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



Schedule & Groups for the 2010 World Junior A Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Team's USA History at the World Junior A Challenge

2006: DNP

2007: Bronze Medal

2008: Gold Medal

2009: Gold Medal


Tournament Groups

Group A:
Canada East
Sweden
USA

Group B:
Canada West
Russia
Switzerland


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

By Alan Adams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canada ended the tournament with three straight losses.


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

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

By Andrew Podnieks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quafilying Round Group E: Host through to QFS, Russia finishes 1st

The Qualifying Round wrapped up today with 4 games that helped determined the Quarterfinal matchups which will be headed by Russia and Sweden having the top seeds for the Quarterfinals. Also Denmark are through to the last 8 for the first time ever while the hosts Germany are through the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2003.

Every inch was battled for in the Germany Slovakia game as the hosts felt the pressure of getting back to the Quarterfinals, while Slovakia had missed out on the IHWC Playoffs for the 3rd straight year. 2008 saw the worst year when a German win sent them down to the relegation round.

It took a two game sweep of Slovenia in the Relegation Round that year to keep their spot, while in 2009 3 straight losses in the 2nd round against Finland and the Czech Republic. Only a 3-2 OT Win was the only saving grace for the Slovaks, as they finished 2 points back of Belarus for the 4th and final spot in the Quarterfinals.

Regardless of the Quarterfinal result, Germany will hope to use this a springboard after two very bad performances in the last year.

After a 15th place finish in the IHWC last year and finishing 11th in the Olympics. Germany is hoping to use thier upcoming Quarterfinal Matchup against Switzerland as a successful end to a great event and maybe pull off a great upset after Switzerland had been slipping a bit after losing 5-0 to Sweden earlier today.


Slovakia 1 Germany 2 (0-1, 1-1, 0-0)

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

By Risto Pakarinen

In Colonge, Germany: Every inch of the ice was a battlefield as Germany and Slovakia went head-to-head for a spot in the Quarterfinal. Backed by their home crowd, the Germans pushed through with a 2-1 win. Alexander Barta and Daniel Kreutzer scored a goal each, Dennis Endras made 20 saves in route to the win.

"Sure, they was pressure to get back after what happened in Switzerland. We got a lot of pressure after that tournament and I think we deserved it," said German Defensemen Christian Ehrhoff.

It's the first time since 2003 under then coach Hans Zach that the Germans reached the Quarterfinals.Seven years ago the Germans lost eventual gold medal winners Canada 3-2 in OT. Third period goals by Lasse Kopitz and Daniel Kreutzer tied up the score before Eric Brewer scored the game-winner 37 seconds into OT.

After twenty something games this season, and a few days of frenetic computing about different matchups to see who'd advance and who would not, the game between Germany and Slovakia came down to an easy set up. The team that got more points out of the game would advance to the playoff stage. This time it was the Germans while Slovakia missed out on the Quarterfinals for the 3rd straight year.

"We knew it was going to be a big fight, and a low-scoring game. We knew we'd be fighting for every inch of the ice. Maybe we didn't have hockey luck or hockey sense, but we couldn't score a second goal," said Slovakia's captain Richard Linter.

Germany got a perfect start to the game when Alexander Barta scored the first goal of the game at 7:19. Barta came flying down the right wing, and found Daniel Kreutzer waiting for the puck at the far post. Barta got the puck him, but Kreutzer's shot missed the net. Fortunately for Germany, it bounced from the backboard to Barta, who had half the net to choose where to place his backhander.

Slovakia had only five shots on Germany's goal in the first period.

Germany took command of the game early in the 2nd period again. At 4:42, Barta and Kreutzer made it a two goal game, this time Kreutzer getting the goal. Barta and Sven Felski put pressure on the Slovak defense behind the net, Barta grabbed a loose puck and found Kreutzer alone in the slot and this time, he didn't miss, and beat Peter Budaj high on the stick side.

Felix Schultz 4 minute high sticking penalty gave Slovakia its chance to get back in the game. With 20 seconds remaining in Schutz's latter penalty, Marek Savtos got the puck at the hash marks, he cut to the middle, went around the German defensemen, and fired a hard and accurate wrist shot to top shelf, beating Endras on the glove side, at 19:17.

Slovakia made a final push with one minute remaining, but the game ended in Germany's victory dance in front of Endras's net.

"You just want to get your body in front of the shots and guys out in front of the net. Once you hear the siren you are relieved," Ehrhoff said.

"We're just going to enjoy the night and see what happens tomorrow," he added.

Slovak Captain Richard Linter said the teams was "disappointed, but not upset."

"I know for sure that all our guys left 100% on the ice," he said.

On another note for the Germans, the org. committee announced during the game that with tonight's attendance, 15,100, they also met the attendance goal for the tournament, 400,000 fans.

Germany was the fourth team to qualify for the Quarterfinals, and with the win. The Germans overtook Denmark for 3rd and will face Switzerland, who finished 2nd in Group F.

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

By Risto Pakarinen

From Colonge, Germany: Russia rolled over Finland 5-0, getting goals by five different players and a shutout by Semyon Varlamov, Ilya Kovalchuk got two assists and Maxim Afinogenov got a goal and assist as well.

"With the new rules its all about the special teams and I think our penalty killing was great and the power play worked tonight. It is important for the Quarterfinals," Kovalchuk said.

The last time Russia left a World Championship rink as a loser was in 2007 when they lost to the Finns 2-1 in OT. Since then, the team has raked in 23 wins. Before their game against Finland. Now the win count is at 24.

Finland started the game very strong, they came out of the gate like they meant business. And they did. Finland Pressured the Russian defensemen, and created several good scoring chances. Unfortunately for the Finns, when it was time to put the puck to the back of the net, they hit the posts instead, three times.

"They played very well in the beginning," Kovalchuk admitted.

Russia got into some penalty trouble halfway through the period, with Alexi Emelin and Demitri Kulikov taking penalties with a minute from each other. But the Russian defense, and goaltender Semyon Varlamov kept the Finns off the scoreboard.

Then it was Finland who ran into penalty trouble. The Russian power-play showed why it needs to be feared. Finland's defensemen Topi Jaakola injured itself, turning the situation into a 5-on-3 play. Alexander Ovechkin one-timer failed but the puck found its way to Sergei Federov, who was waiting for it at Petri Vehanen's doorstep, and tapped in the puck at 16:42.

"We are pretty good. We have almost all the guys who played in the Olympics and we have some great atmosphere in the room," said Kovalchuk said.

In the 2nd period, Finland lost players when Defensemen Jusso Hietanen and Pusi Puistola were injured and Jukka Jalonen to shuffle the lines - and - having already decided to rest defensemen Lasse Kukkonen and Petteri Nummelin - moved team captain Sami Kapanen down to defense.

"I wasn't trying to hurt him, but I play in front of the on our power play, and have to make sure I make some room for our guys," Kovalchuk said about the situation where Hietanen was injured.

Maybe that's why Finland also ran into major penalty trouble in the 2nd period, taking six minors, and Jussi Jokinen's ten minute penalty for hitting to the head.

"Kapanen was excellent tonight. We hang five defensemen for half of the game, and he was our top-two defensemen," coach Jalonen said.

Given multiple chances, Russia finally scored at 13:52 when Ilya Kovalchuk got the puck in the slot, and waited until a Finnish defensemen hit the ice to block a shot, then stepped around him and fed the puck to Evgeni Malkin, who shot the puck through Vehanen's five hole to make it 2-0.

Right after the faceoff Maxim Afinogenov got the puck deep into the Finnish zone, and took the shot that Vehanen's was able to stop with his leg pad. The rebound escaped the Finnish defense but not from Nikolai Kulemin who gave Russia a three goal lead at 14:02.

"We started well, but didn't stick to our system tonight," and didn't have the speed we need in our game," said Kapanen.

Russia put the game to bed, for good, early in the 3rd period. Frist Kovalchuk sent a pass from the hash marks to the point and Emelin one-timed it high on Vehanen's stick-side to make it 4-0 2:15 into the 3rd period.

But Russia wasn't done yet, a mere 40 seconds after the fourth goal Afinogenov grabbed a loose puck on the Finnish blueline, took a step into the slot, and banged the puck past Vehanen for the fifth time in the game.

Russia won Group E and meets Canada in the Quarterfinals. In the other Olympic Quarterfinal rematch, Finland will take on the Czech Republic.

Final Group E Standings

1. Russia 5-0-0-0 15 PTS 20-6

2. Finland 3-0-0-2 9 PTS 11-11

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

4. Denmark 2-0-0-3 6 PTS 12-10

5. Belarus 1-1-0-3 4 PTS 5-10

6. Slovakia 1-0-0-4 3 PTS 8-18


Clinched Quarterfinal Berth

Elinamted from the IHWC


Final 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 3 Germany 2 (1-0, 1-1, 1-1)

5/16: Denmark 1 Russia 6 (0-2, 1-1, 0-3)

5/16: Germany 1 Belarus 2 (OT) (0-1, 0-0, 1-0, 0-1)

5/17: Finland 5 Slovakia 2 (0-0, 3-0, 2-2)

5/17: Belarus 2 Denmark 1 (0-1, 1-0, 1-0)

5/18: Slovakia 1 Germany 2 (0-1, 1-1, 0-0)

5/18: Russia 5 Finland 0 (1-0, 2-0, 2-0)


Quarterfinal Matchups on 5/20

Colonge

#1E Russia VS. #4F Canada

#2E Finland VS. #3F Czech Republic


Mannheim

#1F Sweden VS. #4E Denmark

#2F Switzerland VS. #3E Germany

IHWC Qualfiying Round:Switzerland atop Group F, while Russia grounds Germany

The 2 Qualifying Round Games from Saturday provided for some interesting action as Switzerland is looking like the biggest threat team to finally break through and win and international medal after taking down the Czechs 3-2 where a 2-0 1st period was able to stand despite a strong showing from Jamior Jagr. Goals by Andreas Ambuhl scored twice while goalie Martin Gerber made 30 of 32 shots stopping a very strong Czech Side from attempting a comeback late in the game.

Group E saw the Russians edge Germany in a back-and-fourth game before emerging with a 3-2 and overtaking Finland and Denmark for the Top spot in Group E with 2 games left in the 2nd Round. Germany is starting to slide a bit as the Germans are still in fourth with being ahead of both Slovakia and Belarus on Goal Differential right now and still have hope of making the Quarterfinals.

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

Russia 3 Germany 2 (1-0, 1-1, 1-1)

From Risto Pakarinen

From Colonge, Germany: Germany rocked Russia like a hurricane, making the red machine work for the full 60 minutes, but in the end, it was Russia had something that the Germans didn't: Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Ovechkin.

Kovalchuk got the first, and Ovechkin the last goal. Semyon Varlamov made 32 saves for Russia. Germany's Christan Ehroff scored in his first game of the tournament and goaltender Dimitri Kotschnew turned away 33 Russian shots.

"It was a tight game, and we expected that kind of game. Germany played good hockey," Viktor Kozlov said.

Russia had a powerful offense as Alexander Ovechkin, Ilya Kovalchuk, Pavel Datsyuk, Sergei Fedorov, Alexander Semin, Maxim Afinogenov. Germany doesn't have them, but they do have the backing of the home crowd. Except in that game against Russia, the guests were almost as loud.

The Deutschland cheers got drowned out under Shaibu every once in a while, until they picked up steam, and, in turn, got the upper hand for a second. The black, red, and Gold of Germany mixed with the red, white and blue of Russia to create a living mosaic in the stands.

"The atmosphere was great. There were a lot of Russian fans, too." said German Captain Marcel Goc.

On the ice, the Germans put up a valiant fight, out-shooting Russia, 13-12 in the first period. Semyon Varlamov didn't have too much trouble turning away all 13 shots, though.

"We knew that they would have the puck more then we, and that's how it went. We played a defensivley game, made some good plays, and got the puck to the net as much as possible," Goc said.

With six minutes remaining in the first period, Alexander Frolov took a slap-shot from the blue-line. Alexander Ovechkin tried to deflect the puck in, but missed. However, the puck hit the boards behind the net and bounced back in the front of the net on the other side of the net. Ilya Kovalchuk stepped up and fired a wrist shot to the far post, beating Germany's goaltender Dimitri Kotschnew for the first time in the game, at 14:20.

Germany created more chances in the 2nd period, but again, Russia scored first when Viktor Kozlov got the puck to Maxim Afinogenov off a faceoff in the German Zone. Afinogenov, his back to the sideboards, sent the puck through to the front of the net, and Nikolai Kulemin deflected it in, through Kotschnew's five hole for a 2-0 lead at 6:10 into the 2nd period.

Down, but not out. Cheered by the home crowd, Germany got itself back into the game just as the buzzer signaled the end of the period. Michael Wolf checked in a Russian defensemen behind the net, snatched the puck, and sent it to the front of the net. The Vancouver Canucks defensemen Christian Ehroff, playing in his first game of the tournament, rushed to the net and one timed a wrist-shot top shelf at 19:59.

"They played us tight and they took a lot of emotion from the crowd. They have great fans and fed off that," said Pavel Datsyuk who joined the team yesterday.

With 10:14 remaining in the game, Ovechkin got the chance he'd been waiting for. Kovalchuk fed him the puck to the slot, and Ovechkin ripped a wrist shot that beat Kotschnew on the stick side, giving the Russians a two goal lead.

Four minutes later, it was a one goal game again as Alexander Barta grabbed a rebound, and beat Varlamov from the doorstep, at 13:19. Germany pressed hard with six skaters for the last 45 seconds, but Varlamov stood tall.

"We had our chances. We just need to be a little cooler when she got a chance, but I think we can be staisfied with our performance," said Goc.

Russia is still undefeated in the tournament. The team's next game is tomorrow against Denmark.

"They're a good team, they've proved in this tournament. They will make it tough for us," Kozolv said.

Germany plays Belarus, tomorrow as well.


Group E Standings as of 5/15

1. Russia 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 9-5

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

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

4. Germany 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 5-5

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 3 Germany 2 (1-0, 1-1, 1-1)

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



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

By Andrew Podnieks

From Mannheim, Germany: Andreas Ambuhl scored two goals and Martin Pluss added another to lead Switzerland to an impressive 3-2 win against the Czech Republic at the SAP Arena Tonight. Winning goalie Martin Gerber also stopped 30 of 32 shots in the win.

"We were very excited, very ready for this match," said Swiss defensemen Felicien Du Bois.

The win gives Switzerland first place in Group F with a perfect record of 3-0-0-0 for nine points, three clear of Sweden and Canada. It also disproved any suggestion that the team's last game, a 4-1 win over Canada was a mere fluke.

"We had a bad start to the game," said Czech Head Coach Vladimir Ruzicka admitted. "The Swiss were faster, and we made a lot of mistakes."

The incredible play of the Swiss continued right from the opening faceoff as they clearly held the edge in play. They were rewarded at 4:13 when a Goran Bezina shot could not be controlled by Czech goalie Tomas Vokoun. Pluss was right their to snap the puck loose into the open net to give Switzerland the early lead.

The defining moment of the night came with just under six minutes left in the opening period. Jiri Novotny controlled the puck inside his own blue line but was knocked to the ice by Ambuhl, who immediately passed passed to Thibault Monnet. Monnet passed to Damien Bruner, who was streaking hard to the net, but as soon as he got the puck he passed across the grain to Ambuhl, who moved to the net after hammering Novotny. He took the pass from Bruner and roofed it over his head a sprawled Vokoun who cleary thought that Brunner would shoot.

It was kind of a tic-tac-toe play only a team playing with the greatest of confidence can make, and it proved once and for all in this tournament that the Swiss are a genuine playoff team with a chance for a medal. Their last world Championship medal was a Bronze in 1953 with only three teams particpated.

The Czechs came out a lot more determined to start the second and were rewarded with a goal to get them back in the game. Jakub Voracek made a nice pass from behind the goal to Jan Marek at the top of the blue line, and Marek made no mistake with his quick release between Martin's Gerber pads to make it 2-1 game at 4:07.

Ambuhl got his second of the night at 11:47 on another play. He came down the right wing on a 2-on-1 with Monnet, stick handling as if he clearly wanted to pass the puck. But instead he fired a low shot between Vokoun's pads as the goalie was readying to play the pass. It was a smart goal, a goalscorer's goal, and it put the Swiss back in control of the game.

Three minutes later, though, the Czechs got a lucky one. Roman Cervenka won a faceoff in the Czech end and Miroslav Blatak snapped a quick shot from the point. It wasn't moving fast, but it was redirected off the stick of Pluss and into the top of the corner past a helpless Gerber.

The Swiss dodged a bullet late in the period when they ran into penalty trouble. But even though the Czechs had a 5-on-3 for 1:17, they couldn't tie the score and period ended 3-2 for the Swiss.

"We got back into the game in the 2nd period, but we didn't score on our 5-on-3," Ruzicka noted with a disappointment."

If the Swiss were more enthusiastic and creative in the first period, they were more determined and presistent by the third. They got back to the puck first and hemmed the Czechs in their own end for long periods, fustrating their opponents to no end and preventing any razzle-dazzle play by their opponents off the rush.

Both teams are back in action on May 17 when Switzerland faces Norway in the afternoon and the Czechs play Latvia at night.

Said Julien Vauclair about facing the under-manned Norwegians: "I think we have to step up to the point we've been very well prepared by our coaching staff. We've got to keep our feet on the ground. The most important thing for us now is to recuperate and get ready for this match."


Group F Standings as of 5/15

1. Switzerland 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 10-4

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

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

4. Czech Rep. 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 6-7

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

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



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

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: Switzerland VS. Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

Update to Matches for Semifinals on Friday:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S.A. Women's Blow's Out Russia

For the 2nd straight game, the American Women have taken another strong step towards getting back to the Olympic Gold Medal with their 2nd straight Double Digit Victory. In their opener against China, they won 12-1, this time against Russia, it's a 13-0 win over a Russian Team that was hoping to win the Bronze Medal. Next up is Finland that will determine who the Americans Semifinal Matchup will be, it will either by Sweden or Canada whose the top 2 in the other group in this tournament.

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

In 1980 Mark Johnson helped make life difficult for the Soviets in helping Team U.S.A. to one of the biggest upsets in sports history. Today as Women's Team Head Coach, his U.S.A. Women's team was equally unkind, beating Russia in a rout.

For the second straight time, Team U.S.A won in a blowout, by defeating Russia 13-0 in the Women's Prelim Round. Led by Jenny Potter's hat trick and Natalie Darwitz's two goals, the Americans remained undefeated. Russia has not won a game yet.

Today, the American Women put on an offensive display that rivals what the Canadians have done so far at the UBC Thunderbird Arena. Team U.S.A. has scored 25 goals in the 2 games so far.

"We wanted to focus on a few things, but mostly winning and keeping the puck out of our net." Said Jenny Porter.

Monique Lamoreaux scored the only goal the Americans needed at 2:19 of the first period. Lamoreaux intercepted a clearing attempt and weaved through the defense and let go of a wrist shot that beat Goaltender Anna Prugova between the pads.

At 5:48 Holly Knight blocked a shot and sent an outlet pass up to Potter in stride. Potter's wrist shot beat Prugova. The goal was shorthanded with :43 remaining on a penalty to Caitlin Cahow who was called off the interference.

In the third period Prugova was busy facing seventeen shots. Karen Thatcher, Cahow and Potter once again would add goals to comfortably put the U.S.A. up 5-0. While the Americans were dominant, the Russians did not help their cause by taking some penalties. Six of the 13 goals scored on the PP. Head Coach Valentin Gureev could only watch from the bench as his team was overmatched in every aspect the game.

When Natalie Darwitz scored his 2nd goal of the 2nd period, Gureev lifted Prugova from the game and inserted Mariya Onolbaeva. Potter greeted Onolbaev :46 later by scoring her third goal of the afternoon.

By the third period the Russians were visibly frustrated. Matters were not helped when Alena Khomich deflected a Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej shot into Russia's net. Zaugg-Siergiej received credit for the goal, her first of the Olympic Tournament.

Russia showed some signs of life late in the 2nd period and in spots over the third but could not sustain any pressure on Jessie Vetter who faced just 7 shots in the game. When they did the crowd, a mix of Canadian and American Fans, cheered loudly in support of Russia's effort.

"They played their hearts out," said Anglea Ruggiero, who scored a 2nd period goal. "I respect them deeply and hope the Russian Federation sees the potential for the Women's Program.

The Americans are firing on all offensive cylinders and getting important production from key players. Potter has been an offensive force here in Vancouver. She's recorded six goals, which leads all scorers. Holly Knight added four assists in the game giving her 5 so far in the tournament.

They will close out Group Round play on Thursday against Finland. Russia will be looking for it's first win against China.

"Our goal is to get through this round," said Darwitz. "We have an important game against Finland and that is what we are now concentrating on".

Game Report:
www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/womens-preliminary-round---group-b-game-7-_ihw400b03WE.html

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

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

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

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

Today's Schedule

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

Canada VS. Norway 6:30 PM on CNBC

Russia VS. Latvia 10:55 PM on CNBC


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

Russia Roster and Profile

When you have a roster with players like Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin and Ilya Kovalchuk. Your expected to score a lot of goals and make opposing goalies sweet.

After finnishing 4th in 2006, the Russians are looking to get back on the Medal Stand after losing to the Czech Republic in the Bronze Medal Game which turned out to be a downhill after the Quarterfinal win over Canada, the team started going dowhill with a 2-0 loss to the Finns, then in the Bronze Medal game, the Czech Republic beat the Russians 3-0 to finish in 4th place in 2006.

As expected, the offense is going to be their usual selves with the offensive firepower with the top NHL Superstars in Malkin and Ovechkin. Joining them on offense will be players Maxim Afinogenov, Alexander Semin and perhaps the biggest name in the KHL right now is Sergei Fedorov who's playing with Russian Powerhouse Metallurg Magnitogorsk who reached the KHL Semifinals last year and is looking to win the KHL Title this season.

Defense may be the weak spot as the Russians typically play their high flying style. Expect the top Defensemen duo will be Sergei Goncar and Andrei Markov to help out to move the puck and get involved with the scoring themselves.

Elsewhere is Fedor Tyutin of the Columbus Blue Jackets who's the biggest player on this team at 6'3" 218 and is not afraid to eat up the minutes as he had played as much as 27 minutes in a few games this season. In all, he's usually good for at least 20 minutes a night, it's a lot more if they're a lot of penalties. And should be imporant on the Penalty Kill to deliver the hits. Tyutin can also set up different forwards, with the excption of his rookie year, he's had at least 14 assists a year in the NHL throughout his career.

As for the KHL Players on defense is Dimtri Kalinin for Salavat Yulayev Ufa, Konstantin Korneyev for CSKA Moscow and Ilya Nikulin of AK Bars Kazan. Kalinin was a regular in the NHL for nearly a decade. Then after the lockout, his career in North America went downhill where he was sent to the NY Rangers over the offseason, after he was traded to Phoenix near the trading deadline. He finally decided to bolt for the KHL when he was let go by the Coyotes last summer, He eventually decided to play for

The Goalie battle is going to be one of the best in this Olympic Tournament as the battle for the starting job will be between Ilya Bryzgalov of Phoenix and Evgeni Nabokov. Even though they is a contversery that Russia trys to steal players from teams like Belarus, Kazakhstan and Latvia. And Nabokov is officaly from Kazakhstan, but has played a majority of his international career with Russia. The 3rd goalie being called up for Russia is Semyon Varlamov who may play a game or two if maybe the Group has been clinched and a 2nd round bye.

Internationally, Russia has competed very well since the last Olympic Games in Italy. The Russians have won the Ice Hockey World Championships the last 2 years and could be only the the 2nd team since the break up of the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia to win 3 straight World Championships when the Czech Republic won from 1999 to 2001. This year, the Ice Hockey World Championships will be played in the German Cities of Colonge and Mannheim this season.

Also Russia has been until recently, the top European team in the Junior Ranks by winning 2 Silver Medals and 2 Bronze Medals since the last Olympics. The 2010 WJC was the first time since 2004 where they were left off the Medal Stand. It was also the first time that Russia didn't reach at least to the Semifinals when Switzerland pulled off a huge upset in the Quarterfinals in Overtime.

In the U18, the Russians won the Silver Medal won the tournament was in the U.S.A. where the Americans just crushed the Russians last year for the U18 World Championships. Russia also won the 2007 U18 Gold Medal and a 2008 U18 Silver Medal as well.

Team Russia Group Stage Schedule

2/16: VS. Latvia 10:55 PM

2/18: VS. Slovakia 10:55 PM

2/21: VS. Czech Republic 2:00 PM



Here's the Player Profiles of the North America Based Players.

Ilya Bryzgalov (PHX): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8468524&view=stats

Evgeni Nabokov (SJ): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8460705&view=stats

Semyon Varlamov (WSH): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8473575&view=stats

Sergei Gonchar (PIT): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8458951&view=stats

Denis Grebeshkov (EDM): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470268&view=stats

Andrei Markov (MTL): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8467496&view=stats

Fedor Tyutin (CBJ): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8469492&view=stats

Anton Volchenkov (OTT): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8468501&view=stats

Maxim Afinogenov (ATL): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8466202&view=stats

Pavel Datsyuk (DET): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8467514&view=stats

Ilya Kovalchuk (NJ): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8469454&view=stats

Evgeni Malkin (PIT): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471215&view=stats

Alexander Ovechkin (WSH): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471214&view=stats

Alexander Semin (WSH): www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470120&view=stats


Russian Team Roster

Goalies

30: Iyla Bryzgalov, 6'3" 210, 6/22/1980, Togliatti RUS, Phoenix Coyotes (NHL)

20: Evgeni Nabokov, 6'0" 200, 6/25/1975, Kamenogorsk KAZ, San Jose Sharks (NHL)

40: Semyon Varlamov, 6'2" 209, 4/27/1988, Samara RUS, Washington Capitals (NHL)


Defensemen

55: Sergei Gonchar, 6'2" 211, 4/13/1974, Chelyabinsk RUS, Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)

37: Denis Grebeshkov, 6'0" 209, 10/11/1983, Yaroslavl RUS, Edmonton Oilers (NHL)

7: Dimitri Kalinin, 6'3" 206, 7/22/1980, Chelyabinsk RUS, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (KHL, RUS)

22: Konstantin Korneyev, 5'11" 181, 6/5/1984, Moscow RUS, CSKA Moscow (KHL, RUS)

79: Andrei Markov, 6'0" 207, 12/20/1978, Voskresensk RUS, Montreal Canadains (NHL)

5: Iyla Nikulin, 6'3" 211, 3/12/1982, Moscow RUS, AK Bars Kazan (KHL, RUS)

51: Fedor Tyutin, 6'3" 218, 7/19/1983, Izhevsk, RUS, Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)

6: Anton Volchenkov, 6'1" 226, 2/25/1982, Moscow RUS, Ottawa Senators (NHL)


Forwards

61: Maxim Afinogenov, 6'0" 192, 9/4/1979, Moscow RUS, Atlanta Thrashers (NHL)

13: Pavel Datsyuk, 6'1" 196, 7/20/1978, Sverdlovsk RUS, Detroit Red Wings (NHL)

29: Sergei Fedorov, 6'1" 200, 12/13/1969, Pskov RUS, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL, RUS)

71: Ilya Kovalchuk, 6'2" 230, 4/15/1983, Tver RUS, New Jersey Devils (NHL)

52: Viktor Kozlov, 6'4" 232, 2/14/1975, Togliatti RUS, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (KHL, RUS)

11: Evgeni Malkin, 6'3" 195, 7/31/1986, Magnitogorsk RUS, Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)

95: Alexei Morozov, 6'1" 204, 2/16/1977, Moscow RUS, AK Bars Kazan (KHL, RUS)

8: Alexander Ovechkin, 6'2" 233, 9/17/1985, Moscow RUS, Washington Capitals (NHL)

47: Alexander Radulov, 6'1" 188, 7/5/1986, Nizhni Tagil RUS, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (KHL, RUS)

32: Alexander Semin, 6'2" 208, 3/3/1984, Krasnojarsik RUS, Washington Capitals (NHL)

25: Denis Zaripov, 6'0" 163, 3/26/1981, Cehlyabinsk RUS, AK Bars Kazan (KHL, RUS)

42: Sergei Zinoviev, 5'10" 178, 3/4/1980, Prokopyevsk RUS, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (KHL, RUS)

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

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

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

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

About Finland

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

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

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

About Russia VS. Switzerland

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

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

Relegation Round

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

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

2010 World Junior Championship Knockout and Releguation Rounds

As we appoarch the End of the Group Stage. We are starting to set the stage for the Knockout Rounds as we march towards the 2010 World Junior Championship and who half to survive to keep their spot for the WJC 2011 in Buffalo, N.Y. next year. So far, we know that USA, Canada and Sweden have officaly clinched spots at least in the Quarterfinals and have a shot getting the automatic semifinals spots which will gurantee them a spot in the Medal Round on the final day of the WJC on January 5.

In the QF's, the 2nd and 3rd place teams will cross over and will play a single elinmation game where winners will play the group winners in the Semifinals. After that, the QF Losers will head to the 5th Place Game which is used for World Ranking and Seeding Purproses for next year's event in New York State.

Then the SF Losers will play each other for the Bronze Medal while the Winners will play for the Gold Medal next Saturday. Canada has won the Gold Medal at this level 5 straight years while their biggest rivals (Esp. the USA & Sweden) will look to knock them off. The USA was the last team to win the WJC Gold back in 2004 when the event was held in Finland.

For the Releguation Round, the 4th and 5th place teams will battle to survive to keep their spots for next year. Each team will play the 2 teams from the other group while the Game between the 2 releguated round teams will transfer over from the Group Stage. The 1st and 2nd place teams will finish 7th and 8th overall and will stay in this tournament for next season.

While the 3rd and 4th place teams will finish 9th and 10th overall and will be sent down to the 2011 WJC Division 1 Tournament for next year. So far, Latvia and Austria have been guranteed Relegation Round Spots while the loser of Switzerland VS. Slovakia game tomorrow and the 4th place team between Czech Republic and Finland will be battaling to keep their spot.

Relegation Round

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 VS. Slovakia 12:00 PM

1/4: Austria VS. Latvia 4:00 PM

Relegation Round Standings

1. Czech Republic 2-0-0-0 6 PTS 17-3

2. Slovakia 2-0-0-0 6 PTS 11-5

3. Austria 0-0-0-2 0 PTS 3-11

4. Austria 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 1-7

Czech Republic & Slovakia have kept their spot for the 2011 WJC in Buffalo

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

Quarterfinals

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

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

If Canada plays in the Quarterfinals, They will play at 4:00 PM.

If Canada reaches the Semifinals, Then the 2B VS. 3A Game will be changed to 4:00 PM will allow for Equal Rest for the teams before the Semifinals.

Semifinals

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

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


5th Place Game

1/4: Russia VS. Finland 8:00 PM


Bronze Medal Game

1/5: Switzerland VS. Sweden 3:00 PM


Gold Medal Game

1/5: Canada VS. U.S.A. 7:00 PM

World Junior Championship Update

We are 2 days into the World Junior Championships in Saskatchewan and the Americans have won both games so far into the tournament where the USA came back from a bad start against Slovakia to come back to win big 7-3 over the Slovaks, then yesterday, the USA had their way against Switzerland with a 3-0 shutout win that got the team to 2-0 overall.

Elsewhere, the first day was a full for blowouts the opening day saw 2 double digit as the tournament favorites Canada took out Latvia 16-0 while Sweden beat the Czechs 10-1, in addition, last year's Bronze Medalist Russia took down Austria 6-2 in their opening game.

Today we will reach the midway point of the group stage with 2 games. Tournament Host Canada will take on Switzerland whose looking to come back after a loss yesterday while the Fins have some things to figure out, where after a 3-0 lead in the 2nd period, the Fins allowed the Czech Republic got a late goal in the 2nd period. Then the Czech Republic scored 3 times in the 3rd including Sami Vatanen for plays for JYP Jyvaskyla in Finland's SM Liiga and is also a recent draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks helped the Czechs comeback to beat the Fins.

The Czechs are dealing with major injury problems this year and with having the smallest roster in terms of number of players this year, that win could be huge towards attempting to get them through to the Knockout rounds of the tournament after New Years.

If the Czechs want to prove that the comeback was no fluke, they need to control an Austrian team that is just looking to avoid being relegated this season after scoring just 5 goals so far in their first two games.

Look for a Standings update after today's games between Canada VS. Switzerland then later today it's Finland VS. Russia.

Tomorrow is the Final Day of the Group Stage which will lead up to the Final game of the day where the USA VS. Canada will determine the Automatic Semifinal Spot in Group A. But first, a critcal game between Switzerland and Slovakia will determine the 3rd and final QF Spot out of Group A.

While in Group B, we have the Scandevindal Rivals Sweden and Finland where a Sweden Win will clinch Group B and the Automatic Semifinal Spot, for Finland, they need this to improve their chances of a Quarterfinal Spot while any slip up, even in OT will open the door for the Czech Republic to sneak in and force Finland to the Relguation Round for the 2nd straight year.

In a tournament where they have been few upsets and everything for the most part has gone to plan, this is where the WJC usually kicks into high gear as we get ready for the knockout rounds and the relegutation where it will determine who will keep their spots for the 2010-2011 season and who will be sent down to Division 1 next year. As for the 2 promoted teams, it will be Germany and Norway that will be bumped up for next season.

Tournament 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 17-11

4. Slovakia 1-0-0-3 3 PTS 8-18

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 1-0-0-3 3 PTS 15-13

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

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

Sweden & Canada have advanced to the Semifinals

The Quarterfinals will be USA VS. Finland & Russia VS. Switzerland

Slovakia, Latvia, Czech Republic & Austria will play in the Releguation Round

Slovakia and Czech Republic will enter the Releguation Round with 3 points while Austria and Latvia will have 0 points.

Here's the scores from the first 2 days of the Tournament.

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)


Here's the schedule for the rest of the Group Stage!

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)

Russia and Slovakia WJC Prelim Rosters

Russia

As we get closer to the tournament, look for the rosters of the European Teams as we get ready for the start of the World Juniors which begin on December 26.

In addidition to the USA and Canada, Russia and Slovakia have both reveled their prelim rosters for the WJC. For Russia, the last 2 years have finished in 3rd place as the Russians will take 33 players to a camp that will eventully be cut to 28 players for the final camp in the Moscow suburb of Novogorsk. Before the tournament starts, they have set up 2 pre tournament games against Switzerland and Latvia where 5 North America Based players will join them as well.

A majority of the team plays in Russia, but several notable North America Players will have a shot at the team as weel, this includes Dimitri Kulikov who was the Florida Panthers first round draft pick last year. Also Vyacheslav Voinov of the Manchester Monarchs in the American Hockey League and Dmitri Kugryshev of the Quebec City Ramparts (QMJHL).

Another notable Nikita Filatov who started the year with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but was recently decided to go back home to play for Russian Power house CSKA Moscow.

Russian Pre Tournament Roster

Goaltenders

Igor Bobkov, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (RUS, KHL)

Alexander Zalivin, Dynamo Moscow (RUS, KHL)

Ramis Sadikov, Erie Otters (OHL)

Alexei Trifonov, Lada Togliatti (RUS, KHL)


Defensemen

Anton Klementiev, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)

Dmitri Orlov, Metallurg Novokuznetsk (RUS, KHL)

Maxim Chudinov, Severstal Cherepovets (RUS, KHL)

Dmitri Kostromitin, Rouyn-Nornda Huskies (QMJHL)

Nikita Zaitsev, Sibir Novosibirsk (RUS, KHL)

Nikita Pivtsakin, Avangard Omsk (RUS, KHL)

Konstantin Plaksin, Traktor Chelyabinsk (RUS, KHL)

Alexander Tarasov, MVD Balashikha (RUS, KHL)

IIldar Isangulov, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (RUS, KHL)

Kirill Yuriev, Lada Togliatti (RUS, KHL)

Vyacheslav Voinov, Manchester Monarchs (AHL)

Dmitri Kulikov, CSKA Moscow (RUS, KHL)


Forwards

Nikita Filatov, CSKA Moscow (RUS, KHL)

Alexander Burmostrov, Barrie Colts (OHL)

Vladimir Tarasenko, Sibir Novosibirsk (RUS, KHL)

Pavel Dedunov, Amur Khabarovsk (RUS, KHL)

Ivan Telegin, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Maxim Kitsyn, Metallurg Novokuznetsk (RUS, KHL)

Maxim Trunev, Severstal Cherepovets (RUS, KHL)

Sergei Plotnikov, Amur Khabarovsk (RUS, KHL)

Evgeni Kuznetsov, Traktor Chelyabinsk (RUS, KHL)

Evgeni Timkin, Avangard Omsk (RUS, KHL)

Vyacheslav Kulemin, CSKA Moscow (RUS, KHL)

Egor Dugin, Traktor Chelyabinsk (RUS, KHL)

Kirill Petrov, AK Bars Kazan (RUS, KHL)

Magomed Gimbatov, SKA St. Petersburg (RUS, KHL)

Petr Khokhryakov, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk (RUS, KHL)

Dmitri Kugryshev, Quebec City Ramparts (QMJHL)

Evgeni Grachev, Hartford Wolfpack (AHL)


Slovakia

After a great tournament where they finished 4th which was one of the best junior performances ever. The Slovaks are wanting to prove that last year was no fluke. This was just 2 years after where they got a miracle to stay in the top level with a 9-0 bashing of Belarus where it was enough to put Germany and Belarus down to the Division 1 level. This year, Slovakia is hoping that they recent NHL Draft picks Tomas Tatar and Richard Panik will lead them on offense as they hope to have another strong tournament this season.

A couple of other forwards to look for is winger Jakub Gasparovic has scored 32 points (13G 19A) for the U20 Team which plays in the Slovak Extraliga. Also from the U18 squad is Libor Hudacek featured on the U18 Team after a strong tournament last year is looking ahead with him as he has 15 points which ranks 2nd on the U20 Team.

On defense is Martin Stajnoch has emerged as a defenseve leader with a +10 rating and is the featured defense on the team and should be a lock to make the squad. Earlier this season, Slovakia played in the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge where they went a perfect 3-0-0 in the event against Norway, Switzerland and Germany.

They were most impressed with the win against Switzerland since they will play them in the Group Stage. It's a tough start in front of them as they will play the USA on the opening day on December 26.

Slovakia Pre Tournament Roster

Goalies

Mark Ciliak, Kometa Brno (Extraliga, CZE)

Tomas Halasz, HC Kosice (Extralia, SVK)

Tomas Pek, Slovan Bratislava (Extraliga, SVK)


Defensemen

Peter Hrasko, HKm Zvolen (Extraliga, SVK)

Henrich Jabornik, HK 36 Skalica (Extraliga, SVK)

Ivan Jankovic, HK 36 Skalica (Extraliga, SVK)

Adam Janosik, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

Martin Marincin, HC Kosice (Extraliga, SVK)

Matus Rais, HK Nitra (Extraliga, SVK)

Michal Siska, HKm Zvolen (Extraliga, SVK)

Peter Slimak, HC Kosice (Extraliga, SVK)

Martin Stajnoch, Slovan Bratislava (Extraliga, SVK)


Forwards

Martin Bakos, Slovan Bratislava (Extraliga, SVK)

Lukas Cingel, MsHK Zilina (Extraliga, SVK)

Jakub Gasparovic, Dukla Trencin (Extraliga, SVK)

Frantisek Gerhet, HC Litvinov (Extraliga, CZE)

Maros Grosaft, HK Nitra (Extraliga, SVK)

Libor Hudacek, Slovan Bratislava (Extraliga, SVK)

Radoslav IIIo, Tri-City Storm (USHL)

Andrej Kudrna, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

Adam Lapsansky, HK Popard (Extraliga, SVK)

Samuel Mlynarovic, HK Proprad (Extraliga, SVK)

Richard Panik, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Andrej Stastny, Dukla Trencin (Extraliga, SVK)

Jan Sykora, HC Banska Bystrica (Extraliga, SVK)

Tomas Tatar, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

Martin Uhnak, HK Nitra (Extraliga, SVK)

Michael Vandas, HK Popard (Extraliga, SVK)

Marek Viedensky, Prince George Cougars (WHL)