Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Canadian juniors start strong

TIM WHARNSBY

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 7:14 PM EDT 26/12/07

Phenom John Tavares scores twice as three-time defending champs open with a 3-0 triumph over host Czech Republic ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. Proud Canadian from Canada, Canada writes: Just listening to OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM being played for the 19th TIME, a record. Great game boys, great game boys, wayda go. Pounded em into submission. Great game. Stamkos, 3 assists, Tavares 2 goals, outstanding goaltending, stalward defence and man oh man, Sutter, can he hit em. Great game boys. Go Canada Go.
  2. Cool Canuck from Calgary, Canada writes: Great game team Canada. You make us proud and I can't wait until you annihilate the americans again.

    Oh Canada, our home and native land,
    True patriot love in all thy sons command!!!!

    WE LOVE YOU AND THIS COUNTRY.
    God bless Canada.
  3. Wilf Kruggel from Canada writes: The game was most enjoyable but the irksome aspect to these world junior championships is when hearing the names of all the foreign players playing for their respective countries while being on the roster of one of our junior hockey teams. I say, ban all foreign players from playing on our teams and instead, let our eligible juniors play on our junior teams. That's not all, the NHL puts their draft picks on our junior teams while at the same time pay the foreign hockey federations many millions of dollars to pacify those people yet do not pay anything to our junior teams to develope our youngsters. This, folks, I am very bitter about this, but it is wrong. My question has always been, why are we allowing this to happen? Stop it now! Wilf
  4. Jeff Gulley from Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, Canada writes: I was right behind the net for Canada's opening goal...woo hoo....right in the thick of a bunch of Czech fans too (one of them being my girlfriend!).

    Two thumbs down to the Czech fans who decided that throwing empty bottles on the ice when they lost was a good idea. Classless act, and the citizens of Pardubice should think twice if they want to host this tournament again in the future.

    However, good game all around. Czechs came out really strong in the first period, but they sure disappeared for the other two. They'll have to play harder than that to compete in this tournament. I'll be there again tomorrow...keep your eyes out for me!
  5. ray ittac from Canada writes: Hey Wilf, nothing nationalistic about junior hockey teams. Totally for profit organizations who rely on ticket sales to make a buck! It's not hurting our Canadian programmes and shouldn't be the target of any angst. Canadians are availing themselves of tons of scholarships in the US, junior soccer programs in Europe, .... can't and shouldn't ban anyone from a job they are better qualified for.
  6. ray ittac from Canada writes: On a hockey note...damn I love the Canada junior team style of play. Fast, gritty, in your face, skilled... love watching it because they still have what I find lacking from most present NHL teams...passion! Oh, you can find talent today but that desire to play, the Gary Roberts 'je ne sait quois' quality, hard to find!
  7. David P from stuck in Calgary, Canada writes: Could only watch the 3rd period - but I do enjoy watching the juniors play - can't afford to get a Flames tickets, but watching the kids play is more entertaining...

    I have one question about the article - can enyone explain how a 'phenom' gets only 1 shift in the third period? I have to admit, I'm not a big Tavares fan, I still don't think he should be on the team...yes I know he scored twice, once was a gimme and the second was a nice shot...but still, if he's that good, shouldn't he be able to take a regular shift? I loved watching Bernier in goal - so, so calm! The D men were rock solid and the PK was outstanding! Keep it up Canada! The 3rd might be the only time this year I get to watch, so hopefully they keep getting better from there!
  8. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: Maybe the Czechs will take a lesson from the Canadian men's team at every World Cup and Olympics....Loose first games and then wait until all the great teams knock each other out to get a medal...

    I still think the Czechs will make it farther in this tournament.

    If it wan't for the goalie Bernier or whatever his name is Canada would have lost 8:2,not win 0:3......

    It's sickening to listen to the brainwashed mantra from the Canadian commentators about how they players are being penalized for being 'strong' etc...Come on,cross-checking and high sticking and playing dirty to sucker punch all around isn't 'strong'...It's DIRTY!!!!!!!!!!!

    Everytime a Canadian player is assessed a penalty,regardless how dirty it is,they say:'it would never be a penalty in Canada',etc...However,when Czechs get a penalty,regardless on how minor offence it is,in some cases almost comical in comparison to what the Canadians did,they never 'dispute' that...

    Terrible one sided commentators,as usually.

    Canada played okay,but not great!!!!!!!!!

    Go Czechs GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  9. Billy Biroux from Polar Bear Pit, Nunavet, Canada writes: Gee MK.
    Shut out in front of a sellout crowd in your own backyard.
    Even with the horrendous refereeing trying to help you win.
    Sounds like sour grapes to me comrade.
  10. ray ittac from Canada writes: MK Euro...always puzzles me when someone gets that upset by announcers. friends of mine at work are the same comparing this guy with that guy and knowing all the colour guys by name. I don't even notice them and usually spend the time with converter in hand jumping to other stations when the action stops. Biased or not, I really don't pay them much mind as they are simply tools of the sponsors much like the editorials in most newspapers. Just doing what someone paid them to do. These guys were most likely chosen to be partisan. Turn down the volume and enjoy the darned game but don't get lost discussing announcers. They really should be of minimal importance.

    I agree however that the Canadians have to improve and my hat is off to them on a great start for such a young team. But the Czechs should worry. The last 2 periods were a far cry short of their start. the Canadians adapted and they didn't except for a couple of spurts. And their power play? Don't let shots on net decide it...not very good scoring opportunities on most shots and they need someone to plant their butt in the crease and take a few shots for the team to screen the goalie.
  11. Proud Canadian from Canada, Canada writes: David P from stuck in Calgary, must be something wrong with your brain. John Tavares at 17 is leading the OHL in scoring, by far superior to most anyone out here. The reason for keepin him behind, sounds like this is a showcase for 19 yr olds. They kept him out last yr, put him in a minor role this year (still got 2 goals, more than anyone else thank you), may play a bigger role next year, when he's 19, he will be in the NHL, same as Kane in Chicago, same as Gagner in Edmonton. Not available for Canada. Anyways, not to belabor it any longer, Tavares is not over on this tournament. Count on him getting more goals. You guys out west have Steve Harper, we have John Tavares. Keep your guy. We dont want him.
  12. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: The announcers never 'announced' the 'shot-out' was 44 shots for Czechs and 27 for Canada...

    Doesn't sound like a 'shot-out' win to me...Possibly 5 or 6 times the puck just miracoulesly missed the Canadian net and/or was covered by the goalie or defenders,otherwise Czechs would have been up right from the first minute!!!!!!!!!

    All I would like to hear is a bit of fairness and level reporting etc...

    Yes,it is in my literal backyard as I come from that region and can tell you that the other countries commentators don't 'report' like this...

    The Czech commentators would never go to that low level,regardless if it is hockey or soccer...Or whatever other sport they could 'brag' about....

    They would get fired.

    These guys from TSN and/or any other TV Canadian station aren't reporters,they are hard-core Canadian hockey team fans on a free vacation trip paid for by their Station...

    They contradict their comments on continues bases,from minute to minute,depending if it serves their personal 'view of the world'.....
  13. Babbleon ! from Canada writes: Stick to soccer MK it sounds like you are a little over your head when it comes to hockey!
  14. Babbleon ! from Canada writes: Proud Canadian don't be so juvenile!
  15. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: You know the Czechs have 2 number one sports in their country of the size of southern Manitoba...{or Golden horseshoe}...

    Soccer in summer and hockey in winter,with the same fans switching back and forth....
  16. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: I can tell you that had the Czechs won 3:0 instead,all we would be hearing would be anlysys on how the 'Canada outplayed the opponent and outshot them'....

    All I am saying is if you want respect,you have to be fair in reporting from a competition such as World Cup...

    Canada played okay...I can't believe the Czechs couldn't score on even 9 powerplays etc...?

    Maybe they will play each other again,before this is over!!!!!!
  17. Babbleon ! from Canada writes: MK you are talking nonsense,the Czech team is nowhere near the talent of Canada,this is Canada's first game they will get stronger.
    For the Czechs sake you better hope they don't meet Canada later on!
  18. Ross Gilmour from Canada writes: I think you should be biased when in comes to your national team. Not that many people are cheering against them it's the same way the vancouver sun is biased towards the canucks. Not many people care because its the home team.
  19. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: I am not kidding and/or making this up...

    Every country at every WC or Olympics wishes for Canada to be out of the tournament...and any tournament they ever go to.

    If they played such a great hockey,I don't think that that would be the case.

    You don't see fans in soccer,hoping that Brazil is out of any tournament,because they are truly the best soccer players and and a joy to watch playing...

    Canadian answer to everytime any team exposes their weaknesses...{i.e: basics of hockey skills} is let's start playing our 'Canadian' game,let's start playing dirty,hurt players,go around cross-check into the boards,charge at players,do dangerous high sticks and intimidate the opponent etc....I don't find that particularly admirable.

    You never hear anybody urging Canada to outplay the other team?Why?

    Even if Canada does win another medal,all fans will go home disappointed about the hockey game they saw.

    I don't care what bullshit the TSN commentators will saturate the airwaves with....

    I am telling you as someone from another country,I can not listen to it!!!!!!!!

    You would never find propaganda and self-serving bullshit about Canadian hockey in any other country,newpapers or commentaries!!!!!!!!!
  20. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: Check the stats and history from reliable sources and you will see that it happened many times before!!!!!!!!!!!
  21. ray ittac from Canada writes: MK..that's where your problem is. 'fair in reporting'????? They are not reporting. Don't apply journalistic rules of objectivity to sports play by play guys! That is a ridiculous restriction to people who are hired to cater directly to a specific audience: canadians! If they are offering commentary to a global audience...perhaps. But they aren't...so you really don't have much of an argument there. Like I said before, tune them out!
  22. Babbleon ! from Canada writes: MK I really hope none of the players get hit in the head by the STUPID fans throwing bottles on the ice. Do you people really understand the game of hockey or are you just a bunch of drunks on a night out?
  23. Quellcrist Falconer from Canada writes: MK Euro 2008

    Please... I've been watching the International play for the past 5 years in Europe. I was living in Paris and went to a Canadian bar that went out of their way to show hockey (TGC Paris). All kinds of fans (Czechs, Swedes, Russians) would come out watch the games. To a person if anyone was beating Canada these people were the most miserable sore-winners I have ever met. Bunch of bitter whiners for the most part (especially the Swedes). Although, I can say the Finns were classy and good company.

    BTW, The brand of hockey played by the Euros has a lot of stickwork that is much worse than the hard Canadian play.
  24. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: The biggest stars in NHL are mostly from Europe. Nobody says that Canada isn't competative.They have a good development junior programs etc... What the problem is that you aren't objective in describing Canadian players,hockey system and the style of play. If you loose ability to be objective and impartial then you have loose the ability to improve. You know that the second half of the NHL teams are below average of European hockey clubs and the players come here,just because of the money they can make. So,don't let this imbalance and scued perspective blind you.The whole broadcast was centered about Canadians being 'victims' of the referees and being 'punished for being strong'... Those are insults to the opposite teams,the host country and every fan everywhere...By the way the empty water bottles are plastic...I hope as well that they 'don't injure' the 'exotic flowers' who avoid all the contact on the ice...God forbid that an empty plastic container sailed on someone,who just brutalized anothe player with a vicious charge and boarding. You guys only know how to 'dish it out' but can't 'take' it back.... When the Czechs won every gold medal at every Junior and Senior World Cup and the Olympics,you never heard that discussed during any games and/or broadcasts. So,let's hope that this tournament will be great,that both Canada and Czechs will play each other again,at last.
  25. A Leading Edge Boomer from Canada writes: Why does security allow Czech fans to bring bottles into the rink? They are known to throw them all the time, so why are they just not banned as they are in most other rinks? Serve drinks on site in paper or plastic cups as is dome in most other places. They are not injurious like bottles are.

    Of course other fans hate the Canadian teams They play tough hockey and win a lot--going for a fourth consecutive gold. European fans do tend to sulk a lot hen their team loses, to anybody, in hockey or soccer. As some one else mentioned, the Finns seem to be the classiest and best sportsmen among European fans.

    The Canadian
    team in
    theSpengler Cup also beat Pardubice of the Czech Republic today. from what I could see on TV, the fans there were much more gracious in applauding the Canadians.
  26. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: Last time I checked a plastic cup of a little beer in Air Canada Centre costs 15$ plus and a family trip to a game will cost in excess of a thousend dollars to see the 'leafs'.....{200$ a ticket}

    So,of course the Czechs aren't allowed to bring in any dangerous objects,however a little water plastic battle,can't hurt anybody,regardless from where it is thrown from...

    I don't agree with them throwing anything,eventhough it's a tiny minority,of course...

    I would take them{those throwers could watch it in a sports bar} and the TSN bubble heads/brainwashed cheerleaders and kick them out of the ice arenas overthere. They could do the 'play by play' from Toronto.
  27. A Leading Edge Boomer from Canada writes: Full water bottles can injure. Not all the ones thrown are empty from what we are told.

    When you say that when the Czechs had that run of winning the Olympics , the worlds and the juniors, it was never mentioned or discussed , you are dead wrong Mk. It was mentioned a lot in the Canadian media and on hockey telecasts. It was also discussed as to what Canadian hockey had to do to win again. Lessons were learned and we are doing better on the international scene again, as shown by Canada's recent record at the junior championships and the worlds.

    Canadian fans cheer for their team, and we do discuss the type of play , and let Hockey Canada know if we feel that our team is not playing well on the international level. We are very critical when they do not perform and very lavish in our praise when they do ( and win). Today, we can be lavish.
  28. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: MK.... You sound awfully bitter.

    I will give you that the outcome could have been a lot different had it not been for Bernier in the first period. The difference was that Canada came out stronger after that and the Czechs didn't.

    As to your claim that soccer fans at the world cup don't want Brazil out... you are correct. Most soccer fans I know want Italy and the rest of the actors/divers out... and the sooner the better.

    Your complaint about the TSN cheerleaders was answered quite well by Ray Ittac.... but let me add that I can't stand McGuire... but I manage to watch the game and not listen to him.

    Btw; I heard many many comments from the announcers that a penalty was a strange call... both ways. Goaltender getting cross checked and goal tender getting slashed at the other end comes to mind.

    Maybe you can answer a question for me.... Why didn't the Czech team ask the leafs to release Tlusty? I thought that although your team will compete for medals in this tournament they certainly could have used him.

    Anyway.... enjoy the games...

    Prost.
  29. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Wilf Kruggel from Canada writes: The game was most enjoyable but the irksome aspect to these world junior championships is when hearing the names of all the foreign players playing for their respective countries while being on the roster of one of our junior hockey teams. I say, ban all foreign players from playing on our teams and instead, let our eligible juniors play on our junior teams. That's not all, the NHL puts their draft picks on our junior teams while at the same time pay the foreign hockey federations many millions of dollars to pacify those people yet do not pay anything to our junior teams to develope our youngsters. This, folks, I am very bitter about this, but it is wrong. My question has always been, why are we allowing this to happen? Stop it now!

    -----------------------------------------

    First of all Wilf... the Canadian Junior leagues do get compensated for drafted prospects. Maybe Allan Martel would know how that one works. Has always been so as far as I know.

    There is also a limit on the number of "imports" the Junior teams can use.

    Cheers
  30. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Billy Biroux from Polar Bear Pit, Nunavet, Canada writes: Gee MK.
    Shut out in front of a sellout crowd in your own backyard.
    Even with the horrendous refereeing trying to help you win.

    ----------------------------------

    I didn't see it that way Billy. Although the refereeing was certainly not up to the standards we in North America have come to expect.... I thought is was both fair and consistent. Remember... a lot of the referees in Europe come from a soccer background.... where falling on the ground and pretending your dead pays big Euros.

    Btw: When they announced at the beginning of the game that they were trying the two ref system for the first time.... my dad said "about time".... I said "yes... now twice as many bad calls".

    Cheers
  31. Jake ---- from Canada writes: MK Euro 2008 Czechs, I do agree with your comment on TSN and Peirre Mcguire, that guy is the worst thing to happen to this tournament. But what I don't agree with is your opinion on hockey. You are compleatly clueless when it comes to the game. The Czechs got a favorable shot count because they are the home team. All the czechs shots were from way out where canadas steller goal tending will stop that every time. The Czechs flopped all over the ice, like the soft hockey players that they are. Plus your dislike for the canadas junior progeam is compleate none sence because as you probably know the czechs have 12 players playing in the CHL. With out these players exposure to our hockey program they would have probably been beat 8-0. Canada was the far better team today, they out played them in all aspects of the game. There were very few secound chance oppertunities surrendered to the czechs and they hit them every chance they got. The one hit from Gilles was clean the only reason there was a penalty called was because the czech player got hurt.

    If you can't take the heat stay out the kitchen and TSN please fire Mcguire he is waste of skin and should go play in the traffic.
  32. Iain's Opinion from Canada writes: Whilst I like hockey and all, this shoiuld be in the sports section
  33. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: You are correct Iain's Opinion... and it is in the sports section.

    It just doesn't belong here among all the political hacks that post 370 odd comments criticizing our PM and our troops after a story quoting Harper as saying "I don't know".

    Intelligent comment can usually only be found where politics isn't.

    Cheers.
  34. Jim IIII from Canada writes: MK Euro 2008 Czechs. .......... MK, the Czechs fans acted the same as they do in a soccer game loss. Poor sportmanship along with a mental deficiency. Must be in their diet??????????????
  35. Jeff Gulley from Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, Canada writes: You nailed it Scot. The Czechs owned the first period, but after Canada adapted and came out strong and hard in the second and third, the Czechs just disappeared (and sorely disappointed my lovely girlfriend).

    MK Euro: there was nothing dirty about that game. The fans were freaking out at every play as mundane as a Canadian clearing the front of the net (like the beloved Czechs don't do the same thing). Hockey's a contact sport, get over it. The refs did their best to get the Czech team on the board with all the gimme powerplays they got in the third period, but they weren't up to the task. Forget the game, it's over. Move on and concentrate on your next opponent (hint: it's Denmark).
  36. Rick Clare from Oakville, Canada writes: MK Euro

    The announcers are homers, another great Canadian tradition. If you don't like their spin on the game turn the sound off. Simple.

    As to dirty play, wasn't it the Russians and other Euro teams that taught us all about kicking with skates and other sportsman like tricks?

    And as has been said, if it weren't for Czech players developing their skills in the OHL were exactly do you think your boys would be? Ten of your players will be returning to OHL teams when the tourney is finished.

    Cheers
  37. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: You can call me cynical. We are paying the costs for these midget and some overage hockey players to fool around in Czechoslovakia for 11 days. The game was an embarrassment. Players falling down, no skill in the corners etc......Typical of midget hockey with a crew of hyperbolic announcers. I wion't be tuning in again....It is a joke from reffing to skill level.
  38. Jeff Gulley from Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, Canada writes: R.M.: Czechoslovakia doesn't exist anymore...it hasn't since 1993, when the two nations separated into separate Republics. Now it's the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic (or Slovakia).

    As far as the falling goes, I'm convinced the ice here is not up to scratch. The referees were falling as well, in the Canada/Czech game and the Sweden/Slovakia game...and they're grown men. I noticed a lot of unusual falls in and around the boards, so I suspect the board ice maintenance isn't up to snuff.

    However, if you don't want to watch the games, that's up to you. You must have been watching a different game though yesterday, because I thought that the Canada/Czech game was good, intense, and very enjoyable to watch (despite a bit of falling here and there).

    Cheers!
  39. Henry Allen from East Bank, Don River, Canada writes: MK Euro 2008 Czechs, try to be a gracious loser. Some of your points may have been interesting if you had first graciously congratulated Team Canada for winning against a Team Czech that came out hard in the first period and in an arena that was hostile to Team Canada, including throwing bottles. Instead, you choose to be stuck in whining, self-pity and excuses.
  40. Proud Canadian from Canada, Canada writes: Canada Wins in the checks on back yard. Go Canada Go. MK, ur a bitter little man. Now tell me why are all these check players over here in the QMHL? Is there no hockey in check above minor midgets? All they develop are little kids then send them over to Canada to be trained. For them to play hockey. Is there not a system over in check and other places to enable them to stay near home, enjoy the life of a kid? Or just send them over to Canada and let others raise them. Something is wrong here. With this picture. Family is family, or is it different over in Hockey Europe??
  41. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: The problem is that there are 2 different schools of hockey and I don't believe that one is permanently better then the other.....
  42. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: MK Euro... which one wins
  43. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: MK Euro... which one wins
  44. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: I know that you "hate" these comments,but somebody has to do that to shot up your arrogant mouths...

    Focus on hockey and leave all the "supremacy" mantra out of it...None of you are any better then any of the champs overthere,it's just a matter of who got a little more lucky in a game...

    I would watch Czech hockey style any time over unskilled fighting goons,boring grinders hockey style....

Comments are closed

Thanks for your interest in commenting on this article, however we are no longer accepting submissions. If you would like, you may send a letter to the editor.

Report an abusive comment to our editorial staff

close

Alert us about this comment

Please let us know if this reader’s comment breaks the editor's rules and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.

Do not use this to complain about comments that don’t break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.

Back to top