Hockey Lovers Paradise: World Junior U-20 Championships 2005-06 Thread

[DeToxRox]

Time to start it off with a little nostalgia ... the 1987 Canada vs Russia Gold Medal Game Bench Clearing Brawl.

http://myweb.cableone.net/yoeddy1/Cl..._vs_Russia.wmv

[RPI-Fan]

Will this be on Center Ice? When does it start?

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by RPI-Fan

Will this be on Center Ice? When does it start?

I've heard FSN will be picking up the US Games, but nothing about OLN or Center Ice. It starts around Christmas, I forgot the exact day but last year there were games on Christmas.

The USA is the favorite this year, lead by 2 of the top 3 picks in last years draft (Ryan #2, Johnson #3) and what looks to be a lock at #1 in this years draft, Phil Kessel.

Should be exciting.

[RPI-Fan]

Hmm... if it's on FSN that might not be TOO bad. I'll have my digital cable w/ Center Ice until the 30th, before I move. Once I move, I'll only have basic (I think) cable.

[Johnny93g]

Starts on the 26th
Go Canada!!!!!

[Cards4ever]

No Chucko for Canada? That's too bad, I was hoping he would make the team.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Johnny93g

Starts on the 26th
Go Canada!!!!!

Canada has the home ice advantage, but USA has too much talent. The only thing I see stopping them is their egos. if those are kept in check, and they play as a team, no way no how they lose.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I can't wait. It will be a struggle to find the games on TV I fear...

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

I can't wait. It will be a struggle to find the games on TV I fear...

USA Hockey is apparently making an announcement this week in regards to TV and other subjects.

I am hearing more that FSN will carry it regionally, which is good for places like Detroit and Minnesota, but it's not confirmed.

[Tekneek]

On FSN means it won't be on here in Georgia. That's just great.

[Maple Leafs]

Canada vs. Finland looks like it will feature the two Leafs goalies of the future.

(So... final score -- 14-11.)

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Canada vs. Finland looks like it will feature the two Leafs goalies of the future.

(So... final score -- 14-11.)

lol. It'll be interesting to see. Lot's of people are questioning Sutters choices on the Canadien team. Not all, but some obviously.

But it'd be a little different if Brule could play, I will say that.

[sovereignstar]

Originally Posted by DeToxRoxDVHStyle

Time to start it off with a little nostalgia ... the 1987 Canada vs Russia Gold Medal Game Bench Clearing Brawl.

http://myweb.cableone.net/yoeddy1/Cl..._vs_Russia.wmv

Interesting clip. I was just waiting for some sort of authority figures to jump onto the ice, but it never happened.

[Blade6119]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20....nhl/index.html

High expectations
The U.S. is ready to dominate the world juniors event
Posted: Wednesday December 7, 2005 12:34PM; Updated: Wednesday December 7, 2005 2:14PM

Walt Kyle can't say what he really thinks.

Ask him about his team's chances at the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships in British Columbia, and the coach of the American squad will tell you his boys are confident they can compete, that they believe they have a chance to win, but that the host Canadians are the favorites.

Kyle has to say that. It's the smart thing to do. No reason to give another team something to post on the bulletin board.

But listen closely. Read between the lines. It's pretty obvious what Kyle thinks of his young charges.

If they live up to their potential, this group could be remembered as the most talented hockey team ever to wear the red, white and blue.

The 2006 World Juniors -- running Dec. 26 through Jan. 5 in Vancouver, Kamloops and Kelowna -- could be the true coming-out party for American hockey. Sure, the U.S. has won major titles before, but it was always a fluke, lightning in a bottle. The Miracle on Ice. The 1996 World Cup.

The Americans even captured this tournament once before, just two years ago in Helsinki. That team certainly was a strong one, but their gold was a medal the imploding Canadians lost, rather than one the Americans won.

This U.S. team is different, the beneficiary of the years of hard work that have gone into the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. The revolutionary hot-house project for the country's top hockey prospects has led to an explosion of premium American-born talent that is now having an impact in the NHL, with first-wave graduates like Rick DiPietro of the Islanders and Jordan Leopold of the Flames making their marks.

But it is here, at the U-20 level, where the first real bumper crop of talent is ready to be harvested. The 22-man American squad will feature 18 NHL draft picks, four 2006 eligibles, and previously unimaginable depth across the board.

"Our talent is so much deeper than before," Kyle said in a telephone press conference. "We had to cut a number of [NHL] first-rounders from this team. That's never happened before."

It's also a team that's properly motivated. The stands at last year's tournament in Grand Forks, N.D., were filled with red and white sweaters, the rink becoming an extension of Canadian soil as the Canadians celebrated a gold-medal win over Russia, while the U.S. squad failed to medal. Gaining revenge in Vancouver is clearly a priority for the U.S.

"We're going up there to defend something we lost last year," says Jim Johansson, USA Hockey's senior director of hockey operations.

It starts with an explosive offense led by the tournament's most talked-about player, Phil Kessel.

The 18-year-old forward, a native of Madison, Wis., is expected to go first overall in this summer's NHL Entry Draft. He leads the Minnesota Golden Gophers in scoring with 21 points in 16 games, and has earned favorable comparisons to Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, two previous top picks who are tearing up the NHL.

Typical of his understated approach, Kyle was reserved in his praise of his young star.

"Phil is an exceptional talent and a catalyst on this team offensively, but I would also tell you that we're not going to place any over-emphasis on any one individual," Kyle said. "Each of these guys brings a skill that's important to the team."

Skill is something the U.S. has in abundance. Big contributions also are expected from Robbie Schremp, who's averaging a whopping three points per game with London of the Ontario Hockey League; Bobby Ryan, the second overall pick of 2005 (Anaheim), who is second in OHL scoring with 62 points in 27 games; and Jack Skille, a power forward from the University of Wisconsin and property of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Team USA also boasts an interesting prospect in forward Chris Bourque, son of Hockey Hall of Famer Ray Bourque. The younger Bourque is playing for Hershey in the AHL after being selected in the second round of the last draft, a selection based largely on his performance at the 2005 World Juniors.

The defense has size (average 6-2, 200), speed and is stacked with NHL first-rounders, including Jack Johnson (third overall in 2005, Carolina), Brian Lee (ninth, Ottawa) and Matt Niskanen (28th, Dallas). The blueline corps also features two players expected to go in the first round this year in Erik Johnson (U.S. NTDP) and Mark Mitera (University of Michigan). They might not be as formidable as Canada's back line in 2005, but they're clearly the class of the field this year.

The one area of concern is the American goaltending duo of Cory Schneider (Boston College) and Jeff Frazee (Minnesota). Each has had an up-and-down season and both were pulled from games this past weekend. Both, however, have had success in previous international tournaments and have earned the confidence of their teammates.

It's also worth remembering that the Canadians faced similar concerns last year before Jeff Glass and Rejean Beauchemin turned in two of the finest performances in tournament history.

Despite the Americans' high expectations, Kyle made a strong point at the end of his press conference -- predictions are just predictions. "At the end of the day, they don't mean anything," he said. "We still have to step on ice and get the job done."

That's the right thing to say. But when Kyle looks over his roster, he must sneak a smile to himself. American fans are about to be treated to their finest hockey team ever.

Whether he wants to admit it or not.

[Blade]

This is going to be exciting! Definitely going to be tighter than last year...

[Johnny93g]

Originally Posted by DeToxRoxDVHStyle

Canada has the home ice advantage, but USA has too much talent. The only thing I see stopping them is their egos. if those are kept in check, and they play as a team, no way no how they lose.

USA has a impressive team, but there's no way their as huge a favourite as you make them sound. I expect a Canada/USA gold medal game, and anything can happen....remember the flukey goal MA Fleury allowed to give the US their first gold over a superior Canadian squad

[Simms]

Originally Posted by Johnny93g

USA has a impressive team, but there's no way their as huge a favourite as you make them sound. I expect a Canada/USA gold medal game, and anything can happen....remember the flukey goal MA Fleury allowed to give the US their first gold over a superior Canadian squad

The US is every bit as huge a favourite as he makes them sound...and they deserve to be. The won't be as dominant as Canada was last year, I don't think, but the talent dropoff from them to everybody else is huge.

Canada's young and inexperienced (only one player returning from last year), and I wouldn't expect too much from them. They have an outside shot at making the Gold Medal game, but I think bronze is more realistic, assuming any medal at all. They didn't look real good against the Czechs a couple of nights ago.

[RPI-Fan]

Any news on US TV coverage?

[Tekneek]

Even in Canada they are saying the US team is the team to beat.They are considered the favorite to win.

[Honolulu_Blue]

This site says that tomorrow's US v. Canada will be on live on the Center Ice Package. The game starts at 7:00 pm EST.

http://muredhawks.collegesports.com/...122205aae.html

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

This site says that tomorrow's US v. Canada will be on live on the Center Ice Package. The game starts at 7:00 pm EST.

http://muredhawks.collegesports.com/...122205aae.html

yeah, channel 773. but it won't let me record it. odd.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

yeah, channel 773. but it won't let me record it. odd.

That's very odd.

[Karim]

After seeing the first three games, it will be a remarkable coaching feat and a credit to the players if they *make* it to the goal medal game. I fully expect the Americans to win this thing.

[JeffR]

The American team isn't looking too hot, either. Tied Switzerland, just barely beat the Finns. Canada-USA at 4 PM Pacific tonight, so we'll see; all Canada needs is a tie to get the bye through to the semis and a two-day rest. I just hope that Russian ref isn't working this one, or we're in for three periods of 3-on-3 hockey.

[Tekneek]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

yeah, channel 773. but it won't let me record it. odd.

Setup a manual recording.

[NoSkillz]

Originally Posted by JeffR

The American team isn't looking too hot, either. Tied Switzerland, just barely beat the Finns. Canada-USA at 4 PM Pacific tonight, so we'll see; all Canada needs is a tie to get the bye through to the semis and a two-day rest. I just hope that Russian ref isn't working this one, or we're in for three periods of 3-on-3 hockey.

Swedish ref is working the Canada/US game tonight. Supposedly, he lets the boys play, as he was the ref in the 6-5 US win over Finland.

[JeffR]

Originally Posted by NoSkillz

Swedish ref is working the Canada/US game tonight. Supposedly, he lets the boys play, as he was the ref in the 6-5 US win over Finland.

Well, he was a little more lenient, but not in a good way - by the third he had pretty much lost control. There were too many dirty hits being let go once it got down to 10-15 minutes left, and the nastiness at the end wasn't that surprising.

(won't spoil the score for anybody that was taping, just make sure you watch right to the end)

[Cards4ever]

Cheap hit by Jack Johnson in the US-Canada game, that's not at all what I like to see. Canada really took the wood to the US, very hard hitting team, I'm looking forward to the rematch.

[Johnny93g]

Originally Posted by DeToxRoxDVHStyle

Canada has the home ice advantage, but USA has too much talent. The only thing I see stopping them is their egos. if those are kept in check, and they play as a team, no way no how they lose.

I guess too much talent can be a bad thing. They may have highly rated prospects, but the American performance in this tournament hasnt been good. You called it, as a team, they sucked. Canada/Russia gold medal game tommorow night

[Cards4ever]

As we all know, going the QF route is a tough way to go, so, Canada would have probably beat the US anyway tonight. I did find it odd that the Canadians are so anti-American, but go Canada, I hope you beat the Russians.

One more thing, does anyone else think it's a bit weird that a Vancouver crowd is all over Jack Johnson, but cheers Bertuzzi?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Cards4ever

I did find it odd that the Canadians are so anti-American, but go Canada, I hope you beat the Russians.

One more thing, does anyone else think it's a bit weird that a Vancouver crowd is all over Jack Johnson, but cheers Bertuzzi?

Canadians anti-American stance in international hockey goes back a few years. I remember during the 1996 Canada (World?) Cup when it reached a boiling point. There were a number of fight-filled US/Canada games in the preliminary rounds. There was a game in Montreal between the US and the Russians and the crowd was very anti-US and, therefore, pro-Russian. It was after that game that Don Cherry came on and said it was the first time he had ever been ashamed of being Canadian and went on some long rant about how the U.S. fought wars for Canada and all that usual stuff. There have been also a number of instances of U.S. crowd booing the Canadian national anthem. I think a little cross-boarder rivalry is a good thing.

As for the Bertuzzi/Johnson thing. It's pretty simple, Bertuzzi is a Canuck and Johnson isn't. 'Nuff said.

[Simms]

The Vancouver crowd were booing their own (ie, Canucks) prospects on various teams throughout the tournament, so I'm not sure I'd read too much into that. But yeah, the irony is thick.

[Cards4ever]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Canadians anti-American stance in international hockey goes back a few years. I remember during the 1996 Canada (World?) Cup when it reached a boiling point. There were a number of fight-filled US/Canada games in the preliminary rounds. There was a game in Montreal between the US and the Russians and the crowd was very anti-US and, therefore, pro-Russian. It was after that game that Don Cherry came on and said it was the first time he had ever been ashamed of being Canadian and went on some long rant about how the U.S. fought wars for Canada and all that usual stuff. There have been also a number of instances of U.S. crowd booing the Canadian national anthem. I think a little cross-boarder rivalry is a good thing.

As for the Bertuzzi/Johnson thing. It's pretty simple, Bertuzzi is a Canuck and Johnson isn't. 'Nuff said.

I'm aware of the history, just pointing out that I find it odd. I guess if the US can't win, I usually cheer for Canada in hockey type things and save the rivalry for when it's head to head. To each their own I guess.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Cards4ever

I'm aware of the history, just pointing out that I find it odd. I guess if the US can't win, I usually cheer for Canada in hockey type things and save the rivalry for when it's head to head. To each their own I guess.

Agreed. I typically cheer for Canada as well, even over the US at times. That's typically only because Canadian teams usually have players I like (ie, Wings) while US teams typically don't. I never quite understood it either.

[Cards4ever]

Well, back to the game at hand, I think the Canadians will be very physical with the Russians and they'll wear them down and come up big and beat them like the Russians beat the US.

[Simms]

Not to hijack the change of subject, but here's a part from Bob McKenzie's TSN column today:

I'm going to make a little editorial comment now, which I don't do very often. I understand why the fans in Vancouver adopted the Americans as the villians in this tournament, but there came a point on Tueday night when the intensity of the booing aginst the Americans really started to get to me. When I see a classy kid like U.S. captain Kevin Porter get cleaned out by a Russian check that was a bit of a head-shot, and see the crowd goes crazy... I don't know. I guess I was raised in the 1970's and 80's when the Russians were the enemy. I understand that the Americans are the new rival, but something about it just bothered me on Tuesday night.

Full text: http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/bob_mckenzie.asp

[bbor]

I'm hearing that the biggest problem Team U.S.A was having was dealing with the players parents who were gripping about ice time for their sons.

Now i must say,if the coaches at this level allowed this to happen...well then it is their own fault.

[Cards4ever]

Good article, thanks for posting that, think that they Canadians will mix up the PP unit? Poulitot is a Wild first round draft choice that almost made the team this year.

[Cards4ever]

Originally Posted by bbor

I'm hearing that the biggest problem Team U.S.A was having was dealing with the players parents who were gripping about ice time for their sons.

Now i must say,if the coaches at this level allowed this to happen...well then it is their own fault.

You have a link for that, or is that something being passed around the grapevine?

[bbor]

Originally Posted by Cards4ever

You have a link for that, or is that something being passed around the grapevine?

T'was on radio here in T.O.

I'll post a link if i find something.

[JeffR]

Originally Posted by bbor

I'm hearing that the biggest problem Team U.S.A was having was dealing with the players parents who were gripping about ice time for their sons.

Well, it's consistent with what I've heard about some of the parents, but I can't really see a coach at Walt Kyle's level putting up with that.

Re: the anti-US crowd in Vancouver, one other factor to consider is the opposition last night - Russian hockey is pretty well-respected here, and their teams generally get a warm welcome. I think we're also back to the point where the "traditional" Canada-Russia matchup is looked at as more desirable than a Canada-US one, particularly when those two were the only remaining teams with perfect records in the tournament.

[Cards4ever]

I know that the Skille's and the Kessel's do not get along, but, I can't imagine Phil's dad telling a coach how to coach the team.

More desirable than a US-Canada matchup? I don't buy that.

[bbor]

Where does Kyle coach?

[JeffR]

Originally Posted by bbor

Where does Kyle coach?

Northern Michigan.

[bbor]

Dola...i prefer to see Canada-U.S

Especially since the U.S was heavily favoured.

[Fidatelo]

I think the anti-US sentiment comes from the deep-seeded "little brother" syndrom we Canadians feel towards the US. Hockey is one of the only things we're 'better' than the US at, but in the last 10-15 years the US has made great strides towards changing that. Given all the troubles that Russia has gone through as a nation during the same span, and the fact that we see them as a country with a long history of excellent hockey play, they have become more of a tolerable and 'respected' opponent.

[JeffR]

5-0 Canada over Russia in the final, Finland over the USA 4-2 in the bronze medal game. Amazing result for Canada; there was talk that they could finish out of the medals at the start of the tournament, and they wound up rolling over the Russians for the second straight year and not giving up a single goal in the playoffs. Loudest I've ever seen a Vancouver crowd, too; they started standing and singing with two minutes left in the game and kept it going the rest of the time.

[Blade6119]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

I think the anti-US sentiment comes from the deep-seeded "little brother" syndrom we Canadians feel towards the US. Hockey is one of the only things we're 'better' than the US at, but in the last 10-15 years the US has made great strides towards changing that. Given all the troubles that Russia has gone through as a nation during the same span, and the fact that we see them as a country with a long history of excellent hockey play, they have become more of a tolerable and 'respected' opponent.

Wow, you and SI agreed 100%...do you write for them?

The logic of booing
Here's why Canadians are giving Team USA an earful
Posted: Wednesday January 4, 2006 4:38PM; Updated: Wednesday January 4, 2006 4:47PM

Canada's fans love nothing more than to see their boys beat the U.S.
AP

The World Junior tournament, being held in Vancouver, has been a huge hit at the turnstiles. Massive and spirited crowds have been in attendance at every game, cheering for some great hockey.

Except at the Team USA matches. For these, the Canadian faithful seem to arrive in great numbers with single-minded purpose: to mercilessly boo the Americans.

To paraphrase Glenn Frey, the hate is on.

Yes, it's an embarrassing display -- these are kids, after all -- but let's get something straight. Despite what you might be hearing from some quarters, this is not another manifestation of ugly anti-Americanism.

It's not about Iraq or George Bush or softwood lumber tariffs (Google that one if the significance escapes you) or anything else. There may be a hint of that, but it's a big country and there's almost as much diversity of opinion among Canadians on those topics (at least the first two) as there is among Americans.

So it's not politics that motivate the boobirds.

It's respect.

In the interest of full disclosure, let me state here that I am Canadian, albeit one plying his trade deep in the heart of Texas. After years of covering the NHL, I can tackle its issues as an even-keeled observer, but the emotions still soar when Team Canada is involved. My first instinct is still to use terms like "we" and "our" when talking about the club.

So I regard this situation as a fan. And as a fan, I can tell you this: Canadians hate to lose to anyone in hockey, but it's particularly galling to lose to the Americans.

Canadians respect the hockey in Russia, in the Czech Republic, even Sweden and Finland. We can live with the occasional loss there. Those countries have earned their stripes.

But the Americans? They're our Washington Generals, the guys whose lunch we've been taking at will for as long as we can remember. We like it that way.

Sure, there's been the rare instance when America has beaten Canada in the past, but we've always had a good excuse. The 1996 World Cup? A smoking hot goalie in Mike Richter, plus Canada was without its premier forward (Mario Lemieux), defenseman (Ray Bourque) and goalie (Patrick Roy).

The 2004 World Juniors? Marc-Andre Fleury basically gift-wrapped the gold medal with one of the most shocking meltdowns ever seen.

But Canadian fans know their enemies better than their enemies know themselves, and we can sense a turning of the tide. We may not like it, but the Americans now are at a point where they deserve recognition as Canada's top rival.

And as hard as it is to believe, we understand the time might not be far off when the Americans will need an excuse when they lose to us.

Just look at the players. And it's not just quantity -- although now, for the first time in history, there are more Americans registered in minor hockey than Canadians. It's quality, the vanguard of which is on display in Vancouver.

The average Canadian fan knows all too well about Phil Kessel, the likely first overall pick in this summer's NHL Draft. We understand the damage that Peter Mueller or Chris Bourque or Robbie Schremp or Jack Johnson might inflict at any moment.

We know that the next victim might be us.

We know.

And so we boo.

It might not be as warm as a pat on the back, but take it for what it is.

[Johnny93g]

[Fidatelo]

Sucks that the game has to be tainted with the Russians non-goal. With the score 2-1, who knows how it unfolds? Likely, it ends with a Canadian victory regardless, but you just never know, and that sucks.

On the positive side, it was fun to watch the Canadian kids sing the anthem and revel in the victory. They played a great tournament and showed all the doubters what Team Canada is all about