USA finishes 7th at WJC with 2-1 win over Switzerland

Despite a 1-3 record during the Group Stage earlier in this year's World Junior Hockey Championships, the Americans were able to finish the Relegation Round with a perfect 3-0 with a 2-1 win over Switzerland to finish 7th in this year's tournament and look to improve when the WJC heads to Ufa, Russia next season. 2013 will be the 1st time the WJC Tournament will be in Russia since 2001 when the Tournament was in Moscow.

Among the team leaders for the USA during this tournament was a bit inflated due to the big numbers put up against Denmark on opening night & against Latvia during the Relegation Round yesterday afternoon. Campbell finishes the Tournament with a 2.62 GAA & a .906 SV% as well. For Team Scoring Leaders for the United States, the goal scoring was lead by Minnesota Wild Prospect & Current Boston University Forward Charlie Coyle with 4 goals, while Austin Watson was the overall scoring leader with 9 points in the 6 games (3G 6A).

While other notables included a bit of a disappointing tournament by Emerson Etem with 4 assists with no goals and a -1 Plus/Minus Rating.

The team will return to their clubs and are expected to play their 1st game back either late this weekend or early next week as the usual custom of most teams allowing their returning players having a game or two off to rest from the tournament run.

As for other games yesterday, Latvia survived relegation with a 2-1 win over Denmark thanks to some great performances to Nikita Jevpalovs, Kriss Lipsbergs & Zemgus Girgensons who is being looked at as a possible top 10 overall pick for June's Draft this summer.

Also the Czechs used a strong 1st period against arch rival Slovakia to win 5-2 and finish in 5th Place in what was one of the better tournament showings in a long time.  Don't be surprised to see Czech Goalie Petr Mrazek to be named the Tournament's Best Goalie, and possibly the Player of the Tournament for the way that he was able to stonewall their opponent's, including getting 50+ saves in a 5-2 upset over the United States back on December 30.

The Medal Round will have Russia VS. Sweden for the Gold Medal, while Canada VS. Finland for the Bronze Medal. For the Canadians, this is the 1st time since 2001 that they will not be playing for the Gold Medal, while the Finns are coming off a heart breaking loss where they were up 2-0 against Sweden going into the 3rd period, only to lose in a shutout.

Switzerland 1  USA 2  (1-2, 0-0, 0-0)

Switzerland VS. USA Game Photos

Team USA 2012 WJC Tournament Stats

Jack Campbell Comments

Josh Archibald Comments

Jason Zucker Comments

Sven Beartschi Comments

Latvia sends Denmark Down

Czechs use strong 1st Period to beat Arch Rival Slovakia

Bronze Medal Preview: CAN VS. FIN

Gold Medal Preview: SWE VS. RUS

IIHF Press Release from Lucas Askroyd

From Calgary, Alberta: In the last game of the 2012 Relegation Round, the United States Edged Switzerland 2-1. The U.S. Finished 7th, while the Swiss will settle for 8th.

It is the worst finish for the underachieving Americans in the World Juniors since 1999, when they finished 8th. That was also the only other time they played in the Relegation Round. The U.S. Came in 7th in 1977, 1980 & 1990.

The Swiss also took a step backwards after coming fourth in 2010 and fifth in 2011. They were relegated in 2008 after a ninth place finish finish in the Czech Republic.

The teams exchanged goals rapidly in the 1st period. Austin Czarnik got the Americans on the board unassisted at 11:28, but just over three minutes later, Switzerland made it 1-1 with Gaetan Haas third goal of this tournament. Kevin Gravel promptly restored the U.S. Lead at 16:15.

And then the goalies ensured they would be no more scoring, even though the Americans peppered the Swiss Cage.

With less then 6 minutes to go in the 2nd, Swiss Net minder Tim Wolf lunged cross-crease to make a great Save on U.S. forward Brandon Saad and keep his team close.

Eight minutes into the third period, American Goalie Jack Campbell likewise stood his ground when Lino Martschini skated into the slot and let a zinger go from the hash marks.

The Swiss got a final chance at the equalizer when Bill Arnold was sent off for hooking with 26 seconds left. But even with Wolf pulled for the extra attacker, they was nothing doing.

The Americans out shot Switzerland 42-22 for the game.

Prior to the game, both teams had already secured their spots in the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championships in Ufa, Russia.

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

IHWC Qualfiying Round Group E, Denmark Stuns Slovakia, Finland edges Belarus

The IHWC 2nd Round saw a couple of blowouts. One expected, one with one of the bigger shocks as Denmark continues to be this year's tournament darlings as Denmark gets his 3rd win of this year's tournament with a 6-0 win over Slovakia.

You heard that right, 6-0, this one of Denmark's best goal scoring performances ever. The Danes matched their best from 2008 when they beat Italy 6-0. Denmark is hoping to finish off what has been a bit of a disappointing season.

After failing to make the Olympic Tournament, and not promoting at either the WJC or the U18 World Championships for the 2010-2011 season. This year's Denmark team is making up for that. They did scoring on their first 3 shots on goal to basically stun and destroy the Slovak Confidence in the 3rd period. Slovakia couldn't find it as they lost 6-0.

Later in the day in Group E, it was 2nd period goals by Jarkko Immonen and Juha-Pekka Hytonen scored. While the Finnish defense was able to stop what was a very tired Belarus team as they look to regroup for the last 2 games of the 2nd Round.


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

Slovakia 0 Denmark 6 (0-6, 0-0, 0-0)

Slovakia VS. Denmark Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/SVK%20-%20DEN.html

From Alan Adams

In Colonge, Germany: Peter Regin scored on Denmark's first shot of the game and the Danes had three goals on their first 3 shots en route to a 6-0 triumph over Slovakia in a Qualification Round Game on Friday at the IIHF World Championship on Friday.

The offensive splurge marked only the 2nd time ever at the IIHF's showcase Event that Denmark scored six goals in a game. The previous time was at the 2008 Worlds when Denmark beat Italy 6-2.

The six goals in the first period also briefly tied a record for most goals in a period by the same team at the IIHF's elite level. But Canada scored seven times in the 2nd period against Norway in a game being played in Mannheim at the same-time to set the IIHF's benchmark.

"We killed them right away," said Denmark Captain Jesper Dammgard. "We came out flying and it seemed like everything went in."

"They changed goalies but we just kept coming at them. We were all over them and they could not get a shot on our net."

The surprising Danes now have 6 points in Group E and their next game is against Russia on Sunday. Slovakia has three points and it has a must-win game versus Finland on Monday to keep getting their hope of going to the Quarterfinals on track.

What made that result surprising is how Denmark, a team that has usually fought for survival against relegation, handled a team that is always mentioned as a medal contender with ease.

It was one of those games were nothing went right from the opening faceoff for the Slovaks, who were back on the ice less then 24 hours after a 5-1 loss against Kazakhstan, while everything went right for the Danes.

Regin opened the scoring at 1:05 of the first on a shot from close in and the floodgates were opened.

The Slovaks then found themselves in penalty trouble and took minor penalties at 2:23 and 3:27, and Denmark made them play with consecutive power-play goals.

Philip Larsen doubled the score at 4:20, negating the first penalty, and forwards Mads Christensen followed with his first goal at the world tournament at 4:40.

That made it three shots, three goals for the Danes and Slovakia coach Glen Hanlon had seen enough. He summoned goaltender Peter Budaj to the bench and sent Rastislav Stana in as relief.

The Danes hit the post behind Stana on the first shot he faced and then goalie settled in and held ground for six minutes before he was victimized for three goals in less then 3 minutes.

Morten Madsen scored on a scramble at 10:52 for a 4-0 lead while the Danes had a power play. Morten Green's point shot made it 5-0 at 12:21 and Stefan Lassen's goal at 13:42 on a slap shot then equaled Denmark's record for most goals in a game and tied, albert briefly, the IIHF's mark of the most goals in a period in the Elite Division of international hockey.

"It was amazing. We are big underdogs before the game but we came out strong," said defensemen Alexander Sundberg. "It is a nice feeling right now, a nice feeling."

Denmark goalie Patrick Galbraith faced only three shots in the opening period, and his best save in the game came early in the 3rd period. Andrej Podkonicky got behind Denmark's defense and he ripped a crisp wrist shot that Galbraith got his trapper on to knock the puck out of harm's way just before the five minute mark.

The Slovaks were better defensively in the 2nd and 3rd periods and much better on offence, but it was to late for heroics because the damage had already been done. Denmark played well and we didn't. We gave them easy power plays in the beginning and they scored their goals. We've got two more games to go, and we have to recover.

"It's not over, this is a tournament and that's a good thing for us." said Slovakia's Ivan Majesky. "We'll have to play better defensively in our next game against Finland, and we hope we can score some goals."


From Risto Pakarinen

Finland 2 Belarus 0 (0-0, 2-0, 0-0)

Finland VS. Belarus Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/FIN%20-%20BLR.html

From Colonge, Germany: They was always a chance that Belarus' tight defense and their goalie Andrei Mezin were going to make things difficult for Finland. Second period goals by Jarkko Immonen and Juha-Pekka Hytonen got Finland the win it wanted.

"Today was our 2nd game in less then 24 hours, we were tired, and it showed," Mezin said.

Pekka Rinne recorded the shutout for Finland, making 18 saves.

"The game went as expected and Pekka Rinne made a great comeback, and showed everybody why he is considered one of the best goalies in the NHL. It was an OK Game, not great, but not bad either." said Jussi Jokinen.

Sometimes, games go by exactly according to the manuscript, include some of the hardships that the favorites has to endure along the way to victory.

The fact that Belarus got out-shot 13-6, and created half-a-dozen good scoring chances and hit the post twice in the first period, wasn't a surprise to the Belarusian Players, or their goalie, Andrei Mezin. The game went according to plan, as far as they were considered. No need to panic.

The Finns on the other hand, didn't have to worry about not scoring any goals in the first period either. They knew that Belarus would try to defend their goal with all five skaters, and try to score the necessary goals either with a quick transition game on the power play. Finland would just have to focus on their own play, hold onto the puck, and pepper Mezin with shots.

"We knew how they play, that they're strong in the transition game. We put pressure on their defensemen and got turnovers in the zone," said Sami Vatanen, the 18 year old defensemen, playing in his first world Championship.

At 5:57 into the 2nd period, Finland got their power play opportunity when Belarus got a "too many men on the ice" penalty. The Finns cycled the puck around the Belarus zone quickly, and then Antti Miettinen sent the puck to Jarkko Immonen received the puck on his forehand, and then it sent it past Mezin with a quick wraparound shot, next to the left post.

"I've had chances there before, there's a little space, so I can press the puck to the middle, or try to do something myself," said Immonen, who leads his team in goal scoring, with three.

"That just shows the sorry state our offense if i'm the leading goal scorer, we have to come up with something," he joked.

Belarus had a few chances in the 2nd period, but the game seemed to be over when Juha-Pekka Hytonen, Immonen's Jyvaskyla teammate from last year, beat Mezin low on the gloveside with a slapshot from the point at 12:19.

In the third, Finland made sure the game didn't slip away. And it didn't.

"They have great speed and hard to compete. We didn't have a great second period," Mezin said.

His teammates Kirill Gotovets was carried off on a stretcher in the 2nd period, after he was checked to the boards by Finland's Oskar Osala. No penalty was called in the situation, but Gotovets was taken to a hospital with concussion symptoms.

Finland's next game is on Monday against Slovakia. While Belarus will play host Germany on Sunday Night.


Group E Standings after 5/14

Qualifying Round Format: You take the combo of games from both the Prelim and Qualifying Rounds. You drop the game against the Team that is playing in the Relegation Round. After the 2nd Round ends, the top 4 in both groups advance to the Quarterfinals where they will cross over.

1. Denmark 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 11-4

2. Russia 2-0-0-0 6 PTS 6-2

3. Finland 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 6-4

4. Germany 1-0-0-1 3 PTS 3-2

5. Slovakia 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 5-11

6. Belarus 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 3-9


Group E Schedule

5/14: Slovakia 0 Denmark 6 (0-6, 0-0, 0-0)

5/14: Finland 2 Belarus 0 (0-0, 2-0, 0-0)

5/15: Russia VS. Germany

5/16: Denmark VS. Russia

5/16: Germany VS. Belarus

5/17: Finland VS. Slovakia

5/17: Belarus VS. Denmark

5/18: Slovakia VS. Germany

5/18: Russia VS. Finland

IIHF World Championship Update

With the Prelim Round now over-with. The Qualifying & Relegation Rounds get underway today. One of the biggest shockers has been the shocking performance of Denmark as they were able to shock both the United States and Finland before losing to Germany in their final 1st Round Loss.

With for the most part many of the big names out of this year's tournament, this event has been one of the more unpredictable in recent years. In addition to Denmark, Norway was able to pull off an OT win over the Czech Republic.

Switzerland was able to go unbeaten in the Group Win after wins against Italy and Latvia. It was de javu of the 2006 Prelim Round Game as Switzerland was able control the game against Canada 4-1 to finish on top of Group B.

The big disappointment has to be the USA. After losing to Germany in the tournament opener in front of a crowd of over 77,000. That turned into a bad vibe as they had another OT loss to Denmark and a one goal loss to Finland. That means that the Americans finished last and will play France, Italy and Kazakhstan in the Relegation Round.

Despite the ability that should be these 3 teams easily, the desperation of lower ranked teams looking to stay up will show and it will be much harder then you think. It should be nothing short of 3 wins to stay up and finish 13th, but after a year that the USA had basically medaled in every major international event this season, including gold medals at both the WJC & U18 World Championships. USA Hockey will not be very happy about this.

As for the rest of the relegation Round, it should be a three way battle between Italy, France and Kazakhstan. The Italians look to be in the best shape as they were at least able to stay in all 3 of their games, while Kazakhstan tends to be in trouble after coming out of a very tough group against Russia, Slovakia and Belarus from Group A.

Qualification Round Group E will have Russia, Belarus, Slovakia from Group A. Joining them will be Finland, Germany and Denmark from Group D. Can a team like Denmark continue their strong showing, or will the stronger competition eventually cool them off.

Qualification Round Group F will have Canada, Switzerland, Latvia from Group B. While from Group C will have Sweden, Czech Republic and Norway. This is expected to be the tougher of the 2 Groups.

Will we see some unlikely matchups come the Quarterfinals, or will the cream of the power nations eventually rise to the top?

Also for the rest of the tournament, look for Game Recaps on the road to this year's Ice Hockey World Championship.

Here's a look at the Prelim Round Results.

Group A (RUS, BLR, SVK, KAZ)

5/9: Belarus 5 Kazakhstan 2 (0-0, 2-2, 3-0)

5/9: Slovakia 1 Russia 3 (0-1, 0-1, 1-1)

5/11: Russia 4 Kazakhstan 1 (1-0, 2-0, 1-1)

5/11: Belarus 2 Slovakia 4 (2-0, 0-2, 0-2)

5/13: Russia 3 Belarus 1 (1-0, 2-0, 0-1)

5/13: Kazakhstan 1 Slovakia 5 (0-1, 0-2, 1-2)


Group A Standings

1. Russia 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 10-3

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

3. Belarus 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 8-7

4. Kazakhstan 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 4-14


Group B (CAN, SUI, LAT, ITA)

5/8: Canada 5 Italy 1 (2-1, 2-0, 1-0)

5/8: Switzerland 3 Latvia 1 (1-0, 1-0, 1-1)

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

5/10: Latvia 1 Canada 6 (0-2, 0-4, 1-0)

5/12: Italy 2 Latvia 5 (1-1, 0-1, 1-3)

5/12: Canada 1 Switzerland 4 (1-2, 0-1, 0-1)


Group B Standings

1. Switzerland 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 10-2

2. Canada 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 12-2

3. Latvia 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 7-10

4. Italy 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 3-13


Group C (SWE, CZE, NOR, FRA)

5/9: Czech Republic 5 France 2 (0-0, 2-2, 3-0)

5/9: Norway 2 Sweden 5 (0-2, 1-0, 1-3)

5/11: Czech Republic 2 Norway 3 (0-1, 1-1, 1-1)

5/11: Sweden 3 France 2 (1-0, 2-0, 0-2)

5/13: France 1 Norway 5 (1-0, 0-1, 0-4)

5/13: Sweden 1 Czech Republic 2 (0-1, 1-1, 0-0)


Group Standings

1. Sweden 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 9-5

2. Czech Rep. 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 9-6

3. Norway 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 10-8

4. France 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 5-13


Group D (FIN, USA, GER, DEN)

5/7: USA 1 Germany 2 (OT) (0-0, 0-1, 1-0, 0-1)

5/8: Finland 1 Denmark 4 (1-2, 0-1, 0-1)

5/10: USA 1 Denmark 2 (OT) (0-0, 1-1, 0-0, 0-1)

5/10: Germany 0 Finland 1 (0-0, 0-1, 0-0)

5/12: Denmark 1 Germany 3 (1-1, 0-2, 0-0)

5/12: Finland 3 USA 2 (0-1, 1-0, 2-1)


Group D Standings

1. Finland 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 5-5

2. Denmark 1-1-0-1 5 PTS 7-5

3. Germany 1-1-0-1 5 PTS 5-3

4. USA 0-0-2-1 2 PTS 4-7


Here's a look at the Qualfiying & Relegation Round Groups which started today.

Qualifiying Round

Group E: (RUS, FIN, SVK, DEN, BLR, GER)

Group F: (SUI, SWE, CAN, CZE, LAT, NOR)


Relegation Round: Kazakhstan, Italy, France USA

IIHF World Hockey Championship Prelim Round Schedule

The 2010 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships will get underway on Friday with a game that will be looking to set a World Record. It will be between the Americans who are looking to end the international season with a medal in every major event this season.

If the Americans are looking to improve on a solid 4th place finish from last year. To do it, a very young squad will take the ice from mostly NHL Teams that either failed to make or got ousted early on in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Germany on the other hand is looking to rebound after a couple of disappointing performances. In the Winter Olympic Tournament, the Germans finished 11th where only a superior goal differential to Latvia kept them out of last. To make it worse, a bad showing where they were not very competitive in all of their games in the Olympics.

Then in the IHWC last year, a 15th place finish would have relegated them to DIV. 1 if it weren't for them hosting this year's World Championship.

As for the World Record Attempt, it will be played at the Veltins-Arena which is home to the German Soccer Giants FC Schakle in the German Bundesliga. The current record is held by Michigan VS. Michigan State where they will able to fill in a little over 70,000 for a regular season game back in 2001 at the Michigan State Football Stadium.

The Target crowd for this game will be a little over 75,000 for the tournament opener as the Germans will be the home side, but be big underdogs to an American side that won the Olympic Silver Medal, WJC & U18 Gold Medals during the season. Also winning the World U17 Challenge and the World Jr. A Challenge earlier in the season.

The rest of the tournament will have a Canada team that will be looking to match Sweden's success of winning both the Olympics and the IHWC Gold Medal's in the Same year. That made Sweden the first nation ever to win both events in the same year.

Despite most of the Canadian Fan Base following the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they're always high expectations for Team Canada at this event. Especially since Canada won the Silver Medal on Home Ice back in 2007 when the tournament was held in Quebec City & Halifax.

Russia is the two time defending champions and with several big name stars on this team. Russia is looking to make it a 3 peat. The Russians will start the tournament with an interesting group with Belarus, a Slovak Team that finished 4th in the Olympics. Plus Kazakhstan who got promoted from the IHWC DIV. 1 Tournament last year and always get pumped up for their former Soviet Rivals.

This year's Tournament gets going Friday in the German Cities of Mannheim and Colonge with the opener being played in Gelsenkirchen. Groups A & D will be in Colonge while Groups B & C will be in Mannheim. Colonge's Lanxess Arena is home to Kolner Haie while Mannheim's SAP Arena is home to Adler Mannheim. Both Kolner Haie and Adler Mannheim play in the German DEL which is the top Hockey League in Germany.

Be sure to look for links regarding team previews and Game Stories as the Tournament starts on Friday. For more info, log on to the International Ice Hockey Federation Website at www.iihf.com

For the USA Roster this year, other then the mostly NHL Based players. The goalie situation with Ben Bishop of the Peoria Rivermen (AHL) and David Leggio of TPS Turku in the Finnish SM-Liiga should be interesting to follow. Also Chris Kreider will be capping off a very successful season that saw him win the World Junior Championship with Team USA and his Boston College Eagles winning the NCAA National Hockey Championship just a few weeks ago.

Team USA Roster: www.usahockey.com/Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=TU_01_03&id=285864

Here's a look at the 16 teams and the 1st Round Groups for the IHWC which begins on Friday.

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, USA, Germany, Denmark


Here's the Prelim Round Schedule. Plus dates for the Rest of the Tournament. The Prelim Round Schedule will be Local Time/CDT

May 7

D: USA VS. Germany 8:15 PM/1:15 PM (In Gelsenkirchen)


May 8

B: Canada VS. Italy 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

D: Finland VS. Denmark 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

B: Switzerland VS. Latvia 8:15 PM/1:15 PM


May 9

A: Belarus VS. Kazakhstan 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

C: Czech Republic VS. France 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

A: Slovakia VS. Russia 8:15 PM/1:15 PM

C: Norway VS. Sweden 8:15 PM/1:15 PM


May 10

D: USA VS. Denmark 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

B: Switzerland VS. Italy 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

D: Germany VS. Finland 8:15 PM/1:15 PM

B: Latvia VS. Canada 8:15 PM/1:15 PM


May 11

A: Russia VS. Kazakhstan 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

C: Czech Republic VS. Norway 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

A: Belarus VS. Slovakia 8:15 PM/1:15 PM

C: Sweden VS. France 8:15 PM/1:15 PM


May 12

D: Denmark VS. Germany 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

B: Italy VS. Latvia 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

D: Finland VS. USA 8:15 PM/1:15 PM

B: Canada VS. Switzerland 8:15 PM/1:15 PM


May 13

A: Russia VS. Belarus 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

C: France VS. Norway 4:15 PM/9:15 AM

A: Kazakhstan VS. Slovakia 8:15 PM/1:15 PM

C: Sweden VS. Czech Republic 8:15 PM/1:15 PM


Dates for the Rest of the Ice Hockey World Championship

Qualification & Relegation Rounds: May 14-18


Qualification Group E in Colonge (Groups A & D Combined)

Qualification Group F in Mannheim (Groups B & C Combined)


Relegation Round (4th Place Teams from All 4 Groups)

Half of the Relegation Games will be played in Both Venues.


Quarterfinals: May 20 2 in Colonge, 2 in Mannheim

Semifinals: May 22 in Colonge

Medal Round: May 23 in Colonge

IIHF U18 5th Place & Relegation Round: Switzerland Finishes 5th, Plus Belarus & Latvia Relegated

The Swiss ended this year's U18 World Championship with their best finish since 2001 when they spuriously got all the way to the Silver Medal. Paired with their 4th Place Finish in the WJC back around the Christmas Holidays, the Swiss are hoping to use this as a springboard towards developing a stronger Junior Program and League which where you could see them in more events of different kinds plus getting a chance to medal in the U18 & WJC Championships in the near future.

The Czech Republic finished 6th place as they had their moments including edging out Slovakia and pushing Finland all the way to a shootout where a win would have improved their chances of coming out with a Medal.

On the other end, despite strong fan supports and hopes of pulling a shock. Latvia and Belarus will be sent down to the 2011 IIHF U18 Division 1 Tournament after playing in what was a Placement Game where Latvia won 5-4 in a SO to come out with their only win of this year's U18 World Championship. Unfortunately for Belarus, they will have to live with the shocking fact of finishing last at this year's event without a single win this year.

Despite the NHL Stanley Cup & AHL Calder Cup Playoffs going on right now. The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships (IHWC) are just a few weeks away when they start on May 7 over in Colonge and Mannheim in Germany.

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

5th Place Game: Czech Republic 5 Switzerland 6 (0-1, 4-4, 1-1)

Czech Republic VS. Switzerland Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/CZE%20-%20SUI.html

In Minsk, Belarus: In a back-and-forth battle for 5th place, Switzerland came out on top with a 6-5 win against the Czech Republic. The Fifth-Place finish is Switzerland's best since 2001 when the team was the surprise Silver Medalist. The Sixth Place Finish for the Czech Republic is a repeat from last year's event.

There was no lack of action at the Palace of Sport Arena, especially in the 2nd period when the teams combined for 8 goals. Switzerland jumped out to a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period. The Swiss opened the 2nd period, jumping out to a 3-1 lead. The teams exchanged quick goals as Tomas Filippi brought the Czechs to within one, only to have his efforts erased less then a minute later when Dominic Lammer scored on an odd-man rush for the 4-2 goal.

The Offensive duel continued when the Czechs put in two goals coming a minute apart to tie the game at 4-4. Dominik Frk scored from point-blank range and Jrir Sekac took advantage of Swiss Goaltender Lukas Melil's poor position behind the net for the equalizer.

The high scoring period ended with a 5-4 Swiss Lead after Joel Vermin scored on a breakaway. He was tripped on his trip down the ice and landed in the net just behind the puck. Vermin struck again 3:08 into the third period with another crucial goal. The 6-4 marker gave the Swiss some breathing room needed they needed to weather a late comeback bid for the Czechs, who got a shorthanded goal in the last 34 seconds to bring the final to 6-5.


Relegation Round: Canada 4 Slovakia 2 (4-0, 0-1, 0-1)

Canada VS. Slovakia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/CAN%20-%20SVK.html

In Bobruisk, Belarus: Canada limped to a 7th place finish at this year's World U18 Championship with a 4-2 win over Slovakia. The win somewhat salvaged the Canadians Disappointing tournament as they finished atop the relegation round group.

Both Canada and Slovakia will return to next year's U18 World Championship, both likely hoping to improve on this year's finish.

Canada put in 4 goals in the 1st period and didn't do much else through the end of the game. generating no additional offense for the next 40 minutes. Luckily for the Canadians, Slovakia was only able to put in 2 goals in response, one coming in the 2nd period and one more in the 3rd period. Slovakia ended this year's U18 World Championship in 8th Place.


Relegation Round: Belarus 4 Latvia 5 (SO) (1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Belarus VS. Latvia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/LAT%20-%20BLR.html

In Bobruisk, Belarus: Latvia and Belarus were both looking for their first win at this year's U18 World Championship and it was Latvia that earned bragging rights with a 5-4 SO Victory.

The Lead changed hands four times with the game-tying goal coming from Latvia with 4:07 left in regulation. The Goal forced the overtime and eventual shutout, which Zemgus Girgensons won for Latvia.

The Victory means that Latvia takes ninth place, while Belarus finishes tenth in the ten team tournament.

Both teams knew they were relegated entering the game, but nevertheless played an entertaining and competitive 60 minutes. Belarus went up 1-0 on the power-play only to have the lead erased 31 seconds later by a Latvian Marker.

Latvia continued to build it's momentum in the 2nd period, moving ahead to a 3-1 lead, but Belarus closed the stanza strong with a goal in the last 5 minutes to close the gap to one goal.

It was Belarus turn to come out strong in the third period. They reclaimed the lead with two goals in the first 6:13 of action to take a 4-3 advantage. The fans in Bobruisk sensed that this could be the day for their team's first win and urged Belarus on, but in the waning moments of the Game, Latvia's Kristians Pelss put in the 4-4 goal to force OT and SO.


Here's the Tournament Placement from 5th through 10th. Plus the 2 Teams that won Promotion for the 2011 U18 World Championship.

5th Place: Switzerland

6th Place: Czech Republic

7th Place: Canada

8th Place: Slovakia

9th Place: Latvia

10th Place: Belarus

Promoted from Division 1A: Norway

Promoted from Division 1B: Germany

IIHF U18 Semifinals & Relegation Update: USA VS. Sweden For Gold

The Americans are back in the U18 Gold Medal Game for the 2nd straight year as the Americans had their 2nd straight shutout by outscoring the Swedes and the Czechs in the QFS & SFS by a combined score of 11-0.

This is Jack Campbell's 2nd straight shutout and 3rd overall going back to the Canada Game where the Americans won that game 5-0 as well. On the Offense side of the puck as Nick Shore had another 3 points in the Game (2G 1A) while other players like Nieto and Tinordi also scored to put the Fins out of the game as the Americans had a balanced attack throughout the game.

Sweden is back in the U18 Gold Medal Game for the first time since 1999 as the Swedes scored twice in the third period to turn what was a close hard fought game into a decisive affair. If Sweden can beat the USA, it will mark a huge milestone as the Swedes have been looking to dramatically improve the Swedish Junior Program after several close calls which have included a pair of WJC Silver Medals plus an U18 Bronze Medal back in 2008.

Can Sweden find a way to get through what's been a rock hard defense for the Americans as the Americans haven't given up a single goal in the Knockout Rounds? Or will the USA successfully defend the U18 World Championships and win their 3rd straight major Junior Gold Medal which includes the last U18 World Titles and the WJC Gold back in Jan.

With Canada's win over Latvia today, this will send Latvia and Belarus down to the U18 Division 1 Tournament for 2011 as both Canada & Slovakia are both 2-0 in the Relegation Round. Canada & Slovakia will play for 7th place, while Latvia & Belarus will play for pride in their final games tomorrow.

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

Semifinal #1: Finland 0 U.S.A. 5 (0-1, 0-2, 0-2)

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

In Minsk, Belarus: The United States have earned the chance to defend its U18 World Championship gold Medal after earning a 5-0 win against Finland in today's Semifinal. Nick Shore scored twice and Jack Campbell was in net for his 2nd straight shutout of the playoff round.

The Americans have skated in the Gold Medal Game 6 of the last 7 years and in total has 4 gold medals to their credit at the U18 Worlds, including last year's which came against Russia. For the Finns, the loss sends them to their 2nd straight Bronze Medal game, which they won last year against Canada.

Shore kicked off the scoring with the only goal of the 1st period to give the Americans an early 1-0 lead just over 5 minutes into action. The lead was doubled when Matt Nieto streaked down the wing and put in a backhander 6:19 into the 2nd period.

The Tempo continued to pick up as the game whore on and the game had a good flow and end to end action. The Americans went on the power play late in the 2nd period and spent the entire time camped out in front of the Finnish net, but couldn't get the 3-0 goal. But Adam Clendening made up for the lack of power play out-put when he in a perfect wrist shot just as time expired. It was such a close call that the goal could only be confirmed after a lengthy video review.

Despite getting out-shot more then two-to-one in the first 40 minutes, the Finns kept kept the Americans on edge with their fighting spirit. It was only when Nick Shore put in the 4-0 goal midway through the third period that the Finns were visibly deflated. Just over a minute later Jared Tinordi made the American Berth in the Gold Medal Game crystal clear with the 5-0 closing goal.

USA now awaits the winner of tonight's Russia VS. Sweden semi-final. The Last time Sweden skated in the Gold Medal Game at the U18 Worlds was in its inaugural year in 1999. At the other end of the spectrum, Russia is looking for it's 8th straight Gold Medal Game Appearance.


Semifinal #2: Sweden 3 Russia 1 (1-1, 0-0, 2-0)

Sweden VS. Russia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/SWE%20-%20RUS%20%28SF%29.html

In Minsk, Belarus: Sweden will skate in the gold Medal Game for the first time since 1999 after earning a 3-1 win against Russia in a hard fought semi-final.

It is only the 2nd ever trip to the Golden Game, and the country is still looking for it's first ever Gold Medal at this event. It is Russia's first appearance in the Bronze Medal Game since 2003.

It was a completely different game from the speedy, skilled first semifinal between the USA & Finland. Instead, the Large Swedes and Russian treated the full Palace of Sport to a physical duel.

Sweden came out hard in the first five minutes, peppering Russian Goalie Andrei Vasilevski. But it was the Russian who struck first on their first power play chance when Vladislav Kartayev forced the puck in past Swedish Goaltender Johan Gustafsson. Sweden responded with a power play goal of its own when Ludvig Rensfeldt tied the game at one mid-point.

The Swedes persistence finally paid off 8:32 into the third period when Adam Larsson and ripped in a shot from above the faceoff circle during a Swedish Power Play. Less then a minute later Mattias Granlund sealed the win with a deflected shot that bounced off virtually everything in sight before squeezing into the goal.

With the 3-1 lead, Sweden controlled the rest of the game as Russia had no chance to mount a counter attack and try for a comeback. A little melee with 3 seconds left showed the Russian Frustration at missing the Golden Game.

Sweden will take on the defending champion USA in the Gold Medal Game on Friday. Sweden beat the USA in the preliminary round, 4-2. Meanwhile Russia will skate for the Bronze Medal against Finland tomorrow. Tomorrow's only playoff game is the fifth place game between Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Relegation Round: Canada 5 Latvia 1 (2-0, 1-1, 2-0)

Canada VS. Latvia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/CAN%20-%20LAT.html

In Bobruisk, Belarus: Canada did what it had to do stay up in the Top Division at the World U18 Championship, earning a 5-1 win against Latvia.

With six points, both Canada & Slovakia will return to the top level for next year, while Latvia and Belarus will move down to Division 1 for next season. There is still one day left of action left in Bobruisk tomorrow as Canada will take on Slovakia, while Latvia will face the Belarus in what are now merely placement games.

It wasn't necessarily a convincing win for the Canadians as a quick two goals coming less then a minute apart as the offense they generated against the the out-matched Latvians in the first period. In the 2nd, the Canada Offense sputtered, putting just one additional goal at the 6:11 mark of the period to make it a comfortable, yet slim 3-0 advantage.

Latvia got on the board with 18 seconds left in the 2nd period with a power-play marker to cut the Canadian Lead to two at the break. Canada found a way to pull away with two final goals, included a 2nd marker from Jordan Weal to make it a 5-1 win.

IIHF U18 Quarterfinals & Relegation Round Up:

It was the Americans controlling the Czechs for the 2nd straight year in the U18 Quarterfinals where the Americans are looking to defend the U18 Gold Medal for the 2nd straight year. It was also deja vu as the Americans were also seeded 2nd in last year's U18 Tournament Playoffs as the Americans will now face Finland in the Semifinals in what should be a great game in a battle of defending champions against a team that's looking to make up for lost time at the Junior Level.

The Other Quarterfinal saw Russia beat Switzerland 4-3, the game was more deceiving as the Russians were up 4-0 until the last 5 minutes when Switzerland finally found their grove, but it was to little to late as the Swiss were unable to pull off their 2nd big win over Russia in the IIHF Tournament Season after the Swiss beat the Russians at the WJC just after New Years.

The Relegation Round got underway as Slovakia helped their chances of survival with a 5-1 win over Belarus who's looking at relegation now after being 0-2 and having a -12 GD after losing to Canada 11-3 in the Group Stage.

Here's a look at the Game Wrap Ups for Today and the schedule for tomorrow's Semifinals and Relegation Matchups.

Wednesday's Schedule

Semifinals

Finland VS. USA

Sweden VS. Russia


Relegation Round

Canada VS. Latvia

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


Quarterfinal #1: USA 6 Czech Republic 0 (2-0, 3-0, 1-0)

USA VS. Czech Republic Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/USA%20-%20CZE%20%28QF%29.html

From Minsk, Belarus: USA will skate in its 9th straight Semifinal at the U18 World Championship after dominating the Czech Republic 6-0 in today's Quarterfinal in Minsk.

The U.S. broke the game open late in the 2nd period, taking advantage of Czech Penalty Problems with two power-play goals in a five-minute span to go ahead 4-0. American Austin Czarnik was the biggest nemesis for the Czechs, putting in three goals, including two in the 2nd period surge.

The U.S. was clearly the stronger team, but held only to a 2-0 lead at the end of the first period after putting in a quick pair less then two minutes apart.

The Czechs had the chance to cut the lead in half with many chances of their lone power play of the 2nd period, but the momentum was killed when the tide turned dramatically with a five-on-three for the U.S. The Americans hit a post just as the two-man advantage expired, but made up for it with three seconds left in the five-on-four when Austin Czarnik put the 3-0 tally on an odd angle shot.

After that, the Americans dominated the period as Nick Shore put in another power-play goal, while Czarnik followed up 20 seconds later with the 5-0 marker. The goal was the end of the game for Czech Goalie Libor Kasik, who was replaced by Roman Will. On the other end of the ice Jack Campbell had little excitement facing only 8 shots in the first 40 minutes.

It was more of the same in the 3rd period when Bryan Rust jammed in the 6-0 goal - also on the power play. It was the lone goal of the period as Will managed to keep the Americans in check, but could do little to prevent the eventual loss.

In their eight trips to the Semifinals, the Americans have only gone home empty handed once, in 2003. The defending champions have a six year medal streak. Last year, the Americans also played the Czech Republic in the Quarterfinals against the Czechs and won 6-2, They went on to top Canada, 2-1, in the semifinals and Russia, 5-0, for the gold.

The Czechs will play in their second straight fifth-placed game. They lost the placement game last year, 4-2, against Sweden.


Quarterfinal #2: Russia 4 Switzerland 3 (2-0, 1-0, 1-3)

Russia VS. Switzerland Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/RUS%20-%20SUI%20%28QF%29.html

In Minsk, Belarus: Russia made it to the Semifinals at this year's U18 World Championship after earning a 4-3 win with five minutes left in regulation when Switzerland had an incredible comeback to pull within one. Ultimately, time ran out, on the Swiss efforts, but it was a positive end for the determined Alp Nation.

The Swiss had an impressive run at the event and put in a gutsy performance today, but couldn't get over the hump against the bigger, stronger, more skilled Russian Team. Swiss Goaltender Lukas Meili was put through the ringer by the Russians but stood his ground, allowing his team to mount an occasional counterattack.

Ultimately, the Swiss had a few minor break downs that cost them dearly. Evgeni Kuznetsov put in the 1-0 shorthanded goal just over five minutes into action with a deke that would make Alexander Ovechkin proud. Maxim Shalunov doubled the lead three minutes later, but the Swiss buckled down after the goal and held the Russians scoreless for more then 20 minutes before surrendering the 3-0 goal. Roman Berdnikov forced the puck in mid-game for the important 3rd goal just as a Russian power-play expired.

Berdnikov put in his 2nd goal of the game for the 4-0 lead, seemingly putting the game out of reach for the Swiss. But a late comeback bid by Switzerland made the last 5 minutes a thriller for the sold out Palace of Sports Crowd. Reto Schmutz and Kaj Leuenberger scored two goals coming 35 seconds apart in the twilight of the game, making it 4-2.

The Russians still sensed they were safe when Gregory Hoffman scored with the extra attacker on the ice to make it a surprising one goal affair. The Swiss pushed until the last second, but couldn't come up with the game-tying goal and are now bound for the 5th place Game against the Czech Republic.

Both of last year's finalist, USA & Russia, are into the next round and on track to make it to the Final again. But before punching their card for the Gold Medal Game, the Russians will have to overcome Sweden in tomorrow's Semifinals, while the Americans will face the Finns.

The Russians have been in the finals the last three years, but the last time they won was 2007.


Relegation Round: Slovakia 5 Belarus 1 (1-0, 2-1, 2-0)

Slovakia VS. Belarus Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/SVK%20-%20BLR.html

In Bobruisk, Belarus: After losing its first relegation round game today against Slovakia, 5-1, it would take a miracle for host Belarus to stay up in the U18 World Championship for the 2010-2011 season.

Slovakia, meanwhile, is essentially safe from relegation after today's win as it would take an extraordinary string of events to send the Slovaks into 3rd or 4th place. Slovakia now has 6 points in the Group and Belarus is still looking for its first win at this year's event.

It looked like it would be ugly for Belarus early in the game when Petr Trska scored just 19 seconds after the opening faceoff. But Belarus regrouped after the quick goal and held the Slovaks scoreless through the rest of the period.

Unfortunately for Belarus, it started the 2nd period on its heels again, allowing the 2-0 goal just 40 seconds into action. Belarus again re-grouped, as the teams exchanged goals to close the 2nd period at 3-1. Slovakia's Marek Tvrdon scored twice in the third period to bring the final to 5-1.

Both teams have the day off tomorrow as Canada and Latvia are the only game tomorrow in Bobruisk. If Canada wins that game, then both Belarus and Latvia would both be relegated, while Slovakia and Canada would return to next year's U18 World Championship. Should Latvia win the game, the group remains wide open.

IIHF U18 World Championship Update

With the Playoffs and Relegation Rounds getting underway tomorrow. Here's a look at how the rest of the Group Stage went as I was out of town this weekend and unable for the most part to keep an update on the tournament.

For more info on this event and other International Hockey News, log on to www.iihf.com

There's tons of pictures from this event. You can either go through the regular, or you can select from ind. teams & games from this year's U18 World Championship.

www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures.html

Sweden & Finland Semifinal Bound

With the Northern European Powers winning the groups. Their looking to bring home the first U18 Gold Medal to Scandinavia for the first time since 2000 when the Finns won back-to-back Gold's in 1999 and 2000 when the IIHF First started this tournament. Sweden has never won this event in this history and haven't medaled since 2007 when they won Bronze when the Tournament in Finland.

Finland sweeped Group B with a 7-2 win over Latvia, 5-2 win over Slovakia, a huge 5-4 win over Russia that basically decided the Group and marked the return to possible greatness for the Finnish Junior Program after taking a bit of a dip the last few years, including being in the relegation round when they hosted the tournament back in 2007.

To finish the Group Stage, all they needed was a point to claim Group A and a 4-3 OT Win over the Czech Republic did that. The Finns finished with an impressive 11 out of a possible 12 points and are looking dangerous to win their first World Junior Gold Medal since they won the 2000 U18 World Championship.

Sweden had a similar run where a comeback win against the USA helped them go to a perfect Group Stage with a big 7-0 win against Belarus where a huge 2nd period with 5 goals blew the game wide open. The Swedes continued to score big time with a 10-2 win over Switzerland where 4 goals in both the 2nd & 3rd period ended the Swiss Hopes of another upset after the Swiss upset Canada on opening day.

Finally against Canada, Sweden did the unthinkable as in addition to winning the group, they sent Canada down the relegation round after the Canadians who have a repetition of underachieving in this event, beat them 5-4 despite a 4 goal 3rd period by Canada to make the end of the game interesting.

Can Sweden finally win a major Junior Event after several close calls and a big commitment to improve the Swedish Junior Program in both the League and National Team Programs? This may be their best shot yet.

Finland will be facing the USA VS. Czech Republic Winner while Sweden will face the Russia VS. Switzerland Winner in the Quarterfinals. Can the Swiss pull off another big win in the U18's like they did against Russia in the WJC earlier in the season?


USA Comes back Strong, Canada down to the Relegation Round

After the Americans opening day loss to Sweden, the Americans came back with 3 straight wins where they outscored the opposition 17-2 with big wins over Switzerland, Belarus & and a strong shutout win over Canada for them to finish 2nd in the Group Round and are looking dangerous to beat the Czech's and have a shot of successfully defending the U18 World Championship.

The Americans are looking for a strong performance in the Quarterfinals against the Czech Republic that they beat arch Rival Slovakia 4-3 and surviving a comeback attempt against Latvia 5-4. The Czechs have shown that they can be dangerous this year as they were down 2-1 midway through the 3rd period before Russia pulled away late. Also, losing in a SO to Group Winners Finland 4-3. So it may not be as easy as in recent years for the Americans.

Last year the Americans took down the Czechs 6-2 where a 4 goal 2nd period ended the Czech Hopes. So they have done well against the Czech Republic in recent years. A win tomorrow and it would be a game against Finland in Wednesday's Semifinals which should be a great showdown assuming the Americans can beat the Czechs tomorrow.

Canada on the otherhand has been bad in this tournament. Despite their history of not doing well in this event. Being in the relegation round is no excuse for the Canadians as getting upset 3-1 by Switzerland led to a huge downfall with them getting thumped by the USA 5-0 and being down 4-0 going into the 2nd intermission against Sweden. Even through a 4 goal comeback in the 3rd made things interesting, it wasn't enough to get them the win.

It would be a huge shock to see the Canadians go down to Division 1 at any tournament, but at least an 11-3 win over Belarus has them going into the Relegation Round against Latvia and Slovakia with a win and an +8 Goal Differently. Expect them to survive with ease, but you have got to think that Hockey Canada is not happy with this showing.

Canada will be playing Slovakia and Latvia in the Relegation Round as the Canadians will look to crush the Slovaks and Latvians as both teams will be looking to survive and be back for next year's World U18 Championship.

Here's links to Game Stories involving Team USA from the USA Hockey Website.

Game 1: USA VS. Sweden: www.usahockey.com/Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=TU_04_02_04&id=285548

Game 2: USA VS. Switzerland: www.usahockey.com/Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=TU_04_02_04&id=285618

Game 3: USA VS. Canada: www.usahockey.com/Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=TU_04_02_04&id=285706

Game 4: USA VS. Belarus: www.usahockey.com/Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=TU_04_02_04&id=285778


Battle for Survival between Slovakia, Latvia and Belarus

With Canada in the Relegation Round, expect the battle for survival to be a 3 horse race between Slovakia, Latvia and Belarus. The Slovaks find themselves in the best position as they have a win over Latvia and a win over Belarus who's basically been a no show exception for the game against Switzerland where they lost 3-2.

Latvia may be in the most trouble, despite being able to play well against the Czech Republic, they will have to face Canada on Wednesday. Then face Belarus to end the Relegation Round on Thursday Night, but by then, if Slovakia and Canada win their games. It would be basically for pride and to determine 9th and 10th so the game would mean nothing at all towards who would stay up and who would fall to Division 1 for 2011.

The Division 1 Tournaments just wrapped up over the weekend and the two teams that will be getting promoted will be Norway & Germany for next season.

Here's a look at the Final Group Stage Standings. Also the Playoff & Relegation Round Matchups.

Group Stage Standings

Group A

1. Sweden 4-0-0-0 12 PTS 26-8

2. U.S.A. 3-0-0-1 9 PTS 19-6

3. Switzerland 2-0-0-2 6 PTS 9-18

4. Canada 1-0-0-3 3 PTS 16-16

5. Belarus 0-0-0-4 0 PTS 6-28


Group B

1. Finland 3-1-0-0 11 PTS 21-11

2. Russia 3-0-0-1 9 PTS 20-7

3. Czech Rep. 2-0-1-1 7 PTS 13-15

4. Slovakia 1-0-0-3 3 PTS 10-15

5. Latvia 0-0-0-4 0 PTS 9-25


Relegation Round Standings

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

2. Slovakia 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 4-3

3. Latvia 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 3-4

4. Belarus 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 3-11


Relegation Round Schedule

4/15: Belarus 3 Canada 11 (1-4, 2-2, 0-5)

4/17: Slovakia 4 Latvia 3 (1-0, 2-2, 1-1)

4/20: Slovakia VS. Belarus

4/21: Canada VS. Latvia

4/22: Canada VS. Slovakia

4/22: Latvia VS. Belarus



Playoff Rounds

Quarterfinals (Tuesday)

U.S.A. VS. Czech Republic

Russia VS. Switzerland


Semifinals (Wednesday)

Finland VS. USA/Czech Rep. Winner

Sweden VS. Russia/Switzerland Winner


5th Place Game (Thursday)

Quarterfinal Losers


Medal Round (Friday)

Bronze Medal

Semifinal Losers


Gold Medal

Semifinal Winners

IIHF U18WC Day 2: USA Comesback, Sweden & Russia Dominite

Day 2 saw a bit less drama but the top seeds were able to comeback. Especially the U.S.A. where just a day after Sweden beat them 4-2, the Americans were to fight off an early Swiss Surge, but a two goal performance by Austin Czarik helped the Americans find their grove to beat Switzerland 5-1 to even up their group stage record at 1-1 through 2 games.

Sweden & Russia continued their great starts with 7-0 & 9-0 wins over the big underdogs in Belarus & Latvia while the Czech Republic had to fight off a comeback attempt against arch rival Slovakia to win the Czechs first game of the tournament 4-3 over Slovakia, that win could be huge as many people saw that as the grudge match for 3rd place in Group A.

Tomorrow's matchup's will see some interesting matchup's as we could see which Swiss Team could emerge as the Swiss will play the Swedes. Slovakia will look to comeback against Finland while Canada and the Czech Republic will look to get over Belarus & Latvia as well.

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

Group A in Bobruisk

Sweden 7 Belarus 0 (0-0, 5-0, 2-0)

Sweden VS. Belarus Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/SWE%20-%20BLR.html

Thanks to a stellar 5 goal second period, Sweden stayed unbeaten at this year's U18 World Championship with a 7-0 thumping of host Belarus.

It was the opening game for the host nation, and the fans in Bobruisk turned out in droves, nearly selling out the modern arena. And while the fans may have been able to help stall the Swedish attack through a scoreless first period, there was little they, or the Belarusian team, could do the Swedes sparked to life in the 2nd period.

Sweden made up for the sluggish start with a lighting fast pair of goals to open the 2nd. Ludvig Rensfeldt scored both goals, with the first coming just 56 seconds into the period and the 2nd trailing three minutes later. The goal took a little spirit out of the near sell-out crowd.

Another quick duo of goals mid-period took Sweden out to a 4-0 lead. Both goals came on the power play as Sweden Capitalized on both extra-man chances of the period. Adam Larsson scored the 3-0 goal at 31:08 mark of the 2nd period, and it was followed by Max Friberg's marker two minutes later. Johan Larsson put in the 5-0 goal just moments later to make it a 5-0 lead Sweden Lead, effectively dashing any hopes that Belarus had for an opening game upset.

Johan Larsson put in his 2nd goal of the opening shift of the third period, while Erik Thorell made it 7-0 4 minutes later. Sweden out-shot Belarus 46-8.

Sweden is now in poll position to take first place in the group, although it still has two more preliminary round games. The first of those contests is on Friday against Switzerland. Belarus will look for its first win tomorrow against winless Canada.


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

Switzerland VS. U.S.A. Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/SUI%20-%20USA.html

It was harder then they would have liked, but in the end the U.S. was able to earn its first win at this years World U18 Championship with a 5-1 win against Switzerland.

Austin Czarik was the man of the hour for the Americans. He scored the first two goals which came a critical point when the U.S. needed momentum and stability.

The Americans were whistled for five minors in the first period and spent most of the period killing the Swiss Power Play. Despite having 10 minutes with the extra man, Switzerland scored once in the stanza - an-even-strength goal from Gregory Hofmann. The lead stood for only 27 seconds as Czarnik put in the equalizer, one of the few bright spots for the Americans in the period.

Czarnik struck again 4:01 into the 2nd to give the U.S.A. its first lead of the game. The goal settled the Americans down and got them into their game plan as they took only one penalty the entire period. Bill Arnold put in a late bonus goal in the last 15 seconds to give the Americans some breathing room at the intermission.

The U.S. Continued to steadily improve and by the end of the game were easily able to put the Swiss away with two 3rd period goals. Adam Clendening and Jason Zucker each got their first goals of the tournament to pull the Americans through to the 5-1 win.

Both teams stand with a 1-1 record after the first two game days and the day off tomorrow. On Friday, the U.S. will take on Canada, while Switzerland has Sweden.


Group B in Minsk

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

Czech Republic VS. Slovakia Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/CZE%20-%20SVK.html

The Czech Republic and Slovakia finished neck-and-neck at last year's World U18 Championship in 6th and 7th place, but today, the Czech's were the superior team with a 4-3 win against the Slovaks.

The Closeness of the score was deceiving as the Czechs had the game well in hand through most of the 60 minutes until the Slovaks rallied late in the game. But Slovakia really didn't threaten for the win, with the 4-3 goal coming only with 5 seconds left in the game.

Slovakia lived dangerously the entire first period, spending much of the time down a man and defending in the own zone. The Penalty trouble finally caught up with them in the final 14 seconds of the period when Michal Vachovec put in a two man advantage goal to give the Czechs the slim 1-0 lead.

The Czech Republic's Petr Zamorsky picked right up where his team left off, scoring the 2-0 goal just 1:37 into the 2nd period. Martin Fyk put in the 3-0 goal before the midway mark of the game.

The Slovaks struggled after falling behind, but created a small spark of hope late in the 3rd period when Marek Tvrdon put in a quirky, odd bouncing goal just as a two man advantage expired. A pair of Dominik's exchanged goals in the waning minutes - Dominik Uher for the Czech's and Dominik Simcak for the Slovaks - to make it a 4-2 affair.

The Slovaks pulled off goaltending Dominik Riecicky in favor of the attacker in the last minute and were last buoyed by a Czech Penalty. The extra two men allowed Simcak to put in the 4-3 goal with five seconds left in regulation, but despite the excitement it gave the crowd, the goal was merely academic as the last 5 seconds ticked off the clock.

Slovakia will take on Finland in tomorrow's game in Minsk and the Czechs have the day off.


Latvia 0 Russia 9 (0-2, 0-4, 0-3)

Latvia VS. Russia Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/LAT%20-%20RUS.html

Russia stayed unbeaten, and virtually unchallenged, at this year's U18 World Championship with an easy 9-0 win over Latvia. Russia has two wins in two games, while the Latvians are win-less in their two outings.

Russia's first power-play was representative of the entire game. They scored just 25 seconds into their first extra man chance, facing little resistance. Nikita Nesterov scored the opening tally on the rebound. Less then 3 minutes later Vladislav Namestnikov doubled the lead with his 2nd goal of the championship. After taking another pair of late-period penalties, Latvia was lucky to escape with just a 2-0 deficit at the end of the stanza as Russia swarmed the offensive zone.

The Latvian luck ran out in the 2nd period as the Russians poured in 4 unanswered goals. Namestnikov put in another two goals and an assist in the flurry to complete the hat trick. His 3rd goal 5:51 into the period promoted Latvia to pull goaltender Vadims Miscuks in favor of Kristers Gudlevskis.

The Change did little to help the Latvian curse as Russia put in another three goals in the 3rd period, cruising to the shutout win. Evgeni Kunetsov scored twice in the 3rd period, and closed the game with a pair of goals and an assist. Andrei Vasilveski earned the shutout bragging rights in the net.

Both teams are idle tomorrow. Unbeaten Russia has a big game against Finland on Friday that could be the key to taking first place. Meanwhile, Latvia will also resume play on Friday against the Czech Republic-a win is critical for the Latvians if they want to avoid the relegation round.


Day 3 Schedule, 4/15

Group A

Belarus VS. Canada


Group B

Slovakia VS. Finland


Group Standings after Day 2

Group A

1. Sweden 2-0-0-0 6 PTS 11-2

2. U.S.A. 1-0-0-1 3 PTS 7-5

3. Switzerland 1-0-0-1 3 PTS 4-6

4. Canada 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 1-3

5. Belarus 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 0-7


Group B

1. Russia 2-0-0-0 6 PTS 13-1

2. Finland 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 7-2

3. Czech Rep. 1-0-0-1 3 PTS 5-7

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

5. Latvia 0-0-0-2 0 PTS 2-16

IIHF U18 WC Day 1: Switzerland upsets Canada, Sweden comesback against the USA

The IIHF U18 World Hockey Championships got underway today in the Cities of Minsk & Bobruisk Belarus as the Americans are looking to defend their U18 World Championship that they won in Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota last season.

It was a very dramatic first day as the Swiss are looking to win their first ever International Junior Medal after finishing in 4th place at the WJC back over the Holidays. Also, after going up 2-0 early in the 2nd period, the Swedes who finished 4th last year were able to comeback to win 4-2 on the opening day.

Russia is looking to win the U18 Gold after finishing with the Silver Medal last year which was a result of a blowout after the USA beat them 5-0 in the Gold Medal Last year. Also Finland were able to crush Latvia who were promoted from the U18 Division 1 Tournament last year with a strong 2nd period.

By Jenny Wiedeke of the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

Group A in Bobruisk


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

Sweden came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat defending U18 Champion United States, 4-2, in both teams opening game at this year's U18 World Championship.

The Americans controlled the first half of the game, but basically fell flat when the Swedes started applying pressure mid-game.

Sweden took an early first-period penalty and paid the price when Chase Balisey gave the Americans the 1-0 lead just 3:36 into action. The Teams exchanged penalties and not much else until Brandon Saad doubled the U.S. Lead 2:24 into the 2nd period. Ten Minutes later, Sweden finally got the puck past American Netminder Jack Campbell with a power play goal, making it a 2-1 affair.

Sweden continued to chip away at the Americans and its patience finally paid off when Henri Snall put in the equalizer 6:29 into the third period. The goal provided a huge momentum shift, as the Swedes had just killed off a penalty just over a minute before Snall Struck, which proved to be the Americans best chance to seal the win.

Johan Larsson delivered the death blow to the Americans with 10:46 left in regulation. The U.S. was rattled by the 3-2 goal and never recovered to challenge for the tying goal. The Americans pulled Campbell in the last 40 seconds, but it was only resulted in the empty net goal for Sweden, bringing the final to 4-2 while Sweden captain Larsson had a hat trick.

The Americans will take on Switzerland tomorrow in a game where both teams have unexpected records. Meanwhile, the Swedes will be the first team to play against host Belarus. The crowd tomorrow in Bobruisk is expected to be a sell-out.


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

It's only day one and the U18 World Championship already had its first major upset as 8th ranked Switzerland stunned Canada 3-1.

Switzerland jumped out to a surprising 2-0 lead in the first period against a flat Canadian Team that was caught on its heels. The defensemen were the Stars for the spunky Swiss as Dario Trutmann assisted on both first period goals, while his D-partner Samuel Guerra put in the 2-0 goal with 2:27 left in the first period.

Canada worked it's way back into the game, cutting the lead in half midway through the 2nd period when Quinton Howden scored. Although the shots were relatively even, Switzerland had the better chances throughout the game with several breakaways and a few post shots. Canadian goalie Calvin Pickard was largely responsible for keeping his team in the game.

But there was little that Pickard could do in the waining moments of the game to help his team get the tying goal when he was pulled in favor of the extra attacker. Despite spending much of the nail-biting minute in the Swiss Zone, Canada couldn't get the 2-2 equalizer. Joel Vermin got credit for the Swiss empty netter with 5 seconds left after he was slashed on the breakaway, giving Switzerland the 3-1 win.

Switzerland will need to keep its miracle skates sharp tomorrow when it takes on defending champion USA. Canada has the day off to regroup.


Group B in Minsk

Czech Republic 1 Russia 4 (0-1, 1-1, 0-2)

It wasn't flashy, but Russia earned its first win at this year's World U18 Championship with a 4-1 decision against the Czech Republic.

It was a near sellout in the Sports Palace as the fans turned out at the end of a long Belaruisan Holiday weekend to cheer on their Russian neighbors. Sergei Barbashev rewarded their efforts 7:01 into action with the first Russian Goal.

Midway through the game Maxim Shalunov increased the Russian lead, but the two goal lead would not last through the 2nd period as Michal Vachovek cut the advantage in half with the power play goal in the last minute of the 2nd period. It was a much needed boost for the struggling Czech Team, which had four power-play chances in the period, yet was out-shot nearly two-on-one.

But any thoughts that the Czechs had a comeback were squashed when Viktor Antipin scored on a five-on-three and gave Russia a 3-1 lead at the 48:49 mark. Vladimir Namestnikov brought the final to 4-1 with three minutes remaining. Russia out-shot the Czechs 40-15.

The Czechs have a key game against Slovakia tomorrow, while Russia takes on Latvia.


Finland 7 Latvia 2 (2-1, 4-1, 1-0)

Finland opened the U18 World Championship with an easy 7-2 win against newly promoted Latvia.

Finland pulled away in the 2nd period with a 4 goal output. Top prospect Mikael Granlund was the set-up man, getting 4 assists in the game, including three in the 2nd period surge.

Despite the lopsided score, Latvia played well against the Finns, keeping the shot tally balanced. The ulitmate decider was the special teams on both sides. Finland was superior in the 2nd period with three extra-man advantage goals, allowing them to jump to a 6-2 lead.

Until Granlund and the Finnish Power Play struck, the game was close. Latvia put in a five-on-three goal to tie things at 1-1 midway through the 1st period before Finalnd's Mikael Salmivitra scored a rare equal-strength goal to give the Finns a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period.

The 2nd period was all Finland, with the exception on one shorthanded breakaway by Latvia's Maris Dilevka midway through the 2nd period. A final Finnish power play goal with just over two minutes left in the third period from Miihkali Teppo brought the final to 7-1.

Latvia returns to action again tomorrow against Russia, while Finland has the day off.


Tournament Standings After Day 1

Group A

1. Switzerland 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 3-1

2. Sweden 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 4-2

3. Belarus 0-0-0-0 0 PTS 0-0

4. U.S.A. 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 2-4

5. Canada 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 1-3



Group B

1. Finland 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 7-2

2. Russia 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 4-1

3. Slovakia 0-0-0-0 0 PTS 0-0

4. Czech Rep. 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 1-4

5. Latvia 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 2-7


Day 2 Schedule on 4/14

Group A

Switzerland VS. U.S.A.

Sweden VS. Belarus


Group B

Latvia VS. Russia

Czech Republic VS. Slovakia

Reamining 2009/2010 International Events

With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games now over with, the U.S.A. is looking to continue it's momentum where the Americans have won medals in nearly every major tournament its entered in this season. It started back in November where the Americans won the World Junior A Challenge in Prince Edward Island.

Then the Americans had a gold rush just after the New Years Holiday with winning both the U17 World Challenge in the Central Ontario City of Timmins. Then a couple of days, it was ending the Canadian Domination of the World Junior Championship in Saskatoon Saskatchewan by winning only the nations 2nd ever World Junior Championship Gold Medal as the Americans look ahead to hosting the WJC in New York State next season.

As for the rest of this season, pretty much all of the non IIHF Events are done with for the year. Most of the main attention will come into play as we have 3 Major IIHF Events left this season.

Starting with the World Junior Women's Championship where the U.S.A. has won both of the first 2 Championships in Calgary, Alberta and Fussen, Germany in the tournaments first 2 years.

As you would expect for most Women's Events, Canada will be the main challenger, but they has been some surprises as the Czech Republic has been able to reach the Bronze Medal Game in the events first 2 years in the tournaments short history (Bronze in 2008, 4th Place in 2009). Which is a good sign for the Women's Game as the Czech National Women's Team is in the WWC Division 2 Level right now.

Also, a bit of a surprise of when Switzerland was relegated to this years Division 1 Tournament. They have been seen as the main challenger in Europe to Sweden and Finland in some Women's Events in recent years.

For the first time, the U.S.A. is going to host the World Junior Women's Championship in Chicago this season in late March and early April. Usually this event is held in February, but was pushed back due to the Winter Olympics.

For the U18 World Championship, the U.S.A. is the defending champions here as a dominating game over Russia delivered the U18 World Title as the Americans look to defend the title which will be in Belarus this season.

After finishing 2nd in the Group Stage where Group B ended in a 3 way tie between Russia, the U.S.A. and Finland. The Americans crushed the Czech Republic in the Quarterfinals and held off Canada in the Semifinals after trailing 1-0 at the 2nd intermission to win 2-1 in the 3rd period. Then when the Final came against Russia, where the game was never in doubt where the Americans won 5-0.

This year the U18 World Championship is in Belarus and with teams like Belarus, Latvia and Russia looking to impress this year in front of large home crowds they looking for. Expect another tough battle for Young American Team looking to defend the U18 Gold.

Finally the international season wraps up with the IIHF World Championship in May which will be in Germany. With the Americans finishing in 4th last season in Switzerland, this is the only IIHF Event where the Americans are looking to improve to get on the medal podium this season.

To start the tournament this year, they will be in a part of a World Record Attempt against the Tournament Host Germany at the home of the German Soccer Giants FC Schakle that will look to bring in 75,000 fans in the city of Gelsenkirchen. After the Opening game, the Americans will play Northern European Hopefuls Finland and Denmark who's looking to improve after barely avoiding relegation last year.

With the Americans holding medals in nearly every major tournament over the last calender year. The Americans players at all ages will look to keep the momentum as we go through the later stages of the season to bring home more hardware from the worlds biggest hockey events.

Here's a look at what's left in store for the remaining events for the 2009/2010 International Hockey Tournament Season.

2010 World Junior Women's Championship

Dates and Location: March 27-April 3 in Chicago

Arena: Seven Bridges Arena

Teams and Format

Group A: U.S.A. (Defending Champions), Czech Republic, Finland, Japan (Promoted from 2009 WJWC DIV 1)

Group B: Canada, Sweden, Germany, Russia

The 8 teams will start in 2 groups of 4 playing a round robin format. Then after the Round Robin, the Group Winners will advance automatically to the Semifinals, while the 2nd and 3rd place teams will cross over and play each other.

The Winners will advance to play the Group Winners in the Semifinals will the QF Losers will play each other for 5th and 6th place in this tournament. After the Semifinals, the Winners will play each other for Gold while the Losers will play for the Bronze Medal Game.

In the Relegation Round, the 4th Place Teams will play a best of 3 series where the winner will finish 7th and keep their spot for next season, while the loser will finish 8th and will be relegated to Division 1 for the 2010/2011 season.


2010 U18 World Championship

Dates and Cities: April 13-23 in Minsk & Bobruisk, Belarus

Home Arenas: Minsk Palace & Bobruisk Arena

Teams and Tournament Format

Group A: U.S.A. (Defending Champions), Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Belarus (Promoted from 2009 U18 DIV 1)

Group B: Russia, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia (Promoted from 2009 U18 DIV 1)

Tournament Format: After the Round Robin where each team plays 4 games. The top 3 teams advance to the Knockout Rounds where the Group Winners will automatically advance to the Semifinals.

While the 2nd and 3rd Place Teams will cross over for the Quarterfinals, the winners will advance to play the Group Winners in the Semifinals, while the QF Losers will play for 5th and 6th place. The SF Winners will advance to play for Gold while the Losers play for the Bronze Medal.

In the Relegation round, the 4th and 5th place teams will play the other 2 teams from the opposing groups. The game between the 4th and 5th place teams will carry over and will be part of the Relegation Round Robin. After the Relegation Round, the 1st and 2nd place teams will finish 7th and 8th and keep their spots for the 2011 U18 World Championship.

While the 3rd and 4th place teams will finish 9th and 10th, and they will relegate to the 2011 U18 Division 1 Tournament.

2010 IIHF World Hockey Championship

Dates & Cities: May 7-23 in Cologne, Mannheim, and Gelsenkirchen in Germany

Home Arenas: LANXESS Arena, SAP Arena, Veltins-Arena

Teams and Format

Group A: Russia (Defending Champions), Belarus, Slovakia, Kazakhstan (Promoted from 2009 IHWC DIV 1)

Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Latvia, Italy (Promoted from 2009 IHWC DIV 1)

Group C: Sweden, Czech Republic, Norway, France

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

Tournament Format: The Tournament opens with the 4 1st round groups where the top 3 move on to the 2nd round to form 2 groups of 6. (Groups A & D Combine to make Group E), (Groups B & C Combine to make Group F). In the 2nd Round, the teams will cross over and will carry over the standings from the 2 teams that they advanced to the 2nd Round, while the matches against the 4th place team is dropped.

After the 3 2nd Round Games are finished, the top 4 teams will advance to the Quarterfinals where it becomes a single elimination format to determine the champions. For the 2nd Round, the Groups cross over again where E1 will take on F4, E2 takes on F3 and etc.

The winners play each other in the Semifinals, where the winners will play for Gold, while the losers play for Bronze Medals.

In the Relegation Round, the 4 4th place teams will play a Round Robin Format where the results are thrown out from the Prelim Round. After the 3 game Relegation Round Robin is over, the top 2 teams will finish 13th and 14th, and will keep the spots for the 2011 IHWC tournament. While the 3rd and 4th place teams will finish 15th and 16th, and will be relegated to the Division 1 IHWC Tournament for next season.