Team Latvia seems to have become the favorites of the crowds at Credit Union Center in the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships. I worked today's game between Switzerland and Latvia won 7 - 5 by the Swiss. Switzerland jumped into an early 2 - 0 lead but when Latvia scored to make it 2 - 1 the crowd erupted. That seem to ignite the Latvians who took a 4 - 3 lead into the dressing room after two periods. But it was not to be as the Swiss poured it on in the third period to win 7 - 5.
Perhaps the fans feel sorry for Latvia after they were drubbed 16 - 0 by the powerful Canadian team.
Also took in last nights Slovakia vs Canada game won by Canada 8 - 2. Slovakia fell behind 3 - 0 despite holding a slight advantage in shots on goal.
Things get much tougher for Canada tomorrow as they meet the United States in what should be a great game.
Also had the opportunity to take in the naming of Canada's Olympic team by Steve Yzerman and Mike Babcock today. I think many in the room were a little surprised when none of the Calgary Flames three top defensemen were named to the team.
Left off were Phaneuf, Bowmeester and Regehr. Have to admit I was a little surprised to see Bowmeester not named to the team. Seems to me he is ideally suited to the international game.
Have the day off tomorrow to celebrate New Years and then things will really get busy with the medal round running Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Will be working the bronze medal game on Tuesday and then hope to be in my favorite chair in front of my own television set for the gold medal match.
Interesting that the crowd favorite was Lativia, and that is good. During the USA game vs. Canada, it was VERY DISAPPOINTING to see the crowd BOO the USA players in the shoot-out. In my opinion, that is very poor sportsmanship to boo at an international game...
ReplyDeleteI think the treatment of the USA players in general has been disgusting. In an otherwise fantastic tournament hosted by Saskatoon, it has been the only embarassment. I said to one man at the rink "how would you like your teen ager to be treated like that. These are kids after all
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