The World Junior Tournament in Moscow ended today with a couple more fast
paced games (at least 2/3 of the time).  In the bronze medal game Canada
beat Sweden 2-1 in overtime on a goal by Raffi Torres.  The Canadians
didn't show up for the first period apparently in a funk and not motivated
but the livened up for the remainder of the game.

In a surprisingly good game the Czech Republic won the gold by beating
Finland 2-1.  Unlike last year's snorer final in which the Czechs got a
"1-0" win by winning the shootout after trapping the entire game (as did
the Russians) both teams played good skating hockey with the Czechs taking
a 2-0 lead before Rita scored late in the second for Finland on a
breathtaking solo rush.  The Czechs battened down the hatches in the third
but the Finn's did miss one golden opportunity with an open net shot gone
wide late in the game.

This was, overall, one of the best junior tournaments from a game quality
perspective.  The crowds in Moscow were poor.  It seems that only in
Finland and Canada do people turn out for these games.  I still have fond
memories of the tournament in Red Deer.  If one did not buy tickets before
the start of the tournament, however, one was shut out of most games.  For
a tournament of this calibre this is how it should be.

Arthur Berman [log in to unmask]
North Vancouver, BC
GO BU!!!