Canada's Toughest Test comes Tonight

Special Thanks to Thayne Hallyburton

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What was once expected to be one of the biggest games of the 2012 World Junior hockey championship has now become somewhat of an after-thought.

Tonight’s contest between Team Canada and Team U.S.A was billed pre-tournament as the game to see in Edmonton. Both teams were expected to be 3-0 headed into it, and the winner was supposed to get a bye.

What was supposed to be and what has occurred are two very different things.

The tournament for the Canadian side thus far has gone off as planned. They handily beat all of their opponents in all three contests headed into the New Year’s Eve match against the Americans. For team U.S.A. the tournament has been a nightmare. Hot goaltending, terrible turnovers and lackluster efforts have plagued this team from the outset.

We first got a glimpse at the American’s vulnerability after a first period that saw many turnovers and a close 3-2 score against a sub-par opponent in Denmark.  They did go on to blow Denmark out by a score of 11-3 but we saw a glimpse of what was to come.  The Americans then ran into two hot goalies in their next two games. Finland’s Sami Aittokallio(Colorado Avalanche) and the Czech Republic’s Petr Mrazek(Detroit Red Wings) were simply phenomenal in their games against the Americans. The U.S. outshot, out-chanced and out-played the Finns and Czech’s but lost both games by scores of 4-1 and 5-2 respectively.

Now, we fast-forward to tonight where two teams who are going in opposite directions will clash in what has become hockey’s hottest international rivalry.  The Americans are headed to the relegation round and the Canadians are off to the semi-finals no matter the outcome tonight.

Pride and bragging rights are what are on the line tonight; but these are 17, 18 and 19 year old kids and that is more than enough to get them fired up to play.

For the U.S. this is their gold medal and for the Canadians this is a momentum and tune up game before heading into the medal round.

For Canada to be successful they will need a good game from starting goalie, Scott Wedgewood (New Jersey Devils) of the Plymouth Whalers, and will need to get their cycle game going down low to take advantage of the Americans lack of mobility on the back end.

For the Americans to be successful they will need to use their team speed. We heard a lot about it coming into this tournament. It was said that this was the fastest American team ever assembled. What we have seen thus far is just spurts of this speed. It is no doubt there, but they don’t use it enough. The passes are too long and are cross ice. To create team speed the passes need to be shorter and the Americans should focus more on playing North-South hockey rather than this East-West style of play that we have seen through the first three games of the tournament.

My Prediction is a 5-1 Canadian win. The Canucks have been too big, too strong, too organized and too skilled for every team in this pool and I think they will show that against the American side as well.

Key Players Canada: Mark stone, Ryan Strome, Brendan Gallagher, Scott Harrington, Brandon Gormley

Key Players USA: Charlie Coyle, Brandon Saad, Jarred Tinordi, JT Miller, Emerson Etem

Scratches:

Both Canada and the US had issues with the Flu bug as U.S.A.’s Charlie Coyle played only two shifts in their loss against the Czech Republic yesterday and Michael Bournival of Team Canada missed Thursday night’s win over Team Denmark. Both will be in the lineup tonight.

USA: Derek Forbort (concussion)

Canada: Devante Smith-Pelly (broken big toe)

"New Year's Eve is still on"

BY: Thayne Hallyburton

“New Year’s Eve is still on.” Those were the words spoken by U.S. head coach, Dean Blais, following his team’s 4-1 loss versus a very competitive Finnish squad.

Blais wasn’t wrong, if both teams were to win out, putting Canada at 3-0 and the U.S. at 2-1 going into the match on the 31^st then both teams would still mathematically have the chance to gain the bye into the semi-finals.  Whoever won the game in regulation would then advance straight to the semi-final. If the game were to go into overtime, no matter the outcome, Canada would advance based on points.

The loss was shocking for an American side that many had deemed the favourite heading into the tournament, especially after the drubbing Canada put on the Finns on Monday.

“Sometimes when you see that 8-1 score, you think that we are going to do the same thing but you gotta give them credit their goal tender played well,” Blais explained. They got to the net and we didn’t get to the net enough like Canada did the night before.”

The Americans seemed flat out of the gate. Finland matched them physically with open ice hits and was able to math their team speed as well, something that the Americans were said to have more than any other team in the tournament.

“I just didn’t think we paid the price to get to the net. When you look at our grade A chances, we didn’t have 15 quality chances in the slot and those were the areas that Canada took advantage of Finland and we didn’t do it. We talked about doing it and worked in practice on doing it, but you have to take that and put it into the game,” explained Blais.

The U.S. will get a day off tomorrow where coach Blais is sure to put them through a tough work out before returning to action Friday night against the Czech Republic.

ITO's WJHC Team Canada Thoughts

I know you have all been waiting for what I may possibly have to say in regards to the team and the cut list for Team Canada. Unlike many of my media counterparts I was not able to give 'instant feedback'. But you guys know me better than that. It could be 3 days after the fact I will still give you the honest straight up no bull feedback you expect from ITO.

OHLers on 2012 Team Canada

Goaltenders - Mark Visentin & Scott Wedgewood

To no surprise of anyone, these two are my choice. If I had it my way, which I unfortunately do not, I would select every OHL player available in camp. But bias opinion aside, how do you deny Visentin his opportunity to win back what was lost? Sure his season is very up and down, more down than up. But how does that change what his abilities allow him to do? He is a hard worker, no doubt about that and more importantly when he has to battle he definitely does. What has he won? ok you got me there. Team Canada didn't win silver they lost gold, notice I didn't say 'HE' or 'Mark' when talking bout the silver. It is a team game you know. But having Wedgewood behind Mark forcing him not to faulter may be the smartest move made in deciding the roster. Scott has been an amazing goaltender in the OHL for almost 3 years. He hasn't played many games in those 3 years, just eclipsed the 100 game plateau just last weekend, but without a doubt carries the title of 'elite' when talking about OHL Goaltenders. Scott has always been the unknown, or the underdog. Due to playing in the States, he never gets the credit he deserves. He will push Visentin to the max and I would not be surprised if he becomes the starter during the tournament.

Defenceman - Jamie Oleksiak, Dougie Hamilton, Scott Harrington

The obvious OHLer missing on this list is Ryan Murphy. But before I get to that, lets comb through these three individuals. Jamie Oleksiak was a lock for this team before he even stepped on the ice. In fact it was when he 'defacted' from USAHockey and decided to play for Canada. A 6'7" 240+lb defenceman is easy to get excited about. I still can not get over the fact that DSP Yardsaled him back in the summer camp. You just don't forget that. I know DSP is a Freaking Freight train on skates but wow! I can not get over it. Throw in the fact that most people I have talked to said he would be the 5-7 defenceman based on what they saw in camp, I am not happy about him being on the team. Like I always say, Prove me wrong. Dougie Hamilton was also a lock once he stepped on the ice. This time for the right reasons. Easily the best defenceman in the OHL right now. if not top 2. Dougie has really worked on his D play and given the other defenceman on the roster, he may not have to be the most responsible on the back end. Scott Harrington, honestly, I can do without. I know that shutdown D are important, heck I appreciate the hard work they do. The hard work barely makes the score sheet most nights. But I feel there was a better choice out there... not an OHLer but again. Good for Harrington and please prove me wrong.

as for the cuts, I really would have liked to see Ceci or Murphy on the roster. Murphy would only have been the 7th defenceman anyways and quarterback the power play. Ceci on the otherhand could have had a huge role as a 2 way blueliner who could be put in many different situations without hesitation.

Forwards - Mark Schiefele, Tanner Pearson, Ryan Strome, Freddie Hamilton, Boone Jenner, DSP (on loan from NHL)

I have absolutely no problem with any of these players making Team Canada except one. Freddie Hamilton. Schiefele and Strome are your 1-2 centreman, no doubt about that. These kids are very strong on the puck, talented, and can make it happen. Schiefele gets the edge because of this in game NHL Experience. Tanner got his invite based on being the OHL Leading Scorer and he earned his way on. The question many asked is, can he be as good with out Schiefele in the middle. The answer is yes. This is not a player who was brought along by riding coat tails. Pearson did not just drop out of the sky. I have spent many an hour laughing with his Colts teammates, talking about how people dont know anything about him or the fact that he is a goal scorer. Everywhere he has been, a goal scorer. He will be fine. Boone Jenner is as hard nosed as they can come. You want him to be a 1st line scorer, he can do that. You want him to be a 4th line shutdown forward, he can do that. His versatility and his ability to be 'that guy' makes him a key member to this team. The only weakness in his game is, as I have read in a tweet, do not put him in the shootout, he is ugly. DSP is DSP. The Notorious one, since his coming out party at the TPG, has been a wrecking ball for almost 2 years now. He will do this in the tournament. Now, on to Freddie Hamilton. Yes I have a personal problem with him, but besides the point. I have always felt that he was riding the coat tails of his teammates. They brought him along, got him drafted. Now with that said... he has worked his butt off to earn every second of ice and every opportunity given to him. This season I do not see it in Freddie like last year. Maybe that is all the politics going on right now. He had a good camp, congrats FH, and like the others. Prove me wrong.

If you take away Freddie I would easily put in either Thomas or Toffoli. More so Toffoli. At least he is bigger than Thomas, not as electric shot, but can score toe to toe with Christian Thomas. Either of them would be my selection over Freddie Hamilton.

Quick and Painless... and a friendly reminder that ITO will be at the WJHC. We will be following Pool B (CAN,USA, FIN, DEN, CZE) during round robin before the Medal Rounds.

ITO Selects Team Canada for the WJHC

In the O is off to the World Juniors, but before they start or we get there, Canada has to trim the 43-man selection camp roster to 22. 13 forwards and 7 defensemen has been the usual for this team and I set my projected lineup to mirror that. Ladies and gentlemen: my projected 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship entry for Team Canada.

Centres:

Mark Scheifele [OHL]– The undisputed number one on this team. He will have to lead the team. He has game-breaking stuff and is capable of carrying a team on his back.

Ryan Strome [OHL]– An elite level offensive talent, Strome will be relied on to provide secondary scoring for the team as the tournament goes on. Strome is just too talented to leave off of this roster.

Zach Phillips [QMJHL]– Last year he was a beast through the QMJHL playoffs and into the Memorial Cup. Again he will be depended on as a checking centre that is also able to chip in offensively.

Michael Bournival [QMJHL]– Bournival is someone that will be asked to play an energy role on this team after being the last man cut last year. The nice thing with him is he has the scoring chops to move up in the lineup if needed.


Left Wingers:

Jaden Schwartz [NCAA]– Jaden comes back and will be looking to get the gold medal that eluded him last year. He will play a top line scoring role on this team. For Canada to win gold, Jaden will have to lead the way.

Jonathan Huberdeau [QMJHL]– Dynamic, electric, talented; these are adjectives that describe Jon’s game. He should be one of Canada’s leading scorers and will fit right in with Ryan Strome on a powerhouse second line.

Quinton Howden {WHL]– another returnee, Howden will be asked to play a checking role on this team. This is what he does well and if Canada wins gold, you can bet Howden will be a big reason why.

Tanner Pearson [OHL]– Maybe the one guy that can rival Spooner for the hottest player in the O. Pearson is leading the league in scoring but is also a dynamic penalty killer. He is a valuable player and would fit in nicely as the 13th forward.

Max Reinhart [WHL]- Max is my substitute selection for this team. He is able to play centre or the wing and that will make him a valauable player as injuries and poor play moves guys up and down the depth charts. He is a WHL boy and Hay likes that.

Ryan Spooner [OHL]– Maybe the OHL’s hottest player at this point, Spooner is a pure sniper. He can provide scoring on the 4th line in limited ice time, but he is also able to move up in the lineup if injuries or bad play takes over the aforementioned players. [ANNOUNCED THAT HE IS OUT WITH MONO]


Right Wingers:

Devante Smith-Pelly [NHL]– The Ducks have loaned DSP to this team and he will be looked upon to make a large impact. DSP is a banger with huge offensive touch. He will be the perfect winger for Mark Scheifele opening up plenty of ice for him and will be a pest around the opponents net.

Brett Connolly [NHL]– Another loaner from the NHL. Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning really wanted Brett to be on this team. An eye injury to Martin St. Louis seemed to spell disaster for those hoping he would be loaned, but Yzerman did it anyways. He will be asked to play a key role and should fit in nice with Ryan Strome.

Mark Stone [WHL]– Stone is an easy choice here as he would have been the undisputed #1 on this team without the NHL loaners. Stone is a superstar in the making and might be the best 3rd liner in this tournament.

Tyler Toffoli [OHL]– Many think that Toffoli’s chances of making this team were eliminated with the addition of the two big guns, but I just don’t see too many guys who are pure sniper’s on this team, not to mention how good he is in shootouts. Toffoli should make this team and as Canada likes to have….will be a 4th liner who can move up in the lineup if needed.

Defense:

Ryan Murray [WHL]– He’s draft eligible this year but you wouldn’t know it based on his game. He will be asked to play the shutdown role for this team.

Mark Pysyk [WHL] – Should be Murray’s defensive partner. He has offensive touch but will be asked to play against the other team’s best players in this tournament.

Brandon Gormley [QMJHL]– Gormley is the best Defenseman in the Q and will slot in nicely in the top 4. He moves the puck quick and takes the body. He is very tough to play against.

Dougie Hamilton [OHL]– Dougie is an offensive defenseman but he is able to take care of his own end as well as anyone in the O. At least one Hamilton should make this team.

Nathan Beaulieu [QMJHL]– Is another St. John Sea Dog that has a tonne of talent. He fits perfectly into the 3rd pairing on this team as Coach Don Hay loves puck moving defensemen.

Ryan Murphy [OHL]– I see Ryan as being kind of the Ryan Ellis of this group. He and Murray should run the 1st power play unit. Murphy will be important. He just has to buy in and accept a smaller role if Don Hay asks.

Jamie Oleksiak [OHL]– I feel like the big American-turned Canadian will make this team based on the fact that he switched his hockey allegiance from USA to Canada with hopes to play in this tournament for the Canadian side. I feel like he wouldn’t have made that decision if he weren’t guaranteed a spot. He should be the 7th defenseman.

Goaltending:

Mark Visentin [OHL]– you cannot leave your 2011 starting goaltender at home when he is still eligible. Yes, he had a bad third period in the gold medal game and yes he has not had a great season to date, but experience is at a premium on this team. He’s been there before and for a goaltender this is very important.

Tyler Bunz [WHL]– Is probably the best goaltender in the Canadian Hockey League this season. He deserves this place and if Visentin falters at all, Don Hay should have all the confidence in the world in him to go in there and do the job. He may even win the job pre-tournament.

What I could see happening on Don Hay’s team is that he substitutes some of the OHL players that I have slotted further down the depth charts like Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson for guys that he is more familiar with, like his stud right winger from his team, the Vancouver Giants, Brendan Gallagher or maybe inserting a big body in Brad Ross or Ty Rattie who is lighting the league up offensively, but is weak defensively. The final decisions will be very interesting!

Final Count:
8 OHL
6 WHL
5 QMJHL
2 NHL
1 NCAA

The Magnificent Seven - Canada's OHLers Contribute at World Juniors

By JEFF BLAY
IN THE O STAFF

And then there were seven... Out of the many OHL players named to the Canada World Junior Selection Camp, seven would make it through the final cuts.

Canada captain Ryan Ellis was just about the only sure-shot, while Zack Kassian, Marcus Folingo, Casey Cizikas, Erik Gudbranson, Calvin de Haan, and Mark Visentin also made the team and have all done their part to bring Canada past the U.S. and into the gold medal game against Russia.

Ellis has been his usual self - contributing well offensively and jumping up into the rush, while also playing a key leadership role and remaining sound defensively. As it is Ellis' third trip back to the World Juniors, there could be no better-suited captain. While Ellis has done his part, it should not take away from the rest of the OHLers that have played some outstanding hockey for Canada for what really is a hard-working blue-collar team.

Let's break it down:

Zack Kassian - Although Kassian served a two game suspension after what the IIHF deemed as a suspendable headshot, his importance to the teams grit, power play and secondary scoring should not be overlooked. The Buffalo Sabres draft pick fit in well with his fellow line-mates, and as a teammate of U.S. goalie Jack Campbell, he knew enough about his Windsor Spitfires tender to beat him on a breakaway in the semi-final. There's no doubt that when Kassian is playing, Canada is complete.

Marcus Folingo - He and Kassian are the teams bash brothers. While Kassian slowed down his physical game a bit after his suspension, Folingo never let up as he was by far one of the tournaments most effective physical threats. His big body also helped out while parked in front of the opposing net, and I believe Folingo is this year's version of Stefan Della Rovere. Sabres fans should be very excited about this player, as he will add the grit and toughness that I think the Sabres lack.

Casey Cizikas - At first I was a bit skeptical about Cizikas because of his connection with his OHL coach and Team Canada head coach Dave Cameron, but within the first couple games my worries were laid to rest and full credit can be awarded to Cameron for this pick. Game after game, Cizikas was one of Canada's hardest working forwards. He created many great chances shift after shift, and went above and beyond his penalty killer/ checking line expectations, which Cameron acknowledged by often making Cizikas' line the first line on the ice for Canada. Very impressed by this kids play.

Erik Gudbranson - I was surprised when this kid didn't stay up with the Florida Panthers, but the experience at the World Juniors will definitely make him NHL-ready for next season. Gudbranson played well this tournament, being a stand-up defenseman who can still contribute from the point as we saw with his 3 goals over the course of the tourny - a number that matches his goal-scoring total for the entire first half of the OHL season with Kingston.

Calvin de Haan - Although I previously mentioned that Ellis was the only sure-shot, this guy was just as much of a sure thing. His experience defensively, his size, strength, and ability to shoot the puck are just a few qualities that make de Haan a valuable defender not only for Canada but for the Oshawa Generals.  De Haan went through a bit of a scare with a minor injury in the Canada vs. Czech game, but you can be sure that he will see lots of ice time both while even strength and on the penalty kill in the gold medal game.

Mark Visentin and defenseman Calvin de Haan

Mark Visentin - Last but certainly not least come the great success story of Niagara IceDogs goaltender Mark Visentin. He went into camp not knowing what to expect. Then, when coach Cameron chose Visentin over his own Mississauga Majors goalie JP Anderson, you knew this kid was something special. Although he initially was deemed the back-up goalie to Olivier Roy, he quickly took the starting position over. After a poor game from Roy in Canada's loss to Sweden, Visentin got the nod in their next game against the Swiss. He started off shaky, letting in a fluky goal from behind the net just minutes into the first period of the game, but after the goal, it was lights out. Visentin played a solid game in net vs. the U.S. earning him the player of the game for Canada and the starting spot in the gold medal game.