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 !