Author's Note: This article will be biased in favor of Canada's National Junior Hockey team. If you are not a fan of Team Canada, I suggest that you stop reading this article. The facts in this article are as of December 28, 2007.
How many of you readers watch hockey? If you are a big fan of hockey you would know that the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championship is currently going on in the Check Republic. I am a resident of Canada so the spotlight will be on Team Canada.
For the past three years, Canada has come home with a gold medal. Each year, Canada has defeated Russia in the finals. This means that Canada has defeated teams that included current NHL superstars Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, Evegini Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins and this year Alexei Cherepanov of the New York Rangers. The round robin Canada usually does quite well in with not many talented teams in their pool with Sweden their only threat to surpass them for first in the standings. The experts predict that Sweden will finish fourth. This clearly proves that Pool B is the more talented of the two.
Canada is filling up the record books. They haven't allowed a goal in over 350 minutes (including this season and last.) That's almost six full games! They haven't lost a game in 20 games. That is equal three previous tournaments and the first two games of this year's tournament. The starting goalies that have won the gold medals for Canada (in no particular order) Justin Pogge, Carey Price and Jeff Glass.
This year, Canada has no starting or back-up goalie as it has two goalies who will split the time in net. They are both NHL experienced net minders. Jonathan Bernier started the NHL season with the Los Angeles Kings and Steve Mason started with the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the past Canada has had star players such as Patrice Bergeron, Sidney Crosby, Dion Phaneuf and Jeff Carter. All of these players are currently playing in the NHL.
I hoped you enjoyed this weeks article! Next week I'll be taking a look at the upcoming NHL all star game in Atlanta, Georgia. Tune in then.
-Baxierox-
