Euro Curve chronicles the latest international hockey news.
Writers Note: Euro Curve’s 2008 World Junior Hockey Championship report is back after being absent for two days following the shocking 4-3 victory Sweden handed Team Canada on Saturday afternoon in Pardubice.
– Team Canada advanced to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 victory over lowly Denmark Monday afternoon. Now, this may not be the 10-0 victory that hardcore puckheads wanted, but it was a solid effort coming off the difficult loss to the Swedes. 17-year-old Oshawa Generals forward John Tavares added a goal and assist, and continued to show his array of offensive weaponry. Phoenix Coyotes draft pick Kyle Turris (University of Wisconsin) continued his strong play and has Coach Gretzky smiling. Goaltender Steve Mason played well enough between the pipes, facing only 16 shots, making a strong case to be get the next start between the pipes. Canada will now move on to the medal round to face the surging Yanks.
– Team Sweden beat Czech Republic 4-2 on Monday and finished the tournament with a perfect 4-0-0 record, winning Group A and earning a bye to the semi-finals. Oscar Moller of the WHL’s Chilliwack Bruins has been especially impressive.
CANADA WINS SPENGLER CUP
– The game ended only two hours ago, but will still be enjoyed by Canuck fans as it is broadcast on tape-delay on Rogers Sportsnet later this afternoon. Canada beat Salavat Yulaev Ufa 2-1 on goals by Ryan Keller and Kirby Law, taking the tournament for the first time since 2003 and for the 11th time in the tournament’s history. Canada won all five of their games, beating international club teams from Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic and Russia.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Ezra Ginsburg.
