I love this tournament SO much – the most consistent “best on best” measuring stick you could ask for. I can remember Wayne Gretzky scoring against the Russians in the old Montreal Forum way back in the late 70’s !
Game one for Team Canada was versus longtime nemesis (and annoyance) Finland. Newly minted Team Canada Captain and Leaf prospect, Fraser Minten centered the so called “second line” supporting projected first overall pick in next June’s draft, Macklin Celebrini and high-octane offensive winger Jordan Dualais. Canada is competing in the 5 team “A” division during the round robin VS Finland, Sweden, Germany and Latvia. The “B” division is lead by the USA, followed by Czechia, Slovakia, the Swiss and Norway.
Team Finland has lower expectations for this year’s tournament despite having 5 returning players. Kasper Halthunen is in his draft year and had a good start. As expected, nerves and jittery play had a big effect off the opening faceoff. Canada looked bigger and faster as the period wore on. Matt Poitras had a fabulous slot attempt at the 12 minute mark, only to be thwarted by a great glove save from Finn goalie Nikolas Kokko. The best opportunity for the Finns came after a 2 on 0 was stolen by Canadian goalie Mathis Rouseau also with a spectacular glove save. As often happens in hockey, the Canadians roared right back and scored the opening goal 30 seconds later. 6’7’’ right D Maveric Lamoreaux sent a high wrister at the net which deflected in off Nate Danielson’s butt – 1 nothing Canada. Final SOG, Canada 12, Finland 8.
The second period started off with sloppy play forced by a far more aggressive Finnish team. Lots of giveaways and “too cute” passes. That lead to the second Finn power play which Canada killed without allowing a shot. That seemed to spark the Canadian teenagers as they had some opportunities including a breakaway try by Jordan Dumais who hit the post at the 12 minute mark. Canada finally went up 2-0 when Owen Allard swept in a nice cross-crease pass by Danielson that trickled in off the post, Koko’s skate and in. A third Finnish PP was converted by a point shot tip in by Kaskimaki. The period ended up a little chippy as the hate started to grow. Canada 2-1 – SOG Canada 23-17.
The Finns started the third with a fierce forecheck that penned Team Canada in their own zone on several shifts. At 13:22 Canada finally got on their own forecheck with resulted in a fierce goalmouth scramble. Head Coach Alan Letang took the advice of his video team and called for a review on the play. Sure enough, the replay showed the puck had crossed the line – 3-1 Canada. Expected first overall pick Macklin Celebrini was credited with the winning goal. Finland had 3 power play opportunities in this stanza, to no avail. In fact, they pulled their goalie on the third one only to be called on an illegal change. With the net empty, Connor Geekie set up Poitras on a close to offside call to up it to 4-1. A meaningless goal by Finn captain Lasella made it interesting with 1:04 to go but Arizona first round pick Lamoureux scored the final empty netter to close out the game at 5 to 2 Canada.
HOPPER NOTES: Always nice to see and hear Bob Mackenzie back on the TSN panel…Owen Beck was very successful at the playoff dot – especially on the (many) penalty kills…Canada started slowly in each period and then roared back…during the critical goal review, 3500 Canadian fans yelled “Goal, Goal, Goal” in unison as they did the tomahawk chop for accents – they later serenaded us with our favorite “The Summer of ‘69” unprompted …Canadian goalie Rouseau is undrafted…Nate Danielson with the first goal and an assist was named Canada’s player the game …tomorrow it’s Latvia – a 1:30 start…now, get on that exercise bike and burn off some of those Christmas calories… CHEERS!