I just got home from watching Team Canada annihilate Russia 8-1 in front of 13,000 + fans at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg and wanted to share a couple of my personal highlights.
During the first intermission I ran into New Jersey Devils Director of Scouting David Conte (widely considered one of the top scouts in professional hockey) and he told me to look out for New Jersey Devils 2006 2nd round Pick Alexander Vasyunov (#24 for Russia). Mr.Conte didn’t disappoint this hardcore Devils fan, as Vasyunov scored Russia’s lone goal and was a standout player in the game.
Team Canada’s defence, led by 1st round draft picks Karl Alzner ( 2006, 5th overall, Washington) and Keaton Ellerby ( 2006, 10th overall, Florida) was absolutely sensational in stopping a decent Russian forward group. Although Team Russia outshot Canada 33-30 in the game, the lumbering Canuck D Squad kept most of the skilled Russians to the outside and made them pay when they dared to enter the Trolly Tracks.
The Super Series has been a fantastic display of international junior hockey. Although Canada swept all 4 games in Russia and New York Rangers 1st round draft pick Alexei Cherepanov has been sidelined since Game 2, the hockey has been competitive and fun to watch. Regardless of the fact Canada is now up 5 games to zilch, Russian Sport Minister Vladislav Tretiak has been a class act and has helped put together a wonderful tournament.
Winnipeg hockey fans still rank among the best in the world. The Phone Booth was nearly sold-out and the atmosphere was electric. The Super Series game, along with the 1999 World Junior Tournament and 2007 World Women’s Championships, prove that Winnipeg takes a back seat to noone in it’s support of Canadian hockey.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Ezra Ginsburg.
