For the fourth consecutive year the Canadian Junior team as taken the
gold medal at the World Junior Tournament.  This time they beat Sweden
4-1 at the Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill (not Boston-but that's another
issue).  This feat matches the Russians (or former Soviet Union) who also
won four straight tournaments.  The Canadians now have won the gold nine
times which also matches the Russians' total.
 
Jason Botterill carried home his third gold medal.  He is the first
Canadian and only the third person to have done this.
 
Canada jumped out to an early lead when Daymond Lankgow scored on a
breakaway at 1:36 of the first period.  Sweden tied it up at 8:41 on a
backhand followup to his own shot by Markus Nilsson.  Sweden put on a lot
of pressure in the period outshooting the Canadians 13-6, but Canadian
goalkeeper Jose Theodore (who won the goaltender award) was up to the task.
 
In a period featuring a lot of good action no goals were scored in the
second until the thirteen minute mark when Lankgow got a nice pass from
Iginla in the corner and put it home from the side of the net.  Quickly,
at 14:12 Iginla produced another pass from the corner to Hnat
Domenichelli who put it home from the slot making the score 3-1 which is
how the period ended.
 
Canada put the game away at 8:12 of the third when Alan McCauley scored
on a 2x1 with Jason Wright which was produced by a nifty move and pass by
Jason Botterill.
 
Much talk, at least here in Canada, has happened about the Candadian
"program of excellence".  It is true that Canada, and Canadian hockey,
place a high priority on winning this tournament.  There was only one
player on the Canadian team *not* already drafted by an NHL club so
perhaps impressing the scouts was not a primary goal for them.  At any
rate, the Canadian coaching staff and organization have a proven ability
to meld a team oriented group each year at this tournament.  The kids on
the team, at least publically, were saying all the right things about
working together as a team, and in the locker room after the game, along
with the elation, was some sadness as the teammates who had clearly
bonded realized they would be getting on planes almost immediately and
never being together in the same way again.
 
Another reason why the Juniors are so exciting for me to watch is similar
to why I love college hockey.  These kids have not had their youthful
exuberance rubbed away by life yet, and it shows.  Even a Stanley Cup
celebration does not have this feel.  It feels, for this spectator, much
more like the Beanpot--without the intense rivalry, but with the caring
about winning.
 
This is my critique of the US effort both seen in person last year and by
TV this year.  I don't think they care about winning as the Canadians
do.  Don't get me wrong, I think the Canadians have more talent, but I do
think that the US did not give full value for their efforts, and that is
a matter of pride, not talent, and this bothers me.
 
At any rate, the play on the ice was generally good, if not the crowds.
I hope those of you who did get to games enjoyed them.  I know that
every empty seat beckoned me.
 
Arthur Berman [log in to unmask]
GO BU!!! NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!
CONGRATULATIONS CANADA!!!
 
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