Author: Dave Hopkins

Forget the preliminary round, that was so last year.

Forget the Latvians, the dumb penalties, the goal posts, hot opposing goalies, only 10 goals scored in 4 games and their questionable power play.  They don’t matter now.

Go ahead, you can think about the Canadian domination in not allowing any goals during 5 on 5 play, our goaltender, our size and depth.  It still doesn’t matter all that much.  Four of these teams will be on an airplane soon enough.

Tonight’s quarter final match up between Czechia and Canada will be the third win or go home game between these nations in a row.   The Czechs are the defending champions, they beat Canada in last year’s quarters and have played big and strong thus far.  Leaf prospect, 18 year old C/W Miroslav Holinka of the Oshawa Generals suited up tonight for his home country.  He 6’1”, weighs in at 185 and wore number 26.

A high event first period ended with Czech captain Sale putting in his second of the game, back door with 2.1 seconds left.  That followed a first minute (:43 seconds) opening goal by Czechia that quieted the crowd bigtime.  That was Canada’s first 5 on 5 goal allowed.  The Czech’s took a  dumb penalty off a useless offside call, only to be followed by Canada heading to the box for a love tap off a Czech ankle seconds later.  The ensuing 4 on 4 was highly entertaining with dangerous scoring chances exchanged.  Then, as almost inevitable, a mid-ice collision caused a Canadian defender to be given 5 and a game for kneeing.  That was Canada’s tournament leading 22^nd time playing shorthanded.  The only good came was when Brayden Yager took a great lead pass in all alone only to have 6’6” Czech goalie Adam Verchek stone him.  Yager recovered the rebound and set up Tanner Howe to tie the game up.

A strong effort from both squads led to end-to-end action in the second.  The play seemed to open up to a more “run and gun” style.  Coach Cameron (finally) moved Gavin McKenna up with Calum Ritchie and Easton Cowan early in the frame and they showed that all important “MO” on almost every shift.  A Czech penalty with 3:04 left allowed Porter   Martone to roof a beauty tip to get Canada back in it 3 to 2.

Somebody lit the Canadian player’s hair on fire in the intermission.  With a full court press, they overwhelmed their opponent.  They had been outshot 20-18 after two but with good, old fashioned Canadian hockey they added big pressure. Chance after chance you could sense the Czechs squeezing the sweat right out of their sticks.  Canada took over the SOG in a huge way – in fact the Europeans did not have a shot on goal in the first 10 minutes.  The Canucks lost a challenge on a goalie interference goal at 10:20 and had to play short handed AGAIN.  Deservedly, Nadeau tied it up for the home squad with 4:18 left.  The crowd almost blew the roof off.  One of our steadiest and most popular d-men Gibson was sent off for 2 minutes.  Guess what – PPG with :39 seconds left.

HOPPER NOTES:  This will be final report for this year’s tournament because frankly I couldn’t give a rat’s ass how it turns out…part of me wants to go with the “we got jobbed by the refs” routine but it was may more than that…let’s just hope some bleeding heart doesn’t call for another inquest ! …loved the feedback online and on the phone…hope you all enjoyed the ride…CHEERS !

                              WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY

                                                      Game 4: Canada vs the USA !!

Canadian World Junior hockey fans took off their party hats for a couple of hours tonight to witness the most anticipated game of the 2025 World Junior tournament to date – CANADA vs the USA.  Not only were the usual bragging rates and rivalry grudges at stake, but the outcome would finalize the final line-ups for Thursday’s quarterfinal matchups.

After the Finns beat Latvia in regulation this afternoon, they leap frogged both North American squads into first place in the A division.  Tonight’s winner will jump back into first place and win the division.  That would lead to playing a lesser team (Switzerland or Slovakia) in the quarters, providing a clearer path to the semi-finals on Saturday.  The loser would then have to face either the Swedes or Czechs on Thursday.

The US are the defending champions, with a dominating top line who play together at Boston College.  Their nation has won 6 Golds, 2 silver and 7 bronze medals over the years.  They are likely still smarting from Sunday’s rather lackluster performance against the Finns in a 4-3 OT loss.  The European team pumped 44 shots toward the Americans.

Team Canada had their best start to date, but the attack/counter attack soon took over.  At first it looked like this could be anyone’s game.  The inevitable chirpiness set in before the 10 minute mark – these guys were here to play.   Lane Hutson’s brother,  Cole put the US team ahead @ 7:40 ringing in a pp shot off the post from the point.  Fisticuffs then entered the scenario with under 6 minutes to go which sent a pair off.  A feisty, high skill contest in which the USA team had a slight edge.  Canada’s 11-6 SOG advantage was not indicative of the play.  We and the Ottawa crowd were in for a DOOZY !

You could feel the hate building as the second period progressed.  Canada took the play mostly to the US, at one point outshooting them 20-6 by the 10 minute mark.  They had a solid PP opportunity (which has only been 2 for 13 so far) resulting in a wild goalmouth scramble, to no avail.  That sequence was followed closely by an 8 shot barrage by the Americans.  Dickenson went off for his second dumb penalty, but our boy George stepped up again.  This guy has been Team Canada’s netminder for 12 wins in a row, dating back to U17’s and U18’s and now again tonight.  This reporter feels the Canadians need to be a little more Canadian ie physical, in your face hockey.  Can you say “overtime” ?  The US team started the third period a man down.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before – Canada must STOP taking dumb penalties !  I can remember my Dad and I having this kind of conversation back in the late 60’s.  Canada was tied with the Czechs 3-3 late in a medal game and sure enough another dumb Canadian penalty led to us losing a medal.  Can Canada score in the medal round ?  They’ve only had 10 goals through the preliminary round.    Bradly Nadeau got one for the home team to make it interesting, but the Americans’ Andy Nelson and some other guy made it a 3-1 final.  When you are down 8 penalties, outplayed 6 ways to Sunday and leave your all-star goalie out to dry, it’s pretty hard to work up any sympathy for those (many) who did not show up.

So, on Thursday here’s how the quarters line up:

USA vs Switzerland        Sweden vs Latvia

Finland vs Slovakia        Canada vs Czech

HOPPERS NOTES:  I wish to extend all my very best to ALL my friends and family – everything that you wish and hope for in the coming year.  You are my strength.  CHEERS

WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Game two:  vs Germany

OK, are we all over the shock, anger and embarrassment ?

Today is another day.  The Finns beat the USA in a great overtime win this afternoon to tighten up group “A” just a little.  This goes to prove that on any given day, anyone can win.  That’s what makes this such a GREAT tournament.

Canada’s worst fear became a reality when it was reported that 17 year old stud d-man Mathew Schaefer was done for the tournament with a broken clavica.  His replacement, Sawyer Mynio (#7) is a point per game player known for his defensive play.  Ain’t depth grand ?  Upfront, the need to shore up the 1 for 7 power play will be on Carson Rehkopf  (#16) bringing his 47 points in 27 games to the table.

Germany has lost both games to date including their close 3-1 loss to the Finns.  Julius Humpf will be worth keeping an eye on.  The draft eligible youngster plays for Moncton in the Q and has 1 goal and 1 assist in the tourney to date.  The Germans claim to fame so far has been their strong penalty kill, holding off opponents in 7 attempts to date.  Canada has never lost to theGermans (17 wins, 108-26 in goals for).  Whoops, where have we heard that one before ?

Another scrambly start by Canada led to a 4-2 shot advantage for the Germans.  The coaching staff have got to look at that.  One of the major adjustments made was moving Sam Dickenson up to quarterback the first power play unit as he does for the London Knights.  It paid off at the 10 minute mark as London teammate Oliver Bonk put in the opening goal  from another London mate Easton Cowan and Berkly Caton.  It was Dickson who kept the puck in to start that scoring play.  The Germans had their own power play later in the period, but “by George, I think we have a goalie !”  SOG 9-9.

At the end of the second period, it was hard to know what to report.  1-0, shots on goal even, maybe a very slight edge in play for the Canadians.  Dumb penalties and generally undisciplined play.  Key point being it was only 1 to zero.

Calmer heads prevailed for the home side as they enjoyed the edge in territorial play throughout the final frame.  Defenseman Caden Price knocked in a fluke goal off the dasher board to pretty much seal the deal at the 5 minute mark.  Germany pulled their goalie with 3:18 left to no avail.  In fact, Bonk salted an empty netter with 2.4 to go to make the final 3-0.

HOPPER NOTES:  Final shots on goal were 36-25 Canada…my ace reporter, pointed out our clubs decorative sox – they looked even better in our reds…hey there Georgie Boy – second shutout and player of the game award…I kinda miss the old days when we would simply kick the shit out these “lower teired” countries…”A” division standings now stand at USA 7 points, Canada 7 points and Finland with 5…over in “B” , Sweden has 9 and so does Czechia…CANNOT wait for the New Years eve showdowns in both divisions – CHEERS !

GAME 2 vs LATVIA

Tonight’s game vs Latvia could give many Canadian fans fits of anxiety anticipating potential performance lethargy, embarrassment and grief for the playoff placements at the end of the preliminary round.  Just sayin’.

The Canadian A- performance against the Finns last night would lead many to believe that more of the same (x10) was in order.  But this is a funny tournament, and upsets have happened over the years.  Preposterous right?  Canada has never lost to the Latvians and have in fact outscored them 41 to 4 over the years.

For the second game in a row, the Canadians started a little tentatively without any aggression, pressure or physical contact.  Their first powerplay showed a lot of fancy dan crap creating only one shot on goal.  The only notable play was when potential first round pick Mathew Schaffer took a nice give and go to the net only to jam his left shoulder off the goalpost.  He went straight to the room and was not seen for the rest of the period.  The TSN announcers kept professing the Latvians were a hard-working team and that showed.  They gave Team Canada a game.  0-0 after one and only a 12-9 shot advantage for the Canucks.

Throughout the second frame, the pesky Latvians just wouldn’t go away !  Jett Luchanko finally gave the Canadians the lead 4 minutes in with a backhand deke on a shorty.  That started what many thought may have been a trend setter.  Jett is another product of the London hockey factory (Knights or not ).   Latvian goaltender Linards Felberg was steady throughout the frame as Canada started to exert their pressure, making 21  saves.  You must take your hats off to the team in Purple for their feisty and tenacious style.

Holly Lippshitz !  This game is going to overtime !!  The Canadians were outplayed, out hustled and just did not play hard, Canadian hockey.  Credit the Latvians, heavily out shot and out chanced.  Power plays ruled the third.  One by us, two by them.

Holly FUCK !!!  Latvia wins 3-2 in a shootout.  Their 3^rd win in WJH history.

HOPPER NOTES:  The Latvian coach’s motto was “Let’s stay in this as long as we can”…Canadian Head Coach Dave Cameron was heavily quoted as saying, “don’t look past this one”…let’s hope that future star d-man Mathew Schaffer is only bruised and not separated…compared to last night, I cannot come  up with one outstanding Canadian player.  STUNNED

G’night and CHEERS !

Hockey Championships  CANADA vs FINLAND    

Hey everyone, hope you are all having a great Holiday Season and we all know what comes with it – THE WORLD JUNIORS !!      Welcome back to HOPPER on HOCKEY.  Truly the most wonderful time of the year as this year’s edition looks to be another heart stopper. 

What are your favorite memories ?  Jordan Eberle’s virtuoso performance (’09), Gretzky’s debut way back (’78) at the start from the Montreal Forum or how about the Gold Medal Winners from a pair of unheralded pluggers named John Slaney (‘91) or Nigel Dawes (’05).   Two words: The Connors.  I will personally never forget the diligence of Jonathan Toews in that shoot out victory over the USA (’07).  Honorable mention MUST go to the “Punch up in Piestany”.

Earlier in the day, Sweden beat Slovakia 5-2, the USA dominated Germany 10 to 4 and then the Czechs took Switzerland 5-1.

Team Canada played in 3 WJC tune ups winning all 3 against the Swiss 7-1 (Easton Cowan hat trick), Czechia 3-2 and Sweden 4-2.  Tonight’s matchup has long time nemesis Finland vs the hometown Canadians and their deep roster looking to make amends for last year’s 5^th place finish. 

After an initial feeling out process, Canada began to dominate, leading 6 to 1 in shots on goal during the first 5 minutes.  The top line of Calum Ritchie (Oshawa), Easton Cowan (London) and Bradley Nadeau (Chicago AHL) lived up to their billing with smothering offensive shifts throughout the first.  The teams exchanged power play opportunities in last 6 minutes to no avail until just turned 17 year old phenom Gavin McKenna pumped in his own rebound in the final minute of the frame.  Finland would start the second with man advantage.  SOG 17-6 Canada.

Finland had zero shots to start their second period PP attempt.  In fact, the best chance belonged to Drummondville’s Ethan Gauthier on a clear-cut breakaway that Petteri Rimpinen got in the way of.  Not long after, Cowan stepped in to pick a loose puck thanks to Nadeau’s forecheck and then used Ritchie as a decoy to hammer Canada’s 2-0 goal on the short side.  The home team continued to out work and overpower the Finns with their superior speed, size and grit.  Final SOG 12-5/29-11 overall.

WOW, what a difference a period can make.  To say it was charitable that the Finns were only down only 2 zip would be an understatement.  They turned it around bigtime in the third, outshooting the Canadians 20 to 11. Goalie Carter George proved why he was chosen for the number one job in the Canadian cage.  Wave after wave (including a 6 on 4 for 2 minutes) George stood solid, earning Player of the Game status.  He only had to stop 11 attempts in the first 2 periods.  Canada persevered with goals from Luca Pinelli off a beauty feed from Caden Price and then another 17 year old, Mathew Schaffer, put the final nail in the coffin with a 200 foot empty netter tomake the final 4-0.  GREAT GAME !

HOPPER NOTES:  Before the third period it was hard to pick a soft spot in the Canadian game…dumb penalties and poor clearouts changed that in the third…standouts for me, other than the obvious, were the defense pair of Andrew Gibson and Tanner Molendyk and forward Berkly Catton…does Gavin McKenna remind you of someone…Canada goes against Latvia tomorrow, Germany on Sunday and then the biggie vs the USA on New Year’s eve…who is your favorite 5 Golds in – a row era-1993 to 1997 or 2005 through 2009…Canada is trying for their 21st GOLD medal – the closest rival – the USSR, CIS/Russia with 13…NOW let’s not take a nap on Latvia tomorrow !  CHEERS.

Shanahan GONE – Keefe GONE – Marner GONE

Cooper saves the day ! St. Louis Prez Armstrong cleans out the rest of the shit !

When I first tuned in to TSN, expecting to see the pre-game show of the Canada/ Czechia game, I instead saw the third period of the Finland/Slovakia.  I searched around the various feeds – NADA.  I mean the Finn game was good with late third period goals to send it to overtime, but the Canada game was already in progress !  Thankfully the Finns made quick work of the Slovaks as their captain went end to end to win the game 4-3.

We finally got to the game we all wanted to see at 8:45 am at around the 5 minute mark with Canada ahead 5 shots to 1.

The Czechians seemed quite a bit faster than the Canucks, quickly breaking out with stretch passes.  At the 12 minute mark, Stancel was the recipient of one of those passes and snapped in a goal short side from the upper playoff circle.  I wouldn’t call it a soft goal, but Mathis Rouseau had made plenty of routine stops earlier in the tournament.  The Czechs were relentless, using their head man speed.  This resulted in another breakaway, in which Noah Warren had to reach in and cause a penalty shot.  Nice save.  A deep forecheck and sloppy passing led to Czechia scoring on a long slapper through traffic with 2 minutes left.  Now that was a soft one.  Oh and remember when we tuned in and it was 5-1 Canada in SOG ?  The final 15 minutes were dominated by 8 consecutive Czech shots – making the final 9-6.

WOW !  What a difference an intermission can make.  After a rather discouraging first period, Canada came out with their hair on fire.  Rouseau made a 10 bell save early to send off Yager to Cowan to 13^th forward Mathew Wood who cut the lead in half.  The tables had turned.  The momentum from the Canadians equated to crisp breakouts, puck possession and a strong forecheck.  A great example of that forecheck led to the tying goal as Jay Furlong wristed his first of the tourney high glove side, thanks to a strong screen provided by Conor Geekie.  Canada had 12 sots and several chances throughout that turn around period.

Team Canada carried their dominance into the final period, at one point out shooting the Czechs 14 to 3 and out chancing them by a mile.  They simply owned the puck.  UNTIL a Czech shot directed at the net went off a skate, off the post and in with just 11 seconds left.  No justice or rewards for our young Canadians on this day.

HOPPER NOTES:  The three top Canadians for the Tournament were Denton Matchuk, Macklin Cellebrini and Maveric Lamoreaux…Denton was also voted Canada’s player of the game…this will be my final column – enjoy the rest of the tournament everyone – cheers !

Today’s Canada vs Germany was the final game of Round Robin play the 2024 World Junior Championships.  After Canada’s loss to Sweden, it’s a bit of a letdown for most Canadian fans BUT, it’s not a nothing game for the Germans.  They could move from the basement of Group “A” to second place ahead of Canada, despite yesterday’s 6-2 loss to Latvia.  Sweden has a lock on first place even though they lost yesterday in overtime to Finland.  The USA secured first place in group “B” with a 10-2 win over Slovakia.  CZECH took third place in “B” by defeating the Swiss in overtime.  Norway goes the relegation round after going winless in 4 games.

Here we go again.  11 seconds in, a big hit by Conor Geekie was called.  Guess what ?  Yep a ref’s review turned in it to 5 and game for hitting the head.  The Germans took advantage when Lutz put them ahead just 3 minutes later.  During the major, guys like Macklin Celebrini and Carson Rehkopf got zero ice time.  As soon as it was over Celebrini scored top shelf, glove side to tie things up.  The rest of the period was all Canada.  Brayden Jager put the Canadians out front with power play goal of his own.  Whitby boy Matt Poitras was creamed face first into the boards late in to the period.  The 3500 Canadian fans all yelled “5-5-5” to no avail.  Two minutes only.  Final SOG, Red Shirts 13, Germany 3.

A pretty ho-hum middle stanza got started with the Germans scoring on a PP goal from Roman Kechker at 1:26 to tie it at twos.  From there the Canadians again completely dominated play.  One problem, they wouldn’t shoot the puck and when they did they missed the net.  Canada seemed to get the message in the back half, shooting more often and ending up with a 12-4 shot advantage. Commentator Mike Johnson was going crazy watching all of the misplayed attempts and over passing.  SHOOOOT !

Owen Beck put the Canucks ahead 3-2 early.  But, true to form the refs called for another German PP and they tied it 3-3 at the 12:30 mark.  Their 3^rd PPG of the game.   The Germans only needed one point from this game to avoid having to play Norway in the one game relegation round.  Canada was relentless on the attack.  Jordan Dummais buried his first of the tournament on a Canadian PP.  17 year old and presumptive first overall pick Maklin Celebrini then scored on a break that had him shooting in his second of the game from practically the icing line.  The kid’s amazing.  5-3 Canada.  The Germans had really no choice but to pull their goalie with 3 minutes left.  Leaf prospect Easton Cowan got the 6^th and final goal when he first hit the post on an empty net shot from the blue line only to recover and score his first on nice cross crease feed.  Final 6-3 Canada.

HOPPER NOTES:  Germany caused an awful lot of havoc in front by screening Mathis Rouseau, especially on the PP…the red shirts were down to 11 forwards for the majority of the game after Matt Savoie was scratched due to injury and the early ejection of Geekie…final shots on goal were 35-20…Canada’s Player of the Game was Celebrini…nice to see a shot of the two Leaf prospects Minten and Cowan share a chuckle on the bench after Easton’s empty netter…here now are your Quarter Final match-ups set for Tuesday:

6 am    Sloakia vs Finland            8 am   Canada vs Czech

11 am USA vs Latvia                                 1:30 p Sweden vs Switzerland

Semi-final games are set for Thursday and the medal round finals will be played on Friday.  CHEERS to all and HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE !!

Canada vs Sweden, World Juniors – it can’t get much better.  Especially as both teams come in undefeated for a showdown that will likely decide the division.  Sweden has yet to allow a goal and has a strong PP led by Otto Svenberg.  It will be up to the Canadian shutdown pair of Maveric Lamoreaux and Denton Mateychuk and defensive center man Owen Beck to step up big time.

The game started out at just under 1,000 miles per hour – a loud, sold out crowd encouraged both sides to the attack and cheered every hit and there lots of those.  Two Canadian breakaways one by Macklin Celebrini and the other by Conor Rehkopf, failed to convert.  At the other end QMJHL goalie Mathis Rouseau made a huge toe save to keep it at zeroes.  The final SOG were 7-6 Sweden mostly due to a 4 minute power play, all thwarted by Team Canada.  Man, what a period of hockey !

The Swedes took control of the middle stanza, out chancing Canada by at least 7 to 3.  A strong forecheck added to Canada’s poor clearing attempts and led to the games first goal at 18:07 when Tom Velander wristed a low, stick sider.  The period didn’t have quite the same electricity – was Canada tired or nervous ?  They weren’t able to clear their own zone and there were inconsistent attacks and low attention to their forecheck.  Their 3^rd breakaway also failed when Savoie had the Swedish goalie beat only to have the puck roll off his stick at the critical moment.  After another huge save by Rouseau the Swedes went up 2 zip at 9:21.  Overall, the Tre Krona had a well-deserved lead.

Disappointing for certain – but Canada was beaten by the better team on this day.  Sweden just wanted it more.  They out chanced the Canadians, played better defense and used their speed and skill better.  Owen Beck was boarded and a major was called.  Only in the IIHF could a penalty be reviewed.  After review, the penalty was called off.  Sour grapes ?  Nah !

HOPPER NOTES:  That Gotenberg rink was rockin’…Sweden has not allowed a goal in 3 games…both of today’s goalies (Hugo Havlat and Mathis Rouseau) won “Player of the Game” for their work…hard to believe that neither has been drafted for NHL duty…Sunday’s game against Germany on Sunday is now rather meaningless since Canada has lost first place in Division A…I honestly thought that Canada had the better first period…CHEERS !

Team Latvia was coming off a 6 Zip loss to Sweden and looked shaky to start today’s game VS Canada.  Through a rather dull and scrambly start, Canada finally took the lead when Conor Geekie smoked a wrister top shelf just 4 seconds into a power play.  Shortly thereafter, Canada took a questionable call.  Only in the WJHC can the refs review a penalty which they did.  Most of us thought they were looking to up the penalty to a major.  Instead, they called the penalty off altogether.  Braedon Jager scored his first at the tournament with assists from Macklin Celebrini (his second) and Maveric Lamoreaux who was Canada’s top minute muncher from yesterday’s game.  Canada 2-0 / SOG 15-5.

Who needs Conor Bedard ?  Canada’s latest phenom, Macklin Celebrini, the consensus first overall choice has stepped in on the scoresheet quite nicely thank you.  After 2, the Canadians are up 5 to 0 with 3 assists and one fabulous breakaway goal from Macklin.  Matt Wood sent Celebrini in alone off a wonderful two-zone pass.  Owen Allard with a PP goal and Carson Rehcropp with a beauty sweep across scored the other 2 Canadian goals.  Latvia only had 7 shots on net, 4 of which were legitimate chances during a 4 on 4 in the middle of the period.  Mathis Rouseau was playing his second game and had to be sharp on those attempts.

One thing about playing a lesser opponent in these tournaments.  They can be dangerous.  Winners can become lethargic and big-headed.  Losers humiliated.

Not much to say about the third period, but here’s a quick review:

Captain Fraiser Minten buries his first – 6-0…Mathew Wood had a great game – 7-0…Latvian Goalie change…Geekie 8-0…Rehkopp 9-0 (Celebrini’s 4^th assist/5^th point)…those 4 goals were scored in just over 4 minutes…Poitra 10-0.

HOPPER NOTES:  Germany beat Finland 4 to 3 in an earlier game – their first win over the Finns in 25 attempts…seems odd that Minten has never ever played in a Team Canada game…those 5 third period goals BTW had very little in the way of celebration afterwards – classy…the Canadian crowd serenaded us again with a reprise of Summer of ’69…obvious player of game for Canada was Macklin Celebrini…final SOG 40-21…look for my summary on Friday from the 1:30 game VS Germany…CHEERS !