tonight between the U.S.A. and Canada.

As the only nations to ever win gold medals at the Women's Olympic Tournament and the Women's World Hockey Championship back in 1998. These teams have had some great matches over the years and have played for numerous medals over the years. Canada has won Olympic Gold the last 2 Olympics in 2006 and 2002.

However, the U.S.A. has won the Women's World Hockey Championship the last 2 seasons. In addition, 3 years ago, the IIHF created the World Junior Women's Championships where Team U.S.A. has beaten Canada in the first 2 years of the tournament's history, and look to make 3 in a row when the 3rd annual event takes place in March with the tournament taking place in Chicago this season coming up in March.

Women's Gold Medal Game

U.S.A. VS. Canada 5:00 PM @ Canada Hockey Place

With both teams dominating this tournament, even against their Northern European Rivals Sweden and Finland who usually have been able to challenge them in the Olympics and Women's World Championship.

Both Final Group Stage Games were used as the U.S.A. have been better on the defense and goaltending while Canada has been better on the barnstorming of the opponents was held by Sweden a little bit better as the U.S.A has been able to have shutouts over Russia and Finland during the Group Stage.

Then in the Semifinals was able to keep the Swedes to just one goal and that came pretty late in the game.

In the Goaltending battle will be the area where this game will come down who can stay more focused as both goalies haven't been that busy during this tournament in any of the 4 games that have been played for both teams.

Jesse Vetter has a 0.33 GAA and only has allowed 1 goal in this tournament while Canada has decided to play their different goalies Kim St. Pierre or Shannon Szabados that will get the start. The third netminder only played in the 18-0 blowout they gave Slovakia on the opening day of the tournament.

Edge: Toss Up

Defense has been the U.S.A.'s strong suit as the Americans unlike the Canadians have been much better then the Canadians when it comes down to protecting the net when needed during the tournament. For the U.S.A, watch out for the top duo of Catlin Chow and Molly Engstrom who have 8 and 7 points collectively in the tournament and have the capabilities to deliver some hits, where this is something that you don't see that much in the Women's Game.

For Canada, look for them to play a collectively team effort as the scoring hasn't been as effective for the Canadian team as the defensemen scoring hasn't been their as much as players like Phillip-Marie Poulin who leads the defense with 5 points.

In Women's Hockey, Defense scoring is a much bigger part of the game because of the lack of hitting and fewer penalties due to the hits and fewer fights as well.

Edge: Leaning U.S.A.

Talk about score by committee, 9 of the forwards have scored at least one goal in these Olympics. Lead by Jenny Porter who has 11 points (6G 5A) along with several players who have scored 4. While every forward expect for Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiez has scored at least a point that has made it very tough for opponents to focus on a few of the players which will be a challenge for Canada. Even though Zaugg-Siergiez hasn't scored a point, she's been more of a physical presence and more of a puck mover to set up some of the forwards, so far this has been maybe the only disappointment in this tournament run.

For Canada's leading score Meghan Agosta is looking to be the first player ever to score double digit goals in the Women's Olympic Tournament in it's history. Scoring 9 goals which has included a hat trick against Slovakia in their tournament opener where they won 18-0.

Some other forwards that can light the lamp include Jayna Hefford who after scoring 3 goals and 3 assists against Slovakia has kept up her performances with 2 goals and 5 assists in the tournament. However beyond the top 2, no one has more then 3 goals in this tournament so the scoring depth may be a problem, but they can be very hard hitting and can make life for the Americans skaters very tough tonight.

Edge: Slight U.S.A.


Bottom Line: Canada may have the Defending Gold Medals. But the U.S.A. is back up after a couple of Women's World Championships and have much better young players and they have a much better all around game. As expected, this game will be close, but look for the U.S.A. to pull away late in this one.

Final Score: U.S.A. 4 Canada 2

Here's the Scores from both the U.S.A. and Canada Throughout the Tournament.

U.S.A.

Group Stage

2/14: U.S.A. 12 China 1 (5-0, 3-0, 4-1)

2/16: U.S.A. 13 Russia 0 (5-0, 7-0, 1-0)

2/18: U.S.A. 6 Finland 0 (4-0, 1-0, 1-0)


Semifinals

2/22: U.S.A. 9 Sweden 1 (2-0, 3-1, 4-0)


Canada Scores

Group Stage

2/13: Canada 18 Slovakia 0 (7-0, 6-0, 5-0)

2/15: Switzerland 1 Canada 10 (0-2, 1-3, 0-5)

2/17: Canada 13 Sweden 1 (5-0, 7-0, 1-1)

Semifinals

2/22: Canada 5 Finland 0 (2-0, 1-0, 2-0)

Canada walks all over Russia 7-3, to play Sweden VS. Slovakia Winner Next

What a dominating performance for the Canadians. After a relativity easy game for the Host Team on Thursday night against Germany. The match a lot of people thought would be for the Gold Medal turned into a rout very quickly as the Canadians got goals from all over the ice from Corey Perry who had 2 goals and an assist, to Shea Weber and Sydney Crosby and everyone in between. For Vancouver Goalie Roberto Luongo, it was a retaliative easy night for him but was stellar when called upon.

Russia was just poor all over the ice, from taking to long to change goalies to not matching the Canadian Energy. This was a night where the Russians were sent home and knew it at different parts of the game.

For the most part, Russian Superstar Forwards Alex Ovechkin, Illy Kovalchuk were just disappointing all night and are going to get a mouthful from the Russian Media at home as the Russians were viewed as Canada's biggest challenger during this tournament. This needs to be a wake up call to Russia that performances like this won't be tolorated like this ever at any tournament, much less the Olympics against their biggest rival.

Canada was the better team all over the ice, no doubt about that and this is a highly energized team that has put the problems against Switzerland and the U.S.A. behind them from the Group Stage. This is a team that will put fear into the winner of Sweden VS. Slovakia which is the final game of the night coming up on Friday night in the Semifinals.

Update to Matches for Semifinals on Friday:

U.S.A. VS. Finland 12:00 PM PST @ Canada Hockey Place

Canada VS. Sweden/Slovakia Winner 6:30 PM PST @ Canada Hockey Place

Canada VS. Russia Game Summary: www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/mens-play-offs-quarterfinals---game-24_ihm400302ow.html

Canada VS. Russia Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/olympics-2010/pictures/page/0/game/RUS%20-%20CAN%20%28QF%29.html

From Andrew Podnieks of the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

Canada beat Russia for the first time in an Olympics since 1960 (Last 8 Olympics) in dominating fashion, winning 7-3 in a game that was lighting fast although seldom close.

Corey Perry led the way with 2 goals and an assist. In all, six different players scored for Canada. Only in 1960 when Canada beat the Soviet Union by an 8-5 score in Squaw Valley has the nation allowed more goals. Canada will now play the winner in the semi-finals on Friday at 6:30 PM Local Time against tonight's winner of Sweden VS. Slovakia. For the Russians, the 2010 Olympic Tournament is over.

"It was an electric atmosphere", said goalie Roberto Luongo, who is sure to start in the semi-final game. "It was a really fun to play in. With the lead, it was a bit more comfortable."

Canada's strategy was simple: the game is being played on small ice, so play the small ice game. This meant hitting Alexander Ovechkin every time he was near the puck, hitting anything and everything in sight. By the midway mark of the first period, no Russian player wanted to hang onto the puck for very long.

"It was a very physical game on both sides of the puck," said Mike Richards. "Ovie is used to that in the NHL. He's a marked guy everytime he's on the ice."

The Physical play had the Russians reeling from the opening faceoff, and the double whammy was the top-speed creativity the big-banging Canadians displayed once they had possesion. Tic-Tac-Toe passes were the norm on every shift as Russian Goalie Nabokov was sliding east and west trying to figure out who was shooting and who was passing.

Canada opened the scoring at 2:21 when defensemen Dan Boyle tore down the left wing and backhanded a pass to the slot where Getzlaf one-timed it past goalie Nabokov after defensemen Slava Kozlov failed to check Getzlaf with any purpose. The Canadians kept pressing, moving the puck fluidly out of their own end and maintaining possession in the Russian end to create scoring chances. Nabokov looked nervous, and Canadians played Ovechkin with the same physicality as 2004 when he was in the U20 Gold Medal Game.

Alexei Morozov had a good chance on a one-timer on a Russian power play, but he fanned on the shot. Ilya Kovalchuk let go another one timer that made it through traffic, but Luongo came across to make a nice save as the penalty expired.

The frenetic pace continued. Crosby drove hard down the left side and was hauled down by Anton Volchenkov for a penalty. On the ensuing power play a Boyle point shot was deftly redirected by Patrick Marleau through the pads to make a 2-0 Canada lead.

At 12:55 a fast break gave Canada a 3rd goal, Nash finishing off a beautiful passing play up the ice with Jonathan Towes and Mike Richards. Nash lifted the puck over Nabokov just as the goalie sprawled to try the Johnny Bower pokecheck. The astounding and relentless assault forced Russian coach Slava Bykov to call a timeout to try to settle down the team and quiet the crowd.

Indeed, the crowd grew silent, comfortable with the lead, and that's exactly when the Russians got one back at 14:39. Dmitri Kalinin's wrist shot from the point fooled Roberto Luongo and gave the Russians some life. But Canada didn't surrender. The mostly Canadian crowd started up again, and the players continued to attack. The team got that crucial fourth goal late in the period. Brenden Morrow walked out from behind the goal and tried a backhanded wraparound that rolled up Nabokov's body and behind him into the net for a 4-1 lead at 18:18. Shots favored Canada 21-12 in quite possibly the fastest period of hockey ever played.

Canada made it a 5-1 lead at 3:10 of the 2nd period on a harmless looking play when Getzlaf skated in over the blue line surrounded by four Russians. He took a shot that was blocked, but Corey Perry banged home a loose puck past a surprised Nabokov. And still, Bykov left the goalie in the net.

Less then a minute later, Canada got another goal on a center ice turnouver. Shea Weber finished things off with a bullet drive along the ice, off the far post and in at 4:07 to make it 6-1. This forced Nabokov to the showers in favor of IIya Bryzgalov.

Just 39 seconds later, Iiya Kovalchuk from Maxim Afinogenov flying down the right wing. Afinogenov cut in around defensemen Duncan Keith and beat Luonog to the far side to cut the lead to 2 goals. Just when it seemed the Canadians was sitting back and protecting the lead with half a game to play, they struck again on another gorgeous passing play. This time Getzlaf carried the puck in over the Russian line, slipped a pass ahead of Staal who moved it across ice to Perry. Perry's Quick shot to the open side hit the net for his 2nd of the night.

Luongo was called upon to make his best save when Alexander Radulov was open in the slot. Radulov made a nice deke, but Luongo stuck out his left leg to make a great toe save.

A too-many-men penalty gave Russia a power play, and Sergei Gonchar beat Luongo with a long shot to cut the lead in this high scoring game to 7-3. That's how the period ended to the delight of the crowd. Canada killed off an early penalty in the third period and then lost Staal after he collided hard into the end boards chasing down a long pass. No penalty was called on the play, but on the ensuing rush Gonchar drew a hooking penalty. Iginla hit the post on one sequence, but the score remained the same.

Luongo made his mark on the game by stoning Evgeni Malkin on a breakaway at 15:44, kicking out his right pad and sending the crowd into a frenetic "Looo"!

"I thought our energy and execution right from the drop of the puck was phenomenal." Eric Staal noted. "We came out with a jump. We were slowly boiling, and once the puck dropped to start the game, we were ready and firing. We got that goal to get us started right away, and the atmosphere and passion was unbelievable in here. It was a lot of fun out here."

Said a beleaguered Nabokov: "The first goal came too quick. They scored and just kept coming, We were not able to stop them, the SOG (42-28) tells it all."

Team Canada Shuts out Finland, To Play the U.S.A. For Gold on Thursday

After the U.S.A. crushed Sweden, Canada used the 2nd semifinal to get a shutout against Finland to play for Gold against arch rival U.S.A. for the Gold Medal on Thursday night.

From Lucas Aykroyd of the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

The Canadian Women overcame a sparkling performance by Finnish Goaile Noora Raty, by winning 5-0 in Monday's 2nd Semifinal at Canada Hockey Place. The result sets up a classic U.S.A. VS. Canada Gold Medal Game on Thursday night.

Thanks to Ratys heroics, the score was closer then expected for most of the night, despite Canada's 50-11 edge in SOG. "I think it was like one of the best performances I've ever had", said Raty.

2010 marks the third time the North American Superpowers will battle for gold since Women's Hockey was introduced as an Olympic Sport back in 1998. The Americans beat Canada 3-1 that year in Nagano, while the Canadians claimed the title on Salt Lake City on 2002 with a 3-2 victory.

"It's an Olympic Final Game, and that's when we've been working toward all year," said Canada's Jennifer Botterill. "Were excited, we have a lot of work ahead of us, but we're going to enjoy it."

VS. Finland, Haley Irwin stepped up with two goals for Canada, and tournament scoring leader Meghan Agosta with 14 points (9G 5A) chipped in a goal and assist. Agosta sets a new record for most goals in One Olympic Tournament when she plotted her 9th of 2010 in the 2nd period. That surpassed retired Canadian great Danielle Goyette's mark of 8 back in 1998.

Canada is the defending Olympic Champion from Turin 2006, where it defeated Sweden 4-1 in the final. In Monday's early Semifinal, the Americans got revenge on Swedes, who knocked them out of title contention in Turin, spanking Sweden 9-1.

"In some ways, it was a little disappointing we didn't get to face the Americans in the 2006 Olympics," said Canadian veteran Jayna Hefford, who scored the gold medal winning goal in 2002. "Of course, you'll take a gold medal anyday over facing a particular team, but you know what? Canada-U.S.A. is something people love to watch and we love to play in. It's going to be a great battle on Thursday night.

Canada heads into the final with a whopping goal differential of 46-2 in 4 games so far. However, it failed to capitalize on the Power Play against Finland, even though the blue and white women took six minor penalty in the game.

"The Finns played a tough, in your face game and they were good with their sticks in the lanes," said Canadian captain Hayley Wickenheiser. "They made it hard for us to generate momentum, and their goalie was excellent. They gave us probably the best game they could with the skills they have."

"We just battled and we didn't quit," said Raty. Facing Sweden in Thursday's Bronze Medal game, will seek it's first Olympic Women's Hockey Medal since winning Bronze in 1998. The Diminutive but tenacious Finns did their best to clog up the middle and clear loose pucks out of their end, but simply couldn't generate enough offensively to support Raty's great play. They'd acknowledged before this game that ousting Canada would be a "humongous task", and it proved to be too much for them.

Finland starved off Canada's untill the 5:22 mark, when Agosta swirled around the Finnish net and centered a sweet backhand feed to Cherile Piper, who banged it past Raty. At 14:36, Just after a Finnish Penalty had expired, Haley Irwin picked up a loose puck in Raty's goal crease and shoveled it past the netminder's right skate for a 2-0 lead. The Canadians outshot Finland 15-2 in the 1st period.

The host team continued to press in the middle frame, and the Finnish netminder had to keep her best mini-Mikka Kiprusoff impression. Even though Raty Stonned Sarah Vaillancourt on a rebound at the end of an early power play and slid across to make a great glove save on Gina Kingsbury, she couldn't stop Agosta at 16:21 when the Ruthven, Ontario Native scooped in a rebound with the teams playing 4-on-4 when the buzzer sounded, the shots were 32-5 in favor of Canada.

Raty stopped Agosta on a partial breakaway early in the third period. But at 4:23, Irwin scored her 2nd of the game on a rebound that deflected in off the goalie's to make it 4-0. Wickenheiser put the puck off the post on a late solo rush. Jenni Hiirikoski was shaken up on a collision deep in the Finnish end with Gillian Apps with 4 minutes left.

Canadian Fans sang a spontaneous rendition of "O Canada" as the clock ticked down, and Caroline Ouellette rounded out the scoring with 1:03 left to make it 5-0.

With the Gold Medal Game looming, the Americans are the two time defending World Champion, but the Canada has the edge in exhibition leading up to the Vancouver Olympics.

"We know exactly what [Team USA's] motivation is going to be," said Hefford. "We've heard it many times. It's going to be Salt Lake, and it's going to be the "Miracle on Ice". Good for them, That's their experience. Our Experience as Canadian Hockey players is completely different, and we're so proud here in Canada. This crowd is giving us energy every night."

Netminder Shannon Szabados earned her first shutout of the tournament for Canada. "This team played well in front of me, and it's really exciting," said Szabados. "I didn't get many shots in the early going, which makes it tough to stay focused mentally. "You have to find ways to keep yourself occupied, because all these teams are good and they're going to get their chances eventually."

This was the third straight Olympic Semi-Final Victory for Canada over Finland. (7-3 in 2002, 6-0 in 2006).

Twitter Updates during U.S.A. Men's Olympic Hockey Games

Be sure to check out twitter for updates during the Men's Olympic Hockey Tournament Opener which will start at 3:00 PM Eastern/2:00 PM Central Time as the Americans will open up Group A play and the entire tournament against Switzerland. I will be providing updates of goals, fights and every moment that helps turn the tide as the Americans quest for Hockey Gold gets underway on the USA Network.

In addition to the USA VS. Switzerland game, Canada will start the tournament against Norway. Also Group B gets underway later tonight as former Soviet Rivals Russia VS. Latvia will take on each other tonight.

Look for updates during the 1st and 2nd intermission of the all the U.S.A. Games during the Men's Olympic Tournament and select Women's Olympic Tournament Games as well.

Today's Schedule

U.S.A. VS. Switzerland 2:00 PM on USA Network

Canada VS. Norway 6:30 PM on CNBC

Russia VS. Latvia 10:55 PM on CNBC


For more, here's my twitter page. www.twitter.com/tanman9

USA Wins WJC in an Instant Classic, 6-5 in OT

A back and fourth game that brought goal tending changes from both teams, 11 goals and an amazing final with a great crowd and a great game from both sides where John Carlson scored the game winner early in OT after the USA gave up 2 goals in just over a minute to get the game in OT after being up 5-3 in the 3rd period. This is a game that should be an instant classic after winning the USA's 2nd ever gold in the tournaments history.

Look for Final Tournament Standings and rankings soon.

Press Release from the USA Hockey website: www.usahockey.com

From Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: John Carlson scored twice including the game winner goal in overtime, as the U.S. Junior National Team defeated Canada, 6-5, to win gold at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Following a pad save by Jack Campbell, Team USA skated up ice on a 3 on 1 rush odd man rush. Carlson glided in on the wing and fired a quick snap shot past goalie Martin Jones for the championship winning tally.

"We put the right team together for this tournament, filled with gritty, hard working players. Said Head Coach Dean Blais, head coach of the U.S. Junior National Team. "Our guys battled the whole tournament, and we're very happy to come away with the gold here in Saskatoon."

Canada took an 1-0 early lead on a backhanded goal by Luke Adam two minutes into the game. Team USA responded with back to back goals later in the period. However, Chris Kreider fired a wrist shot from the left circle over the glove of Canada starting goalie Jake Allen 14 minutes into the period. Then just 30 seconds later, Jordan Schroeder gave Team USA a lead with a wrist shot high to the short side.

After Canada tied the game to end the first period, Team USA regained the lead one minute into the 2nd period on the power play. Carlson let go a long slap shot from the point that beat Allen low the stick side. But Canada anwersed again once again, knotting the score, 3-3 after two periods.

Team USA took its third lead of the night four minutes into the final period. Captain Derek Stepan broke into the Canada Zone on a two on one break and fed Jerry D'Amigo who gave the U.S.A. a 4-3 edge. Stepan then extended his teams lead to 5-3, flicking a backhanded shot into the net after Allen failed to handle a long shot cleanly.

Canada scored twice in the period's final 3 minutes, including once on the power play, to send the game into OT. But Team USA emerged with the victory, the 2nd ever gold medal for the U.S. in the WJC Tournament History.

Campbell earned the win, turning aside 32 of 34 shots faced in just 40 minutes of play after relieving Mike Lee in the 2nd period. Meanwhile, Jones took the loss, making eight saves after replacing Allen in the 3rd period.

NOTES: Derek Stepan finished as the tournament leading point getter with 15 (5G 10A) was named Team USA's Player of the game. With 15 points, Stepan tied Mike Modano (1989) for the third most points ever scored by a U.S. Player at a World Junior Championships. Stepan's 10 assists tied Phil Kessel (2006) for 2nd most in U.S. Tournament history. Stepan and John Carlson were named to the Tournament's Media All Star Team. Team USA's other gold medal at a World Junior Championship came in 2004, when the U.S.A defeated Canada, 4-3, in Helsinki, Finland. The Gold Medal marks Team USA sixth overall medal at the tournament since 1977. Sweden defeated Switzerland earlier today, 11-4, to claim the Bronze Medal. For Full Tournament Stats, visit www.iihf.com For Full Coverage of the 2010 US National Junior Team, including photots, videos and features, click onto www.usahockey.com


Game Summary

U.S.A 6 Canada 5 (OT) (2-2, 1-1, 2-2, 1-0)

0-1 CAN Adam (Caron) 2:40 1st

1-1 USA Kreider (Palmieri, Jenks) 13:56 1st

2-1 USA Schroeder (Bourque, Donovan) 14:32 1st

2-2 CAN Nemisz (Kennedy, Hall) 16:03 1st

3-2 USA Carlson (Kristo, Mcrea) 1:03 2nd

3-3 CAN Hall (Adam) 3:56 2nd

4-3 USA D'Amigo (Stepan, Kristo) 4:12 3rd

5-3 USA Stepan (D'Amigo) 6:23 3rd

5-4 CAN Eberle (Pietrangelo, Hall) 17:11 3rd

5-5 CAN Eberle (Ellis, Kadri) 18:25 3rd

6-5 USA Carlson (Ramage) 4:31 OT


Shots on Goal:

U.S.A. 13-12-8-4 37
Canada 5-14-19-3 41

Goaltenders

USA, Lee 23:56 5-3, 2-1, NG, NG 7-4
USA, Campbell 40:35 NG, 12-12, 19-17, 3-3 34-32

CAN, Allen 46:23 13-11, 12-11, 3-1, NG 28-23
CAN, Jones 18:08 NG, NG, 5-5, 4-3 9-8

Power Play: USA 1/3, CAN 1/3

Penalty Min.: USA 3/6, CAN 4/16

Attendance: 15,171

WJC Final Preview: USA VS. Canada

As we are just a couple of hours away from the start of the World Junior Championship Gold Medal Game between the USA and Canada. Let's take a look at the tale of the tape as we get ready for the Gold Medal Game. For Canada, they hoping to make it 6 WJC Titles in a row while the USA is looking to win only their 2nd WJC Title ever where they were the last team besides Canada to win the WJC Gold back in 2004 when the tournament was held in Finland.

The Team USA will be playing one of the biggest games for the USA National Team since the 2002 Olympic Gold Medal Game as the USA will look to end Canada's Gold Medal Streak. For the USA, they will be playing the underdog role as the Canadians will have the medal streak, the crowd and home ice advantage on their side.

However the USA has some strong momentum with impressive victories over Finland in the Quarterfinals where they controlled the entire game, then on Sunday against Sweden, a strong 3rd period where they scored 3 goals to put them through after being tied through 2 periods.

For Canada, after having to comeback from a SO Win against the USA on New Years Eve where all they needed was a 6-1 win over Switzerland after the Swiss pulled off the biggest upset of this year's tournament after pulling off a 3-2 win over Russia in the Quarterfinals.

In goal, the Americans have reallied on Jack Campbell where have gotten some great support from players Kyle Palmeri and Jordan Schorder while the defense has giving up just 13 goals through the 6 games with a shutout against Switzerland in the Group Stage. The Canadians will counter with Mike Lee as the Phoenix Coyotes prospect will look to improve his outlook and his hopes of making the NHL soon.

On the Special Teams, this is where the game could turn as the Special Teams, especially on the Power Play will need to improve as a huge penitential game changer where a 5 MIN power play early in the 3rd period against Sweden was for the most part harmless.

Fortunately, they were able to come back with that and beat Sweden. Canada is much more aggressive with the penalty kill and has a dominate power play that put the USA down in a hole quickly. If your looking where the game could be won or lost, it could be the Special Teams.

Bottom Line: Both teams have among the best Junior Programs in the World and this should be a classic final. Despite the Gold Medal Streak, the home ice and the fact that Canada had to play one fewer game then the USA, the Americans will use they momentum from the QF's and SF's to win the game and end the Gold Medal Streak.

My Pick: U.S.A. 4 Canada 3 (OT)

Here's a look at how both teams got to the Final.

For the USA

Group Stage:

12/26: VS. Slovakia W 7-3 (1-2, 4-1, 2-0)

12/27: VS. Switzerland W 3-0 (0-0, 1-0, 2-0)

12/29: VS. Latvia W 12-1 (6-0, 1-1, 5-0)

12/31: VS. Canada L 4-5 (SO) (1-1, 2-1, 1-2, 0-0, 0-1)

Quarterfinals 1/2: VS. Finland W 6-2 (2-0, 1-1, 3-1)

Semifinals 1/3: VS. Sweden W 5-2 (1-0, 1-2, 3-0)


For Team Canada

Group Stage

12/26: VS. Latvia 16-0 (5-0, 6-0, 5-0)

12/28: VS. Switzerland W 6-0 (2-0, 3-0, 1-0)

12/29: VS. Slovakia W 8-2 (3-0, 4-1, 1-1)

12/31: VS. U.S.A. W 5-4 (SO) (1-1, 2-1, 1-2, 0-0, 1-0)

Quarterfinals: Won Group and Earned QF Bye

Semifinals 1/3: VS. Switzerland W 6-1 (1-0, 2-1, 3-0)

Huge 3rd period sends USA To WJC Final against Canada

The Americans will get a chance at revenge and a gold medal after a huge 3rd period helped them pull away from a tough Sweden team and get to a date with Canada for a shot at ending Canada's 5 year Gold Medal Streak in the World Junior Championship. The game tomorrow night will start at 8:00 PM EST/7:00 PM CST on the NHL Network and on www.fasthockey.com.

As for the Bronze Medal Game, it will be Sweden playing this year's big surprise in Switzerland where after a slow start, have really come on with important wins over Slovakia and Latvia to get them into the QF's before pulling off arguably the biggest upset this year against Russia back on Saturday night.

Just like the first game back on New Years Eve, the Final should be even better and I'm making a call right now that it will be close and the USA will win the WJC and end Canada's WJC Gold Medal Streak. However, they need to work on the PP where a huge 5 minute power play early int he 3rd period went basically no where and could have been a big game changer early on in the 3rd.

Press Release from the USA Hockey. www.usahockey.com

Jerry D'Amigo scored twice including a 3rd period shorthanded goal, as the U.S. Junior National team beat Sweden 5-2, in the semifinals of the 2010 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. The USA will face Canada for the Gold Medal game on January 5 at 7:00 PM CST (8:00 PM EST) at the Credit Union Center in Saskatoon.

"We've gotten better every game of the tournament," said Den Blais, head coach of the U.S.A. National Junior Team. "We worked really hard tonight, and we put ourselves right in the position we wanted to be.

Team USA scored the lone goal of the 1st period less then 2 minutes into the game. Kyle Palmieri fed Tyler Johnson in the slot, who sent a shot high past Sweden goalie Jacob Markstrom.

Sweden took a 2-1 lead in the 2nd period thanks to a pair of goals by Anton Lander. But D'Amigo tied the game with 5 minutes remaining in the frame by chipping the puck off the boards to himself in the neutral zone. racing towards the net and beating Markston between the pads 5 hole to tie it at 2-2.

Team USA regained the lead with 12 minutes into the 3rd period with John Carlson long slap shot trickled past Markstrom and over the goal line. Then, while killing a penalty, the U.S. and D'Amigo struck again. Team USA's player of the game took a pass from captain Derek Stepan on a two on one break and shot a wrister over Markstrom's shoulder.

AJ Jenks tallied a last minute empty net goal to put the game out of reach. Mike Lee earned his 4th victory of the tournament, stopping 27 saves in the win. Swedish Goalie Markstrom stopped 29 saves in the loss.

Team USA's gold Medal game against Canada can be seen live in the U.S. on the NHL Network and live streaming on www.fasthockey.com

NOTES: The U.S. is returning to the gold medal game of the World Junior Championships for the 3rd time. Team USA is 1-1 in previous gold medal games. The U.S. won it's only gold Medal in 2004 against Canada. Team USA is only the third team ever to emerge from the Quarterfinal Round to emerge in the World Junior Championship Gold Medal Game. Derek Stepan leads all skaters with 12 points including 9 assists. The 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship runs December 26-January 5 in Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. For Team USA full schedule results, click on www.usahockey.com/world_junior_championships_2010/default.aspx?NAV=AF_04&ID=263322 The NHL Network and www.fasthockey.com will air every USA game live from Saskatoon. Canada defeated Switzerland, 6-1, in the other semifinal game. For Complete Results and stats from the entire tournament, log on to www.iihf.com For Full Coverage of the 2010 U.S.A. Junior National Team, including photos, videos and features. log on to www.usahockey.com


Game Summary

USA 5 Sweden 2 (1-0, 1-2, 3-0)

1st Period: 1, USA, Johnson (Palmieri), 1:24

2nd Period: 2, SWE, Landler (Rodin, Andersson) 4:17; 3, SWE Landler (Rodin, Silfverberg), 12:17; 4, USA D'Amigo (Carlson, Gardiner) 15:06

3rd Period: 5, USA Carlson (Morin) 12:34; 6, USA D'Amigo (Stepan) 15:32 (SH); 7, USA, Jenks (Morin) 19:05 (EN)


Shots by Period

USA 11, 15, 8 34
SWE 8,11,10 29


Goaltenders

USA, Lee 8-8, 11-9, 10-10 29-27

SWE, Markstrom 11-10, 15-14, 7-5 33-29


Power Play: USA 0/5 SWE 0/3
Penalties: USA 4-8, SWE 6-35
Attendance: 12.137

WJC Quarterfinal Preview: USA VS. Finland & Russia VS. Switzerland

Here's a look at what to expect later on today for the WJC Quarterfinals as we begin the knockout round brackets today.

For the USA, they have had a tendency to let down after big loses, the last 2 years especially. In the 2008 tournament, after going unbeaten in group play, the USA had a huge loss to Canada in the semifinals where the team never looked the same as they struggled against Russia to claim the Bronze Medal Game. Team USA later lossed that game to finish 4th that year.

Then last year, it was a loss against Canada in the final Group Stage game where they entered the Quarterfinal where Slovakia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent WJC memory where the Slovaks went on to almost beat Sweden in the Semifinal. Today, they will play Finland where they coming off a 7-1 thrashing of Sweden where despite the loss, they were still able to finish 3rd in Group B ahead of the Czech Republic to avoid being in the relegation round for the 2nd straight year.

About Finland

The Finns have a strong team that will throw everything it can towards team USA Goalie Jack Campbell. The trouble for the Finns has been getting the puck in the net where they are tied for 2nd in the tournament with 185 shots, but is converting only at a 8.11 scoring precent which is just 15 goals.

This failure could have turned losses against Sweden and Russia to wins. Against Group Winner Sweden, Finland out shot their rivals 26-3 in the first period, but didn't score. In fact, the Swedes scored the only goal of the period which eventually lead to a 7-1 win.

Expect the Finnish Offense to throw every shot possible here in this game tonight.

About Russia VS. Switzerland

Switzerland will play in the afternoon game today at 4:00 PM before the USA VS. Finland Game. The winner will play Canada in tomorrow's Semifinal. Switzerland is the heavy underdog here, but they have played much better since the USA Game back on December 27.

A strong top line, a great goaltender and have all the ingredients to rock the boat. Can they have enough to upset the Russians, my pick is no. It will be Sweden VS. USA & Canada VS. Russia as the top 4 Junior Teams in the World will round out the tournament to play for the Medals on January 5.

Relegation Round

It just became final just a little while ago as Slovakia improved their chances of staying in the WJC for 2011 as the Slovaks beat Austria 3-2 to put them in front of the relegation Round Standings with 6 points while Austria despite it's best game of the tournament faces relegation as they have no points and a -7 GD in the relegation round in this game and in the game against the Czech Republic where they lost 7-1.

Tomorrow, it will be Czech Republic VS. Latvia at 12:00 Noon in Saskatoon as a Czech Win would send both Latvia and Austria down to the 2011 U20 Division 1 Tournament.