12/21/24
December 26, 2003
An annual post-Christmas tradition.: The 2004 World Juniors tournament started today with last years winners, Russia, tieing Slovakia 2-2; and last years silver medalists, Canada, beating the home Finns 3-0. The games are always exciting, and while there is some NHL talent (last year's #1 pick), the real appeal of the juniors comes in seeing the future stars of the NHL -- including, this year's expected number one draft pick Alexander Ovechkin; the anticipated number 2 and 3 picks; and the 16-year old, expected phenom, Sydney Crosby. The tournament is the future of the NHL now. (The Czechs and Americans also won their games 8-0, but their rivals, the Ukraine and Austria, aren't expected to compete.)
I caught the highlights (I think it was Fox Sports World Update) to Canada's victory over Switzerland, and this Crosby kid is no joke. I think he only scored one, but he did it all by himself: broke up a pass, darted past the defender, got control, avoided another body, cut in from the right wing, and effortlessly squeezed the puck high on the short side. The most amazing part was that the goalie was already down on a knee, the space above the shoulder was tiny, and he made the shot look routine. Aside: I was watching Satellite Hotstove last weekend, and J.D. was giving props to the Canadians, who asked for, and received, a new tournament rule that mandates a certain number of players must be under the age of 21 or something. This gives a distinct advantage to the hockey nation over most teams. Just wanted to point out that Canada isn't as meek and is more calculated than most think. Watch out world, Canada be underground, yo.
posted by garfield at 08:37 AM on December 29, 2003
Sure, garfield, but do the Canadians have a snappy, its the shizznit team nickname? Otherwise, fuggedahbouddit!
posted by billsaysthis at 11:09 AM on December 29, 2003
I think the nick name is 'Olympic Champs.'
posted by garfield at 11:41 AM on December 29, 2003
Sorry, my nationalism got the best of me. I don't know the Junior squad very well. How about the Young Hockey Gods...over the top? Fleury's Furies. Sydney 'Bing' Crosby & Co. The Loon Goons.
posted by garfield at 12:13 PM on December 29, 2003
I like the first one but none of your selections are really all that hiphoppity. Maybe the Loon Goons, does have a bit of thuggishness to it.
posted by billsaysthis at 12:48 PM on December 29, 2003
I tried, man. I'm feeling rather 'un-urban'. Besides, I'm more of a underground hip-hopper, so for me its more about the beauty and the beat rather than the bling and bitches.
posted by garfield at 12:59 PM on December 29, 2003
I watched Sidney when he played for a Minnesota Prep School a few years ago and I've never seen a kid dominate like that. Simply amazing. NJ Devils draft pick Zach Parise scored a hat trick for team USA, which is made up mostly of college players. I wish this tournament meant something to Americans, because it would be great to see some games on TV. Or at least highlights.