USA loses to Russia 7-4 in the U17 World Hockey Challenge Final

The USA was hoping to get revenge from the Team's only Group Stage Loss against Russia back on December 30 when Russian Goalie Nikita Serebryakov made 51 saves in a 3-2 win, despite a hard charging American Team that was beginning to figure him out late and that game that almost saw the Americans force OT in the 1st matchup.

This time, the Americans were caught up in a similar game where the Americans were able to fire up an impressive 49 shots on goal including 20 in the 3rd period, but it still wasn't enough as Russian Goalie was able to make the difference with the Russians leading 3-2 at the 2nd intermission.

It looked like the game would get away from the Americans in the 1st 8 minutes of the 3rd period when Sergei Tolchinski who scored on a penalty shot during a Short Handed Opportunity from a Rushan Rafikov Interference Penalty just 1:25 into the period, but the Penalty Shot Goal was good to give Russia a 4-2 lead.

Just 5 minutes later, Ivan Barbshev who was very impressive throughout the entire tournament scored his 4th goal of the event, it turned out to be such an important goal to go up by 3 at 5-2. It turned out to be a very important goal as the Americans J.T. Compher & Anthony Lewis scored twice with J.T. Compher & Anthony Lewis scoring within 3 minutes of each other to make it a 5-4 game with just 2:04 left in the 3rd period.  However, the Americans couldn't get any closer as the Russians scored two Empty Net Goals by Valeri Nichushkin & Sergei Tolchinski made it the 7-4 Final for Russia to win their 1st U17 World Hockey Challenge Title since 2000.

While the Americans won the Silver Medal for the 2nd straight year, overall the U17 World Hockey Challenge has been a strong tournament for the USA where they have finished on the Medal Podium every year since 2006, including a Gold Medal back in 2010 when the tournament was held in Timmins, Ontario.

Final Tournament Rankings

Gold Medal: Russia

Silver Medal: USA

Bronze Medal: CAN Ontario

4th Place: Sweden

5th Place: CAN Pacific

6th Place: CAN Quebec

7th Place: CAN Atlantic

8th Place: Czech Republic

9th Place: Germany

10th Place: CAN West



Press Release by USA Hockey

USA 4  Russia 7  (1-0, 1-3, 2-4)

Bronze Medal Game: CAN Ontario 5  Sweden 2  (0-0, 1-2, 4-0)

From Windsor, Ontario: Will Butcher and J.T. Compher had one goal and one assist each, as the U.S. National U17 Team fell to Russia, 7-4, in the championship game here tonight at the WFCU Center. With the defeat, Team USA finished the Tournament with a 4-0-0-2 record and placed 2nd in the 10 Team Tournament for the 2nd straight year.

"The effort was there, but fatigue was a factor tonight," said Don Granato, head coach of the U.S. National U17 Team. "We had a great experience at this tournament and will continue to grow as a team moving forward."

Evan Allen opened the scoring at 8:38 of the first frame when he chipped in a rebound shot by Tyler Kelleher. Kelleher made a quick move to his left to shake the Russian Defender and create the opportunity in front of the net. Steven Santini collected the 2nd assist on the goal. Team USA Goaltender Hunter Miska turned aside 10 shots in the period as the U.S. went into the 1st intermission with a 1-0 lead.

Russia notched two straight goals, the first tally shorthanded, at 12:04 and 15:07 of the 2nd stanza to capture the lead. Team USA answered on the power play when Butcher wristed a shot from just inside the blueline. Keaton Thompson and Compher registered assists on the goal. Russia regained the lead in the period when a puck deflected off a U.S. Defensemen's skate and over Miska's shoulder.

A penalty shot goal while shorthanded at 3:20 of the final frame increased Russia's lead to 4-2. Russia added another tally to go up by three goals at 8:26. Team USA responded on the power play when Scott Savage sent a cross ice pass to Butcher, who found Compher open in the left faceoff circle. Compher snapped a shot past Russian Goalie Nikita Serebryakov for the goal. With just two minutes remaining in regulation, Anthony Lewis made it a one goal game with a tip in tally. Kelleher earned his 2nd assist of the night on the play.

Down one goal, Team USA looked to compete the comeback and opted to pull its goalie in favor of an extra attacker. But Russia notched two empty net goals in the final minute of play to secure the win, 7-4. Miska made 27 saves, while Serebryakov stopped 45 shots in the victory for Russia.

Tournament Notes: John Hayden was named Team USA's player of the game.     The U.S. went 2/7 on the power play, while Russia went 0/2 on the man advantage. Team USA Recorded 49 shots on goal, while Russia had 34.    Gage Ausmus and J.T. Compter was named to the all Tournament Team. For Team USA's Full Roster, click here      The 2012 World U17 Challenge includes two pools of five teams. Pool A consists of teams from CAN Atlantic, Germany, CAN Pacific, Russia & CAN West. Pool B consists of teams from the Czech Republic, CAN Quebec, Russia, CAN Atlantic & the USA.    Exclusive videos will be posted on the USA Hockey Youtube Channel under the U17 World Challenge Playlist.  Follow USA Hockey on Twitter at @USAHockeyScores on twitter for live scoring updates during the tournament. Scores will be designated with #U17CHAL.    All Games during the World U17 Challenge will be available via live webcasts at www.fasthockey.com.  For additional coverage, visit USA Hockey National Team Development Facebook Page.   The U.S. U17 & U18 National Teams train with the Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary new software program released on October 1, 2010 that Tran's hockey sense. To learn more, visit www.usahockeyintelligym.com



USA U17 Team advances to the U17 World Challenge Championship Game

Today's USA VS. Sweden Semifinal Game of the U17 World Challenge Tournament in Windsor, Ontario was mostly an uneventful game with both teams afraid to attack at times and with both teams playing for the OT, then when the Game got to OT, it felt like that Sweden was just playing to get the Shootout.

For the Americans, a smart & speedy game was played extremely well where each team had 6 penalties (12 Minutes for the USA & 20 Minutes for SWE) where both goalies in Sionas & Demko had to make some excellent saves in this low scoring affair.

Now that the Americans have clinched the Championship Game for tomorrow night, they will take on Russia who just defeated CAN Ontario also in OT 4-3 in a game that ended just a few minutes ago.

USA VS. Sweden Game Photos

Sweden 1 USA 2 (SO) (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Press Release from USA Hockey

From Windsor, Ontario: Evan Allen & Anthony Lewis each scored shootout goals, as the U.S. National U17 Team earned a SO Victory over Sweden 2-1, in the 2012 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge Semifinals here this evening at the WFCU Center (Home of the Windsor Spitfires/OHL). With the win, Team USA Improves to 4-0-0-1 and advances to the championship game against the CAN Ontario VS. Russia Semifinal Winner.

"It is a great feeling to be playing tomorrow in the Title Game," said Don Granato, head coach of the USA U17 Team. "We have to rest up and be ready for an exceptional team tomorrow in the final."

Team USA had 8 shots on goal in the opening frame, but couldn't put the puck past Swedish Net-minder Ebbe Sionas, Thatcher Demko turned aside both shots he faced in the period and the teams entered the first intermission scoreless.

Sweden seized the lead off shorthanded breakaway at 17:20 of the 2nd period. The U.S. Recorded nine shots on goal in the frame, but didn't score and trailed Sweden 1-0, after two periods.

Michael McCarron tied the game for the U.S. at 3:10 of the 3rd. Scott Savage & Dawson Cook collected assists on the tally. The goal would stand as the lone tally in the period in the game and contest was sent into a 10 minute overtime.

The U.S. Pressured Sweden in the OT Session, firing eight shots on net, while holding Sweden to three. Neither team potted the game-winning goal and the contest would be decided in a best-of-three shootout.

Demko turned aside Sweden's first shooter with a stick save. Allen skated in next for Team USA and slipped the puck past Sionas gave the U.S. a one goal advantage. Demko then made a sprawling pad save on the next Swedish Shooter to preserve the lead for Team USA. Shooting next for Team USA, Louis scored with a wrist shot into the top of the net to secure the victory for Team U.S, as it defeated Sweden 2-1.

Demko turned aside 22 shots for Team USA in the victory, while Sionas made 38 saves for Sweden for Sweden in the loss.

Notes: The USA National U17 Team will face the CAN Ontario VS. Russia Winner tomorrow (Jan. 4) at 7 PM EST.   The game will be held at the WFCU Center in Windsor, Ontario (Home of the Windsor Spitfires/OHL).    Thatcher Demko was named Team USA's Player of the Game.    The U.S. Went 0/4 on the Power Play, while Sweden went 0/5 with the man advantage.     Team USA recorded 39 shots on goal, while Sweden had 23.    Click here for Team USA's Full Roster.     The 2012 World U17 Hockey Challenge includes 2 pools of 5 teams each from CAN Atlantic, Germany, CAN Pacific, Russia, CAN West & the USA.   Exclusive videos will be posted on the USA Hockey Youtube Channel under the World U17 Challenge play list.   Follow @USAHockeyScores on twitter for live scoring updates during the tournament. Scores will be designated with #U17CHAL.    All games during the World U17 Challenge will be available via webcast at Fast Hockey  For additional coverage, visit USA Hockey National Team Development Program Facebook Page.    The USA National U17 & U18 Teams train with the IntelliGym, a revolutionary new software program released on October 1, 2010 that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit www.usahockeyintelligym.com





IHWC Playoffs Stage

With the Qualifying & Relegation Rounds now done with. It's down to the last 8 and man do we have surprises. Canada finished 4th in the Group, Switzerland is looking like a serious threat to win an international medal despite the losses against Norway and Sweden.

Also we have Denmark making it's first ever IHWC Quarterfinals along with Germany bouncing back after a pair of poor performances recently by making the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2003.

Thursday starts to get fun as the Knockout Rounds will get underway with 2 Quarterfinal games from Mannheim and Colonge. Then after an off-day on Friday, Saturday will have the Semifinals which both of them will be in Colonge.

Sunday will feature the Medal Rounds as we will crown this year's World Championship Medalist.

Here's a look at the Playoffs Schedule which begins on Thursday.

Quarterfinals (Thursday)

#2E Finland VS. #3F Czech Republic 4:15 PM Local Time/9:15 AM CDT in Colonge

#1F Sweden VS. #4E Denmark 4:15 PM Local Time/9:15 AM CDT in Mannheim

#1E Russia VS. #4F Canada 8:15 PM Local Time/ 1:15 PM CDT in Colonge

#2F Switzerland VS. #3E Germany 8:15 PM Local Time/1:15 PM CDT in Mannheim


Semifinals (Saturday)

The Saturday Matches will be announced by the Tournament Org.


Medal Round (Sunday)

Bronze Medal Game (SF Losers) 4:15 PM Local Time/9:15 AM CDT

Gold Medal Game (SF Winners) 8:15 PM Local Time/1:15 PM CDT

IIHF U18 Medal Round: USA Defends the Gold, While Finland Wins Bronze

The Americans got revenge for the Swedes giving them their only loss of this year's U18 World Championship and came up winning gold for the 2nd straight year with a 3-1 win for the Americans over in Minsk, Belarus. Goals by Luke Moffatt, Justin Faulk and Rocco Grimaldi all scored the Americans for the victory.

While Goaltender Jack Campbell who's seeing his Draft Stock Rise and taking over Canadian Goalie Calvin Pickard for the top NA Goalie for June's NHL Draft gave up just 1 goal in the Knockout Rounds, after shutouts over the Czech Republic & Finland, the American Netminder had one of the best showings in this tournaments history to lead the Americans 2nd straight Gold and 5th overall since the U18 World Championships were created in 1999.

What's even more impressive for American Teammates Jack Campbell & Jason Zucker, that this is their 3rd career major Junior Gold Medal in the last year. Winning both the 2009 & 2010 U18 World Championships, plus this season's World Junior Championship back in Jan.

For the Finns, a 2nd straight Bronze Medal came in the 3rd period when a 4 goal 3rd period turned what was a very close and tight game to a runaway as Teemu Pulkkinen clinched the Top Forward Award of this year's U18 World Championship with 10 goals this season.

Here's the Stories from International Ice Hockey Federation Website: http://www.iihf.com/

Both Games were in Minsk, Belarus.

Gold Medal Game: Sweden 1 U.S.A. 3 (0-1, 0-2, 1-0)

Sweden VS. U.S.A. Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/SWE%20-%20USA%20%28F%29.html

The USA successfully defended its title at the U18 World Championship with a 3-1 win over Sweden. The Gold is Americans fifth at the U18 World Championship and brings their total medal haul to eight at the annual event. Sweden's Silver Medal matched it's best result at the U18's when they won Silver in 1999.

Today's win avenged the only loss for the U.S.A. of this year's tournament, a 4-2 defeat in the opening game of the preliminary round. Since 2002, the Americans have missed the Podium only once, in 2003 when they finished in 4th place.

The game was played in the 15,000 seat Minsk Arena. It was the only game of the event that was played at the newly-opened, state-of-the-art building and over 10,000 fans came for the Final.

The Americans came out firing up in the first period and quickly took the 1-0 lead when Luke Moffatt scored a clean shot from the slot just 2:10 into action. The Americans pressured the Swedish Net after the goal, but Johan Gustafsson stood his ground and weathered the storm.

The Momentum took a massive turn when Austin Watson was given a five minute penalty and game misconduct for a brutal hit on Sweden's Henri Snall. Snall had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher, likely with a concussion. The U.S. was forced to buckle down and change to a defense mode, and ultimately killed off the the lengthy penalty while getting nearly as many shots as the Swedes did during the man advantage.

Midway through the 2nd period, the Americans extended the lead to 2-0. Justin Faulk flipped in the puck after Nick Shore fed him a pass as he streaked in-front of the goal. The Americans continued to pressure the Swedish Net and climbed ahead 3-0, just 14 seconds after a late power play late in the 2nd period. Rocco Grimaldi scored on the rebound, putting the U.S. in position heading into the 2nd intermission.

Sweden found renewed life in the 3rd period when Ludvig Rensfeldt put in a shot from the face-off circle to make it a 3-1 affair 6:54 into the 3rd period. Bute despite having their best play of the game after the goal, the comeback went no further as the U.S. hung on for the 3-1 lead.

For two U.S. Players, the gold medal was their third in a row at an IIHF Event. Jason Zucker and Jack Campbell were on two gold medal winning teams at the 2009 U18's, this year's U18's plus the World Junior Championship back in January.


Bronze Medal Game

Finland 5 Russia 1 (0-0, 1-0, 4-1)

Finland VS. Russia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/FIN%20-%20RUS%20%28B%29.html

Finland took its 2nd consecutive bronze medal game at the U18 World Championship after topping Russia, 5-1, in today's Bronze Medal Game. Teemu Pulkkinen scored a hat trick, to bring his Goal Total to ten at this year's Championship.

The Finns were definitely pleased with their third place finish, especially considering the obstacles they had to overcome this year. Top Goaltender Sami Aittokallio going down with injury before the event started and a few players had flu symptoms for today's Bronze Medal Match. It is Finland's sixth medal at the U18 World Championship and their 3rd Bronze Medal Finish.

Finland and Russia met in the Preliminary round, which Finland won 5-4 and for much of the game it looked like today's game would similarly close until the Finns erupted for 4 third period goals.

Pulkkinen has been Finland's best go-to man in the entire tournament, so it only seemed fitting that he broke a 35 minute deadlock to give Finland the 1-0 lead. Pulkkinen streaked down the ice and fired a shot from the slot to get past Russian goaltender Andrei Vasilevski high.

Before the goal, the teams were playing tentatively, trading penalties but not taking advantage of the extra man opportunities.

Finland opened up a seemingly high 2-0 lead when Mikael Granlund, Finland's other top player, scored 2:33 into the third period of the first power-play chance of the period. He was assisted by his younger brother Markus. After the 2-0 goal, the floodgates opened, with the Finns putting in another 3 goals compared with Russia's lone, late game tally that made it 5-1.

Just like in the Semifinal Loss, Russia's Frustration shine through in a late game Mellie, which resulted in 127 penalty minutes.

Here's the Final Tournament Rankings and the Tournament Awards from this year's U18 World Championship.

Gold Medal: U.S.A.

Silver Medal: Sweden

Bronze Medal: Finland

4th Place: Russia

5th Place: Switzerland

6th Place: Czech Republic

7th Place: Canada

8th Place: Slovakia

9th Place: Latvia

10th Place: Belarus

Latvia & Belarus have been relegated to the 2011 IIHF U18 Division 1 Tournament

Germany & Norway won Promotion from Division 1 and will be competing in the U18 World Championship

Tournament Awards

Tournament All Star Team

G: Jack Campbell (USA)*

D: Adam Clendening (USA)

D: Adam Larsson (SWE)

F: Johan Larrson (SWE)

F: Evgeni Kuznetsov (RUS)

F: Temmu Pulkkinen (FIN)

*Tournament MVP

Best Forward: Teemu Pulkkinen (FIN)

Best Defensemen: Adam Larrson (SWE)

Best Goaltender: Jack Campbell (USA)


In addition to the U18 World Championship's wrapping up. The Final Event of the International Season will start on May 7 as the Men's Ice Hockey World Championship will be in Colonge & Mannheim, Germany this season.

Here's how the opening Groups will look for the 16 Teams.

Group A in Colonge: Russia, Belarus, Slovakia, Kazakhstan

Group B in Mannheim: Canada, Switzerland, Latvia, Italy

Group C in Mannheim: Sweden, Czech Republic, Norway, France

Group D in Colonge: Finland, U.S.A., Germany, Denmark

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."

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).

2010 WJC Tournament Recap

Here's a recap of the scores, the medalist, the big stories and what the Group Set up for next year will be like the official relegation of Latvia and Austria after finishing last while Germany and Norway won the Division 1 Tournament and have been promoted for next season for the 2011 World Junior Championships that will take place in Buffalo, New York.

Let's the start with the stats and scores of the Group Stage, Knockout Rounds and the Relegation Round.

Group Stage

12/26

Czech Republic 1 Sweden 10 (0-4, 1-2, 0-4)

Latvia 0 Canada 16 (0-5, 0-6, 0-5)

Russia 6 Austria 2 (4-1, 1-1, 1-0)

Slovakia 3 U.S.A. 7 (2-1, 1-4, 0-2)


12/27

Austria 3 Sweden 7 (0-2, 3-2, 0-3)

U.S.A. 3 Switzerland 0 (0-0, 1-0, 2-0)

Czech Republic 3 Finland 4 (2-0, 1-1, 0-3)

Slovakia 8 Latvia 3 (5-0, 2-2, 1-1)


12/28

Canada 6 Switzerland 0 (2-0, 3-0, 1-0)

Finland 0 Russia 2 (0-1, 0-1, 0-0)


12/29

Austria 1 Czech Republic 7 (1-1, 0-3, 0-3)

Latvia 1 U.S.A. 12 (0-6, 1-1, 0-5)

Sweden 4 Russia 1 (2-0, 1-1, 1-0)

Canada 8 Slovakia 2 (3-0, 4-1, 1-1)


12/30

Finland 10 Austria 1 (5-0, 3-1, 2-0)

Switzerland 7 Latvia 5 (2-3, 1-1, 4-1)


12/31

Sweden 7 Finland 1 (1-0, 3-0, 3-1)

Switzerland 4 Slovakia 1 (0-0, 1-0, 3-1)

Russia 5 Czech Republic 2 (1-0, 1-1, 3-1)

U.S.A. 4 Canada 5 (SO) (1-1, 2-1, 1-2, 0-0, 0-1)


Group Stage Standings

Group A

1. Canada 3-1-0-0 11 PTS 35-6

2. U.S.A. 3-0-1-0 10 PTS 26-9

3. Switzerland 2-0-0-2 6 PTS 11-14

4. Slovakia 1-0-0-3 3 PTS 14-22

5. Latvia 0-0-0-4 0 PTS 9-43


Group B

1. Sweden 4-0-0-0 12 PTS 28-6

2. Russia 3-0-0-1 9 PTS 14-8

3. Finland 2-0-0-2 6 PTS 15-13

4. Czech Rep. 1-0-0-3 3 PTS 13-20

5. Austria 0-0-0-4 0 PTS 7-30


Relegation Round

12/27: Slovakia 8 Latvia 3 (5-0, 2-2, 1-1)

12/19: Austria 1 Czech Republic 7 (1-1, 0-3, 0-3)

1/2: Slovakia 3 Austria 2 (2-0, 0-2, 1-0)

1/3: Czech Republic 10 Latvia 2 (5-0, 2-2, 3-0)

1/4: Czech Republic 5 Slovakia 2 (1-1, 3-1, 1-0)

1/4: Austria 4 Latvia 6 (1-4, 2-0, 1-2)


Relegation Round Standings

1. Czech Rep. 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 22-5

2. Slovakia 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 13-10

3. Latvia 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 11-22

4. Austria 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 7-16


Knockout Rounds

Quarterfinals

1/2

Russia 2 Switzerland 3 (OT) (0-0, 2-1, 0-1, 0-1)

U.S.A. 6 Finland 2 (2-0, 1-1, 3-1)


Semifinals

1/3

Canada 6 Switzerland 1 (1-0, 2-1, 3-0)

Sweden 2 U.S.A. 5 (0-1, 2-1, 0-3)


5th Place

Russia 3 Finland 4 (2-1, 0-1, 1-2)

Bronze Medal Game

Sweden 11 Switzerland 4 (5-0, 5-4, 1-0)

Gold Medal Game

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


Final Tournament Rankings

Gold Medal: U.S.A.

Silver Medal: Canada

Bronze Medal: Sweden

4th Place: Switzerland

5th Place: Finland

6th Place: Russia

7th Place: Czech Republic

8th Place: Slovakia

9th Place: Latvia

10th Place: Austria

Division 1 Promotion: Germany and Norway

The U.S.A. are the 2010 World Junior Champions

Austria and Latvia have been relegated to the 2011 U20 Division 1 Tournament

Germany and Norway have been promoted to the 2011 WJC in Buffalo, NY

Here's the Tournament's All Star Team that was selected by media groups during the tournament.

Tournament All Star Team

G: Benjamin Conz (SUI)

D: Alex Pietrangelo (CAN)

D: John Carlson (USA)

F: Jordan Eberle (CAN)*

F: Derek Stepan (USA)

F: Nino Niederreiter (SUI)

*Jordan Eberle was also selected the Tournament MVP

The 2011 Tournament Groups will be determined by how the teams finished the 2010 WJC. As for the 2 newly promoted teams in Germany and Norway, the Division 1 Champions will be the 9th seed while the Runner up will be the 10th seed at next years event which will take place from the HSBC Arena which is home of the Buffalo Sabres while Dwyer Arena which is on the University of Niagara Campus which is about 20 miles just outside of Buffalo. Schedule, The Group Venues and more info regarding on next year's 2011 Tournament will be on line at http://www.buffaloworldjuniors.com/

Group A: U.S.A. (1), Switzerland (4), Finland (5), Slovakia (8), Germany (9)

Group B: Canada (2), Sweden (3), Russia (6), Czech Republic (7), Norway (10)

Breakout Star, Nino Niederreiter of Switzerland

His stock is rising big time after a really successful run at the WJC where his 2 goal effort against Russia helped pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent years in the WJC. Before coming to Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League, he was pretty successful with EHC Chur and HC Davos Junior Programs and even played a few games near the end of last season for HC Davos which included the playoffs as the team won the Swiss NLA title back in the Spring. After that, he decided to go to the Major Junior Import Draft where he selected by the Portland Winterhawks 2nd overall.

So far this season for Portland, he has an impressive 41 points in 37 games this season and is getting ready for the NHL Draft this summer. Despite being one of the youngest players on the Swiss Team, but he looks to be the first big forward from Switzerland to make an impact in the NHL and for the Swiss National Team Program for many years to come. Despite getting shutout twice in the Group Stage, he came back with a strong come back by scoring 6 points in the Group Stage in games against Latvia and Slovakia. He also scored a power play goal during the Bronze Medal game against Sweden and also made the All Tournament Team that was announced after the Gold Medal Game.

Most Important Group Stage Game (Czech Republic VS. Finland)

I easily could have picked the USA VS. Canada that ended the Group Stage, but they saved the best stuff for the Gold Medal Game. However, after a crushing 10-1 loss the previous day against Sweden, the Czechs were looking for a comeback against Finland. It looked good after going up 3-0, but a 2nd period goal by Teemu Hartikainen helped the Finns start a 3rd period rally with goals by Sami Vatanen on a 5 on 3 power play chance to get them within goal at 3-2. Then it looked like the Czechs calmed down after that and for a while at least, it looked like the Czechs would pull off a huge win and a comeback after the big loss against Sweden.

However, Vatanen scored with 5 and a half minutes left to tie the game at 3-3. Just 3 Min later, Rask put the Finns up for good and a 4-3 win that turned out to be the decider not just in the game. But in Group B, as the Finns would use that as the difference to make the Quarterfinals where they later went on to finish 5th after a win against Russia of the same score in the 5th place game. As for the Czechs, that loss meant that the Czechs were sent down to the relegation round where they beat Slovakia and Latvia to finish 7th overall.

Thoughts on the USA Winning Gold

When the Tournament began, a lot of people thought they would be lucky to win the Bronze Medal with the lack of experience at this level and the young roster. However, the USA embraced the underdog role to it's finest and won only the 2nd WJC Gold Medal in the Tournament's 30 plus year history.

I thought that the USA would finish at least 2nd in the group where I feared a big time loss against Canada on New Years Eve. However, they played one of the best games in this tournament in years where despite a 4-2 lead, a SO loss took them out of winning the group and getting an important bye.

I was wondering how they would respond, especially after how they got beat by Slovakia in the QF's last year. After controlling the Finns, it was a tough matchup against Sweden where a lot of people were picking them to play Canada in the Final. However after a gut wrenching 1st 2 periods where the game was tied at 2-2.

A frustrating power play early in the 3rd period gave a lot of people a lot of fits. However John Carlson started the 3rd period runaway with a goal with 7 and a half minutes left, started the USA resurgence where I felt no going back after Jerry D'Amigo scored to make it 4-2. Then in the Gold Medal, where I great confidence where they could get this done after a strong showing against them in the group stage.

The most amazing thing was that after the initial 1-0 lead by Canada in the first couple minutes, the Americans didn't trail very much after that, after going 3-2 in the opening minute, the Canadians came back to tie the game electrify the crowd in Saskatoon and I thought, O No, at some point the Canadians would take this game over. Home Ice, the Gold Medal Streak and the fact they know high pressure would help them out to win the game.

However, the Americans didn't allow that to happen in the 3rd where 2 goals just over 2 minutes apart put the team up 5-3 and a great goal tending performance by Jack Campbell seemed like it would be enough, but those Canadian Nerves came back with 2 goals by Jordan Eberle put the game tied at 5-5 and thought they would find a way to do it in OT. However, give credit to head Coach Dean Blais to put the team at ease and allowing John Carlson to score his 2nd of the game to win the WJC Gold for the Americans.

Great job boys, you ended the Gold Medal Streak and let's do this again same time next year in Buffalo, NY as we have a shot of defending a WJC gold which the USA has never done in this event. As for Matt Donovan, he did the Southwest proud by being the first player from the Southwest to win a major international hockey event and hopefully his performance will help his chances at the University of Denver and with him being in the NY Islanders program.

Also for USA Hockey, keep the Pre Tournament Camp going every year before this event, most teams have a tough camp to help their chances not just in the WJC, but in most major tournaments.

And it payed off in the biggest way for Team USA. Now let's do this next month for the Men's and Women's Olympic Tournaments in Vancouver, B.C., after a bad showing where a single win against Kazakhstan was the only thing they could muster 4 years ago. Also the Women's team failed to reach the Gold Medal Game for the first time in the Short History of the Women's Tournament.

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