Canadian’s still nursing WJHC hangover
Jan 15th, 2010 | By BRANDON MACDONALD | Category: Articles
It has been a couple of weeks now since the United States denied Canada its fix for six. Canadians across the country have been nursing their World Junior hangover since the U.S. took home the medal that has belonged to our country for the past five years.
John Carlson is the newest American hero as he scored the game winning goal in the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championship final giving the U.S. their first gold medal since winning their first ever gold medal against Canada in 2004.
Prior to this tournament team Canada had won an impressive five championships in a row, dating back to 2004-05. Canada rolled through the preliminary rounds; their only real challenge was against the eventual champs. Canada took the first meeting in overtime; a game that most say the U.S. should have won. It took a late third period comeback and an extra frame to get the win.
The loss stalled the winning streak for team Canada. As most Canadian hockey fans share the disappointment of the defeat, I say it is good for hockey.
Most sports fans will agree the competition is one of aspects that draws fans. For the past five years Canada has rolled over the competition. The only team that really gave them much of a challenge was the U.S., but they were always just behind the curve and Canada came out on top. Some will say that Canada took the U.S. to lightly, but they came to play and really showed Canada that other countries can skate with them.
The victory by the U.S. sent a message to the other countries that participated in the tournament. That message is that the mighty can be beaten.
Not only will the loss make Canada want to come back and play stronger next year, but it will give their opposition inspiration to strive to beat the big bad Canadians. Countries like Finland, Russia and Sweden all have solid hockey foundations, but just aren’t up to the level of Canada and U.S. But with more development they could be there very soon.
While Canada remains tops in the hockey world, it just goes to show that any team can be beaten. With the right attitude and mix of players any team can be a championship team. It only takes one shot, just ask John Carlson.