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Bernier angry with Hartsburg

TIM WHARNSBY

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 6:42 PM EDT 04/01/08

Canadian junior goaltender furious with head coach's decision to keep Mason in net against the U.S., reports Tim Wharnsby ...Read the full article

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  1. Thumb Sucker from Canada writes: I thought Bernier was a more talented, bigger, and more experienced goalie - but that doesn't mean Mason is a slouch.

    Go Canada!
  2. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Whatever the coach decides, I am with it. My only question on the whole tournament was the lack of play of John Tavares, which has been dealt with in a positive manner. Craig Hartsburg is the coach, I am a big time Canadian, whatever the team does Im 110% with them. Win Lose or Draw, they gave of their Christmas with their families, they grew in a short time as a team, they are a talented bunch of guys, the best Canada has to offer and as a very very proud Canadian who loves his country without doubt, Im with these guys. Go Canada Go. Giver boys, Pedal to the Medal. We love you, we are behind you 110% Go Canada Go.
  3. tom h from Canada writes: Tough call, but he should have gone with Bernier; he had the far tougher tests, and looked pretty good except on that last Swedish goal. However, Mason is certainly talented enough to get it done. (It's the rest of the team that I'm worried about... they haven't been very impressive so far, so here's hoping that playing the US is enough to get them fired up.)
  4. Ian m from New York (via Vancouver), United States writes: The way Canada is playing, they may need to be saved by the goaltender against the US. This is possible....if Bernier had been picked. Hopefully the offence can wake up.
  5. D G from Canada writes: Bernier looked to be the better goalie to me.

    Hartsburg hasn't gotten this team playing to its potential yet, and he may have painted himself into a corner before yesterday's game by saying he was going with Mason. The first goal Mason let in yesterday was the weakest by either goaltender all tournament. He fought the puck a lot that game but it might have been because of that first goal. Here's hoping the whole team steps it up a couple of notches.
  6. P A from Calgary, Canada writes: I've never really paid much attention to the coaching at the WJC, and was not really a Sutter fan, but it's striking how much less than the sum of its parts this team, with 16 returning players from the SuperSeries, seems. The fourth line players--all presumably willing to be role-players--seem to have no role. Marchand on the first line is already doubtful enough, but has he missed a single shift on the power play? Colton Gillies seems to put about three great shifts together every game so he can then be replaced on whatever line he transforms. If Sutter's hurt and can't take key draws, do we not have enough converted centres on this team to place on a line with him in our zone? What was the gambling line doing out on the last minute of the Sweden game after we had just righted the ship? How come nobody mentions that after turning the puck over by trying to create a miracle in a phone booth, Marchand quits on the backcheck and his guy scores? Why did we have two defensemen together in the last minute who don't play together? Does anyone actually pass to Stamkos on the power play? Can someone ask our D to take something off their shots so they can hit the net? How come nobody feels like hitting except Legein and Gilles? This game against the U.S. carries more pressure for Canadian players than any other. What's hardest in these games is that the fear of losing tends to take over from the hunger to win. Bernier seems the coolest of the two. He overplayed the fourth goal but the Swedes had been outplaying and outshooting us for about 30 minutes. Compare that fourth goal to the first in the Finn game. I can see the nervous nellies spreading in waves from the goal on out as period two of the semis draws to a close and the U.S. is banging us and beating us to loose pucks. This will be like an NHL game, and Bernier is that kind of netminder, a man among boys. And will Cybalsky please quit echoing that creepy cop-out "our kids" mantra. This isn't Leave it to Beaver.
  7. D B from Canada writes: After the giving up the first goal in the quarter finals ( a wrsit shot from the blue line), Mason attempted to stop at least 2 other long-range shots on net and failed ... fortunatley those 2 missed the net! Watch for teh AMericans to be taking lots of shots from the nuetral zone and in.
    I would have gone w Bernier, but it's an easy call from my armchair.
    Go Canada Go
  8. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Great picture on the cover of Halifax's Chronicle Herald with local boy Brad Marchand after he scored the winning goal against Finland while John Tavarares sits on the bench...

    What say you now, Mr. Feschuk of the Toronto Star?

    Keep up the great work, Brad!
  9. fuzzy bare from Ontario, Canada writes: D B... If you familiar with playing goal, you would realize that goalies usually position themselves in such a way that if the puck misses the goalie on the short (stick) side, it will also miss the net. The first goal may have started out as a long shot, but it was deflected from nearer the net. If the goalie is positioning to stop a long shot and the puck is deflected, the goalie may have to reverse direction. The faster you move into one side of the net, the harder it is to reverse to the opposite side. Try walking down stairs and just as the bottom foot nears the stair tread, try to reverse the direction of the front foot and bring it back to the tread that the other (top) foot is on. If you don't fall down stairs, you may have an idea how difficult it is, to suddenly reverse direction, something the goalie has to do on a deflection. A deflected puck, especially from in close, is one of the most difficult stops a goalie has to make. That is, if the puck is deflected to an open area of the net.
  10. Mike Mike from Canada writes: One thing I can say is that this is not Sutter's team. Marchand would not see a light of the day after having quit on the turnover (note, not the turn over itself, but the quitting on the play). Sutter Jr. is clearly playing hurt and his dad would not hesistate to bench/replace him since he is not playing his role - that is delivering killer bodychecks.

    This team just looks lousy. Bernier, as unhappy as he is, should have kept his mouth shut, since I am sure as hell this kind of press does not help the team. Hartsburg is not a good coach. Never has been, NHL or otherwise. Ah well... hopefully they will smarten up for the next year.
  11. D B from Brady-to-MossVille, Canada writes: Bernier stated he would "...get up and show character." It's a little late for that, after calling out his coach and teammate one day before the semi-final. This was selfish and immature of Bernier and probably speaks to why L.A. sent him back to junior earlier this season. I hope Mason stands on his head tomorrow and leads Canada into the gold medal game.
  12. Bob Seven from Edmonton, Canada writes: Goalies always want to be the "guy". When you are running a short tournament like this, sometimes you have to go with your gut. While Hartsburg isn't the greatest of coaches, the decision and result will rest with him. If Mason has a stinker of a game and costs them the gold medal match, then Hartsburg should be on the hook for that. As for Bernier, I thought he would have more 'character' than that. There are a lot of 'consumate professionals" out there who will do what it takes for the TEAM.....in case no one noticed, hockey is played by a TEAM, not an individual. He is only 19, and limited experience (a couple of games with the Kings counts you as the undisputed #1????) he should have taken it for what it was and done what he needed to do to become a better team player. I think that Mason has played the better game. Bernier was awful in the 3rd against the Swedes, that is why he isn't playing or getting that "second chance". Other than the goal when it was banked off of him (shouldn't have been turned around like that) I think he deserves to play. That being said, if Canada beats the US but the goaltending isn't steallar, Bernier will get another chance. What is Bernier going to do when he gets benched his first time in the NHL??? Whine and cry, yeah, that will get you places, straight to the minors!!!
  13. Karl Rainer from Nanaimo, Canada writes: What an awful headline. No evidence in the article was given to support the choice of headline words. Bernier seems neither "livid" nor does he appear to be "calling out" Hartsburg. This is standard emotional reaction to a tough decision, especially from a 19-year old who has probably only had a few years of media-training!
  14. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: I agree Karl...truly a pitiful headline. Reading that, I was trying to picture the guy saying it, and for the life of me, could not put "livid" as how I would describe it. This idiiot reporter should remember he is talking about teenagers, who probably red his stuff, before he makes such assinine comments. Or his editor. Whomever. I only hope the players don't have access to the G&M in their hotel.

    Bernier may be the better goalie, but give the Mason kid the chance to redeem himself. Obviously, if he lets in an early softy again, Hartsburg can pull him for Bernier.
  15. Sal Gillespie from Canada writes: AWFUL HEADLINE, which will give a young man a bad reputation he doesn't deserve. Way to go Mop and Pail.
  16. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Nineteen years old and already calling out the coach of the national team...

    Win or lose... The coach's decision should be respected regardless of what the Toronto Star spin doctors or players say...

    Go Canada Go.
  17. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: Let's see what happens tomorrow on the ice vs USA....
  18. Flames Forever from Canada writes: Bernier..another making of a Patrick Roy...all about me to hell with the team...
  19. James De Luxe from Toronto, Canada writes: Completely agree with the comment about the headline. Read the kid's quotes carefully. There is nothing I would call "Livid" in them. Nor does he seem furious. Many of the comments in this forum are clearly more based on the headline than the story or the kid's quotes. Shameful.

    This is really irresponsible journalism. I'm shocked and will be canceling both my subscription and the $4 million plus worth of ads I have scheduled to go in.
  20. Dan L from Canada writes: Karl Rainer, dan vanman are spot on, but then again this is the "Grope and Flail" here, did you really expect a headline that fit the actual article???
  21. John O'Meara from Canada writes: If Bernier wants to play in the NHL he'll have to get used to not playing every game - just look at the Emery / Gerber situation in Ottawa. There's a lot of pressure on goaltenders, and you don't want to make it worse for yourself. You have to be ready to play every game, whether you start or not.
  22. C C from Canada writes: This is going to be Hope Solo-gate Part 2.
  23. Ryan Oliver from Pangnirtung, Canada writes: What exactly makes his comments "livid". While admittedly not the best thing for team Canada right now, I would hardly classify a guy saying...
    "I respect the coach's decision, but it's hard to swallow" as livid. However, I must admit, if the intention was to get peoples attention and have them read the article, it worked on me.
  24. Hilda Micholuk from Calgary AB T2X 3N2, Canada writes: thse guys will bow out tomorrow and not grcefully
  25. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    Just GM spin. These reporters should write for the Hollywood veneer stars.
    This article states he contacted the French Press - who immediately attach the race tag to try for leverage... in any case Bernier has to learn, it is a team game. The coach calls the shots ... it is not about me me me!
  26. Greg Naydiuk from Gresham, United States writes: Had the pleasure of watching Bernier play for Lewiston at the Memorial Cup last spring in Vancouver and he is the real deal - awesome goaltender. Can't say much about Mason because I haven't seen much of his play. That being said - Bernier isn't doing himself and more importantly, isn't doing his team any favors. Sometimes you have to play the official line, suck it up, and respect (...fully disagree) with the coaches choices. I agree that Hartsburg looks like a bit of a twit at this point, but Bernier (and lets remember they are all juniors) is wrong on this one. Imagine the dynamics in the dressing room after Bernier spoke out - not what championship teams are made of. Contrast this with another excellent goaltender, Leland Irving (Everett Silvertips) who backed up Carey Price at the World Juniors last year. Leland never played one minute in the tournament yet all we heard from him was how glad and honoured he was to be representing Canada at the competition. I'm sure he was just as disappointed. I hope I'm wrong on this (because I won't hear the end of it from my counterparts here in the US) but if the Canadian Jrs are defeated by the US tomorrow, there are numerous factors that can be identified as contributors, least of which may indeed be the 'lack of harmony on the bus' that seems to be exemplified through Berniers public comments....not good. Still - GO CANADA GO!
  27. Rob C from Canada writes: This smacks of racism...(kidding). Anyway, I thought Bernier looked weak - or 1/2 asleep on couple of the goals in his loss (that was the difference). To me, go with the guy who didn't lose - a couple of quick bad goals? Make a change - and put some pressure on the whiner.
  28. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Go Canada Go. Giver boys. Pedal to the Medal. Go Canada Go. Lets all get behind these guys this PM and cheer em on. We can do it, we will do it. Be proud countrymen/women. Lets cheer our boys on, make sure they can hear us right across the creek. Go Canada Go. Pedal to the Medal. We love you guys. U make us proud wherever you go. Go Canada Go.
  29. Lyn Alg from Canada writes: Well, there goes Bernier's career crashing down in flames. Why didn't Bernier go directly to Hartsburg and express his displeasure rather than going directly to the press? NHL coaches and GM's, I'm sure, have taken note of his behaviour. So long, Bernier. It's been nice to know ya !
  30. Ian m from New York (via Vancouver), United States writes: what an awful headline.

    Bernier wasn't whining, he was honestly answering a question, in fact his answer was understated.

    Globe and Mail loves this, so they can get the whole "This guy is a whiner just like Patrick Roy" debate going, they do it all the time. (Btw, being "just like" the greatest or second greatest money goalie ever to put on pads is not so bad)

    I think I am going to stay off these boards, this is ridiculous.
  31. Sean O'Reilly from Canada writes: There's no I in team, but one in Bernier.
  32. ray ittac from Canada writes: Really a non-story here. The best goalies are supposed to want to play. I would worry about a goalie who said "Yeah, play the other guy. It's a big game." As for the game, I am looking forward to it and hope it is a close one and hope that Wharnsby tries to stick to the story afterwards and not create one like he tried here. I've heard a couple of doubting Thomases here and there with regards to this years Jr team. Lordie, lordie...if someone would just shut up all those critics of the Canadian hockey program. Win or lose they have created the most successful junior development program in the world and have dominated the global stage for several years. Coach afer coach after coach from abroad have complimented the talent, passion and depth of this program and I for one would like to offer my congrats to all those involved. Go Canada Go!
  33. Michael Mitchell from Belleville, Canada writes: I'll echo some of the thoughtful points made previously. The headline's probably way too alarmist; I didn't "read" anger in the kid's quotes. He's a kid. Not yet media-savvy. He was foolish for going to anyone with a pencil. Kiss of death. Why not confront the coach? This spells disaster for the team heading into today's game. A shame.
  34. earl pearl from Canada writes: Where is the "anger" or how is Bernier "furious". Sounds like disappointment to me.

    And why use the adjective "bilingual" to describe Bernier.

    Bad headlines, bad spin, bad writing.
  35. evelyn robinson from Canada writes: Bernier sounds like a whiner; not a team player. Probably his attitude was the deciding factor.
    poor baby
  36. Ian m from New York (via Vancouver), United States writes: Bernier said nothing that a competitive player would not have said.

    This is Canada's version of yellow journalism
  37. Super Troll from Canada writes: Ah really Ian? Is that bitterness from the US squad choking yet again speaking?

    That's WHY they choke- they're not a team. They're a bunch of individuals looking for the spotlight.
  38. Frank Black from Vancouver, Canada writes: Bernier should be booted off the team imo...

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