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.

Schedule & Groups for the 2010 World Junior A Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Team's USA History at the World Junior A Challenge

2006: DNP

2007: Bronze Medal

2008: Gold Medal

2009: Gold Medal


Tournament Groups

Group A:
Canada East
Sweden
USA

Group B:
Canada West
Russia
Switzerland


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

By Alan Adams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canada ended the tournament with three straight losses.


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

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

By Andrew Podnieks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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





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



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



By Andrew Podnieks



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

From Lukas Aykroyd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Group F Standings

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advanced to the Quarterfinals

Eliminated from the IHWC

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

9. Norway

10. Slovakia

11. Belarus

12. Latvia

13. U.S.A.

14. France

15. Italy

16. Kazakhstan

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

IHWC Qualfiying Round: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

Zach Parise beats out Hiller, Sends U.S.A. to Semifinals

At times today, it seemed like Jonas Hiller was standing on his head keeping it scoreless through 2 periods despite the U.S.A. out shooting Switzerland 32-8 through 2 periods. But Zach Parise who after Ryan Miller, maybe has been the best player for Team U.S.A. during the Olympic Tournament to send them to Semifinals who will play the lowest reaming seed during Friday's Semifinals at Canada Hockey Place.

You have got to give Switzerland and Jonas Hiller in particular a lot of props from getting to 3 OT games including forcing Canada to a SO.

Also giving the U.S.A. two stellar games where they proved they have been one of the fasting improving teams in the world. It's only a matter of time before Switzerland I think will finally break through and win an International Medal. After a strong performance in the WJC as they got to the Semifinals, and a strong showing in the Olympics for the 2nd straight time.

Despite not getting the massive upsets like they did in 2006, they have succeeded in letting the world know that 2006 was no joke. If Switzerland can start getting more players in the NHL, watch out for the Swiss to contend for an Olympic Medal in the near future. One player to watch out for in the near future could be Nino Niederreiter who had a strong showing for the Swiss for the Junior Team at the WJC and has had a great season with the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League.

The Swiss have two more shots at hockey glory this season at the U18 World Championships which will be in Belarus in April. Then in May is the Ice Hockey World Championships which will be in the German Cities of Mannheim, Colonge, and Gelsenkirchen where a world Record Attempt will be look to be set during Germany's Opening game of the IHWC. Expect the Swiss to be strong at both events in the spring.

For the Americans, this game was big that they can play against a desperate team that was looking to pull off a big upset. The Young American Players, especially guys like Ryan Miller, Zach Parise and Brian Rafalski who are playing in their First Olympics are showing that they can get it done against the best in the world.

Next up will be either the Czech Republic or Finland who finished with the Silver and Bronze Medals in 2006, the Americans have shown that playing teams in the Prelims and Quarterfinals that these guys are that good. Now they await they toughest test yet as they look to take down teams that are looking to win Gold after coming so close 4 years ago in Turin, Italy.

Next up for the U.S.A. will be the lowest remaining seeded team in the Semifinals coming up on Friday afternoon. With the win today by Team U.S.A., they will be guaranteed a chance at a medal this year. The Bronze Medal Game is on Saturday Night at 7:00 PM PST, then on Sunday afternoon is the Gold Medal Game as it's the final major event of these Winter Olympic Closing Ceremonies on Sunday Night.

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

From Vancouver: The Americans dodged a bullet on Wednesday afternoon. Switzerland threatened to beat the U.S.A. since the 1948 Winter Olympic Games, but Zach Parise's power play goal in the third period gave the U.S.A. a 2-0 win, moving into the Semifinals against the Winner of the Czech Republic VS. Finland Game later tonight.

This was not the ideal scenario for Team U.S.A. After coming off a big win over Canada to finish atop Prelim Group A, Team U.S.A. entered this game meeting an opponent they've already beaten on the opening day of the Men's Tournament.

Prior to this game these teams have played each other 6 times in Olympic play with the U.S.A. winning all 6 prior games. But the Swiss would have none of it, Switzerland has grown accustomed to playing closely contested games. Their last 3 games have gone into OT and two shootouts. They played like a team that had nothing to lose, taking the play to the Americans.

"It was good to go into the intermission with a 0-0 game," said Yannick Weber. "I think it would have been different if it was 1-0." I think it gave us some confidence. We went out in the third period to get the win." It was close, but it just wasn't our day."

Team U.S.A. started tentatively, turning over the puck their first pass out of their zone. In addition there were several individual efforts that were unsuccessful. Rather then dump the puck and go after it, a few skaters tried to stickhandle through Swiss players, which was hardly effective.

The Swiss was rentless in pursuit of the puck. They enjoyed several odd-man rushes. Despite only four shots in the 1st period, the Swiss would also threaten, including one shift where Raffaele Sannitz had exceptional chances to score and delivered a big hit.

It was the Jonas Hiller Show today. Ryan Miller had to be extra sharp today as he faced odd man rushes and high percentage shots from the Swiss, whe were playing with incredible confidence. Miller was poised in goal. Jonas Hiller also stood strong for his team in goal, making 18 saves in the first period alone and keeping the Americans off the scoreboard.

In the 2nd period, Phil Kessel had the best chance for the Americans for the Americans when he sent a shot that rang off the post and crossbar. With time running out in the 2nd period, the Americans through that Dustin Brown had scored near the end of the 2nd. Hiller made a save then as the puck was in the air tried to bat it upwards, which he did but it went over his shoulder and on the goal line with no time left on the clock.

The play was reviewed and the officials concluded no goal.

"I was upset about the disallowed goal more then anything," said Ryan Kesler. "I though it was in. I didn't hear the horn until afterwards."

After two periods of play the Americans and Swiss remained tied. It appeared the inexperience and nerves of Team U.S.A. may have gotten the best of them. Only a big 3rd period would change things.

"It was good to go into the intermission with a 0-0 game," said Yannick Weber. "I think it would have been different if it was a 1-0. I think it game us some confidence. We went out in the 3rd period to get the win. It was close, but just wasn't our day."

The American Power Play was out of sync until the third period when Zach Parise put his team on the board when Philippe Furrer was called for Tripping.

Parise tapped his stick on the ice in front of Hiller, expecting a good low shot could be redirected. Brian Rafalski's shot was deflected by Parise over Hiller's glove and slowly dribbled into the net.

Swiss Assistant Captain, Sandy Jeannin appeared to have tied the game a few minutes later. Instant Replay showed that his shot hit the post and roll across the goal line, but didn't cross over the goal line. Parise had another chance but hit the post. Team U.S.A. picked up things significantly in the 3rd period. They were skating much more effectively and creating quality scoring chances.

"It'd be a lot less nerve wracking [to win big]," said Rafalski. "But it's good for our guys. It's a sign of maturity that we didn't panic. We didn't sit back, we continued to create chances."

The Swiss would not let up. With less then two minutes remaining they called a timeout to pull Jonas Hiller, but Parise scored his 2nd on an empty net. Now the Americans can take a breath and watch tonight's game at the UBC Thunderbird Arena to find out who they will play in Friday's Semifinal.

"Right now, we sit back and watch the Finns and Czechs play," said Rafalski. "We've run into Finland a lot over the years in recent international events, the Czechs, not so much. The Finns have good, deep goaltending, and both teams have good forwards. "It'll be a tough night either way".

Look for the Canada VS. Russia Game Report Later Tonight, then the Czech Republic VS. Finland and Sweden VS. Slovakia Game Reports tomorrow.

Offical Game Report: www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/mens-play-offs-quarterfinals---game-23_ihm400301xK.html

Game Photos: www.iihf.com/en/channels10/olympics-2010/pictures/page/0/game/USA%20-%20SUI%20%28QF%29.html

My Thoughts on U.S.A win over Switzerland

After a strong 3-1 win over Switzerland yesterday. The U.S.A. has put themselves in a strong position to possibly contend for the 2nd Round Bye out of Group A. Even if the Americans don't win the group, the Americans will be looking for a blow out win the Norwegians tomorrow to help their chances of at least being the best of the 3 2nd place teams to get the final 2nd Round Bye and get automatically through to the Quarterfinals.

They was some great things I saw yesterday, include peppering the Swiss Goalie Jonas Hiller that help kept the Swiss Defense. And Goaltending on their heels and keeping the Swiss offense from making just a whole lot chances, especially early in the game. Also, Ryan Miller has proven to be a strong netminder through his successful season with the Buffalo Sabres and in the tournament opener.

Some great chances on the PP including Ryan Malone's PP Goal to make it 3-0 late in the 2nd period. Even though they scored, the other 2 power plays didn't produce very much and that needs to get better as that could burn them as the tournament goes on, especially when the Americans and Canadians face off on Sunday.

Also, matching The team's physicality was big, by matching the Swiss number of hits early on in the game. In addition, they were able to keep the game clean by only taking 2 penalties in the entire game to limit the number of chances for the Swiss Offense. When you play teams like this, keeping the game clean is a huge factor as that's one of the best ways lower ranked opponents try to beat you on the Special Teams.

Now, the biggest criticism was the fact that they gave up way to many odd man rushes to the Swiss. One of the biggest things that kept the Swiss from getting in this game was the fact that many of the 2 on 1 chances were either to high or to wide and didn't challenge Ryan Miller that much in the game as the SOG were 24-15 in the game, but it could have been a lot higher for the Swiss real easily.

If the Americans are going to perform well in this tournament. This is the biggest thing that the U.S.A. needs to work on for the game against Norway tomorrow, then get themselves ready for the game against Canada on Sunday that should be to win the Group and gain a 2nd Round Bye for when the 2nd Round starts on 2/23.

Ryan Miller needs to be huge in this tournament, he's going to need to help steal the Canadian Game on Sunday and then either the 2nd Round and/or Quarterfinal Game to help the Americans have a chance of winning a medal this month in Vancouver.

Bottom Line: The Americans may still be underdogs, but the Americans have done well in this role countless time before. From the Miracle on Ice Game, to the recent WJC Tournament where the Americans upset Canada.

The Americans may have a shot to continue what's been a great season so far this year as the Americans look to win their 2nd major tournament of the international season. Including the WJC just after Christmas, plus some other big events like the U17 World Challenge and the World Junior A Challenge so far this season.

Even with a deep field, the Americans are not afraid and they believe that they can win a Medal at the Olympics.

U.S.A. VS. Switzerland 2nd Period Intermission Update

The Americans followed a strong end of the 1st with a great 2nd period with goals by David Backes and Ryan Malone to make it 3-0 at the 2nd intermission. Everything looked better in that 2nd period, and they may start getting Switzerland on the run right now. In addition to the goals, the U.S.A. were able to outshot the Swiss 14-6 in that 2nd period and by limiting the number of Swiss scoring chances.

On the 2-0 goal, a great save by Ryan Miller helped set a great counter attack where David Backes was able to slip it through Jonas Hiller's pads to make it 2-0. It looked for a moment that Hiller was able to make the save, but with some great hard work. And Backess being able to slip through, the Americans were able to put them up 2-0 just a couple of minutes into the 2nd period. Then midway through the 3rd period, then Ryan Malone helped make it 3-0 to put the Swiss on edge.

Right now, the Swiss are playing to conservatively and seem to afraid to attack right now. If the Swiss are going to make this game, the attack will need to faster and crisper; also the Swiss will need to pick up the physically like they did early in the game.

For the U.S.A., they need to shore up the odd man situations as the Swiss will look to comeback from the 3-0 hole they in right now.

2nd Period Goals

2-0: David Backess
3-0: Ryan Malone


SOG: U.S.A. 14 SUI 6 Total 22-11

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

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

USA VS. Switzerland, 12/27

After a 7-3 comeback win over the Slovakia, the USA kept the good start to Group A going with a 3-0 shutout win over Switzerland in their tournament opener as the Americans look stay unbeaten in anticipation with the New Year's Eve Matchup against Canada in the final game of the Group Stage.

Press Release from USA Hockey

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Jack Campbell stopped all 22 shots faced, as the U.S. National Junior Team shut out Switzerland, 3-0, in it's 2nd game of the IIHF World Junior Championship Game. The U.S. improved to 2-0-0-0, with two games remaining in the tournament's preliminary round.

"I thought we stuck to our game plan and eventually wore them down," said Dean Blais, head coach of the the USA National Junior Team. "Both goaltenders played extremely well. I thought Jack really made some key saves in the first period to keep the game scoreless.

Campbell started strong between the pipes, turning aside a pair of Swiss breakaway attempts and helping Team USA kill a two man advantage in the opening frame.

The U.S. grabbed a 1-0 lead six minutes into the 2nd period on it's first power play of the game. Chris Kreider redirected a Cam Fowler slap shot under the Swiss goalie Benjamin Conz for his first tally of the tournament.

Team USA sealed its victory with a pair of third period goals. Matt Donovan scored his 2nd goal of the tournament with seven and a half minutes remaining after collecting a pass from Ryan Bourque and beating Conz low to the stick side. A.J. Jenks tally four minutes later to complete the scoring.

Next action for Team USA comes Tuesday (Dec. 29) at 3 PM CST against Latvia. The game can be seen live in the U.S. on the NHL Network. It will also be streamed live in the U.S. on fasthockey.com

NOTES: Chris Kreider was named Team USA's player of the Game. Nine Players have combined to score USA's 10 goals to date in the tournament. The 2010 IIHF World Junior Championships run Dec. 26 thru Jan 5. in Regina and Saskatoon, Sask, for Team USA's Full Schedule, click here. The NHL Network (U.S.) and fasthockey.com will air every U.S. game live from Saskatoon. In other Tournament Action, Sweden defeated Austria, 7-3, while the Czech Republic will take on Finland and Slovakia will take on Latvia later in the day. For Complete Results and stats from the tournament, visit www.iihf.com for full coverage of the 2010 U.S. National Junior Team, including photos, videos and features click here.


Game Summary

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

1st Period: No Scoring

2nd Period: 4, USA Kreider (Fowler, Stepan), 5:57 (PP)

3rd Period: 2, USA, Donovan (Bourque, Palmieri), 12:35; 3, Jenks (Warsofsky, Morin)


Shots By Period

Switzerland 14-5-3 22
U.S.A. 11-23-15 49


Goaltenders (SH, SV)

Switzerland, Conz 11-11 23-22 15-13 49-46
U.S.A., Campbell 14-14 5-5 3-3 22-22


Power Play: SUI 0/3 USA 1/5
Penalties: SUI 5 PEN/10 PIM USA 3 PEN/6 PIM
Attendance: 12,853

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)