Back to Normal Soon !

Apologies to my loyal subscribers, but like most hockey fans, I have been mesmerized by Team Canada Junior’s ride to the 2023 World Junior Championship. Next to the Stanley Cup itself, this is the most important and enjoyable tournament of the year for me.

As we all know, the Toronto Maple Leafs schedule has mirrored most of Team Canada’s schedule. Rather than do a half assed job of reporting both, I have abstained from either over the holidays. I will be back to my regular reports starting with Saturday’s game vs the Detroit Red Wings.

As I write this, Canada shook off a sluggish start to gradually take over the game. The Czechs tried to dummy the Canadians, much like they did the Swedes in the semi final game. Canada ended the period by scoring a 1-0 lead off 6 chances to one. The Leafs looked challenged by the Seattle Kraken.

We (Team Canada) owned the Czechs for 51 minutes of this critical game. I was writing their eulogy in fact. But, they “dummied” Canada just has they had done the Swedes 24 hours earlier.

3 on 3 until death ! It doesn’t get any better. Dylan Guenthier pops in an unbelievable feed by Roy. Canada GOLD for the second year in a row. Nice job by the Czech Federation.

HOPPER NOTES: Just as you get to know these wonderful kids (Bedard, Milic, Wright, Del Mastro, Roy, Fantelli, Zellweger, Gauthier, Clarke etc) it’s the end of the tournament…What a fabulous team !…the Leafs were losing 5-1 to Seattle at last check…the one Leaf goal was supplied by Captain Johhny, his 407th point assisted by Mitch Marner his 499th career point….Love and peace to y’all see you on Saturday night. Cheers !