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Canada golden again

TIM WHARNSBY

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 4:58 PM EST 05/01/08

Canada wins its fourth world junior title in a row after nail-biting 3-2 overtime victory over Sweden on Saturday, Tim Wharnsby reports ...Read the full article

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  1. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes:
    thanks G&M - as least you people are providing me with some coverage of an important game...

    i'm sitting here in switzerland with no local nor european tv coverage. been watching cricket and soccer all day and all i want to see is my canucks play a great game of hockey...

    kudos... :-)
  2. Oakville Curmudgeon from Canada writes: Joe Canada - we are all sitting with knots in our stomachs - 7 minutes into the second period.
  3. Alyssa Watson from Canada writes: Go Canada!!!
  4. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: 2-0 1 min to go in 2nd period
  5. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes: oakville guy:

    thanks, i'm having a hernia here. i can't get tv coverage, radio coverage or internet coverage ('cept you guys)... so, i'm shooting pucks right now... here in my living room... into the swedish twine... shoots..............

    and they're going in...

    scores...

    sweet:-)
  6. Oakville Curmudgeon from Canada writes: Second period over. Swedes are waking up. An insurance goal right about now would be beauty.
  7. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes: i just slapped one in my imaginary swedish goal... (on swiss time which is the same as czech time)... and the wife's yelling 'cause i put a puck through the window :-(

    so guess what? it's gonna be a hell of a 3rd...

    keep me informed!

    GO CANADA !!!
  8. Asterix M from Canada writes: GO CANADA.

    Living in France right now and I cant watch the game. That sucks.....

    Internet straming from TSN does not cover outside Canada.

    Too bad for all Canadians living outside of the country.

    2-0 end of second. Good start.
  9. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes: we should start an (nhl) hockey internet relay to europe!!!
  10. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Go Canada Go. We need an insurance goal. Peeeeeeze, one insurance goal. Go Canada Go. Pedal to the Medal.
  11. Oakville Curmudgeon from Canada writes: Joe Canada - try wwwDOTworldjuniors2008DOTcom Seems to be some live links there. Maybe a Euro feed on the net.
  12. Quellcrist Falconer from Canada writes: Asterix M

    If you are in Paris, check out the The Great Canadian (http://www.tgcparis.com/). Mark and crew go to great lengths to show the games.
  13. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes: thanks... i was all over that link this morning, but they've got this right now:

    http://www.onlajny.cz/detail.php?id=8719&hra=hokej

    GO CANADA!!!
  14. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes: GOAL... wrong team... :-(

    was it a bad penalty call?
  15. Oakville Curmudgeon from Canada writes: I was sure someone would have a real-time log.

    These kids need to regroup after that Swede goal. 12 minutes to go.
  16. C C from Canada writes: 'I'm sitting here in switzerland with no local nor european tv coverage. been watching cricket and soccer all day and all i want to see is my canucks play a great game of hockey..'

    You can watch the game from free via an internet stream on SopCast.
  17. Larry Robinson from white Rock, Canada writes: Goal ... wrong team. Our guys haven't had a shot for ten minutes and the Swedes are skating around them ... where's Bobby Clarke when you need him?
  18. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes: i just had a hernia...
  19. Alyssa Watson from Canada writes: Should of called a timeout:( they looked tired 2-2 overtime
  20. Paul, Bytown, from Canada writes: Mason sucks!!! What the hell was he doing 5 feet out to the side of his net. Idiot!!!!
  21. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes: wtf? the swedes get a goal at 59:22? couldn't you have just iced the puck?

    oh man... i'm doing a double hernia and putting 2 in the net...
  22. Country Canada from Canada writes: just got in and watched the last 6 minutes of 3rd. Swedes outplaying canada, and now tie....hope canucks catch their second wind in OT.
  23. ray ittac from Canada writes: Hats off to sweden for a great third period. A needed break now and hope that Canuck speed up front works. Tavares???
  24. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver and Elsewhere, Canada writes: Goodness! for most of the 3rd period that looked like our 'Nucks defending a 2-1 lead.

    Joe Canada from Switzerland: the root of the problem is we DID ice the puck with less than a minute to go.
  25. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    2 different Canada teams-the one in the first 2 periods and the one in the third-they stopped skating.....but i never knew the Swedes had that much heart......

    Go Canada...but whatever happens, thanks again for another holiday treat...fun to watch the youngsters play for the love of the game.
  26. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes: CANADIAN eh?

    gotta love our jr's !!!

    :-) sweet
  27. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: we won!!!!
  28. diane marie from Canada writes: They did it! Good for them.
  29. Jason Thorne from Vancouver, Canada writes: Sweet, Canada just won gold. I just watched the OT goal on tv.
  30. R L from Canada writes: THE GOLD MEDAL IS OURS!!!

    The order of the universe is maintained!
  31. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    They score!!
  32. Oakville Curmudgeon from Canada writes: WOW - Golden Boys
  33. Alyssa Watson from Canada writes: Yay!!!
  34. Oakville Curmudgeon from Canada writes: What a fabulous game. With a 4th period sudden death it was anybodies game. Congrats to the Swedes for a hell of a game.
  35. joe cormorant from Canada writes: Wow- that sucks. The canadian has to sit on the Swedish goalie to score. Good thing they have the crease rule in international hockey, too bad they don't use it. Crappiest goal in the tournament.
  36. Mark armstrong from writes: Yay!...but what a garbage goal. ;-)
  37. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes: thanks to all for your tips during the game!

    enjoy gold canada! you make me proud! :-)
  38. Nicole S. from Canada writes: Congrats boys! One more gold medal for Canada! Great game by the Swedes there, I was very nervous during that third period/overtime!
  39. Stephen Dedalus from Canada writes: I was just thinking about how Canada couldn't get anything going in the offensive zone in OT, and the Swedes were skating better. I think that's what the poor Swedish goalie was thinking as he was lying on the ice after the goal . . .
  40. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver and Elsewhere, Canada writes: well there can't be much doubt about which were the 2 best teams in this tournament.
  41. Canadian Eh from Canada writes: Congrats Team Canada! It was a nail-biter, literally. I think mine are bitten to the quick. Also, congrats Team Sweden, you were excellent. What a great series. We're very proud of 'our' boys.
  42. True North from Canada writes: CONGRATULATIONS TEAM CANADA!!!!
  43. Houston Pfeffer from Toronto, Canada writes: GO TEAM CANADA!!!!
  44. Oakville Curmudgeon from Canada writes: Joe Cormorant - the goal was within the rules. It was Golden. It was great. Let the rest of us, the fans, enjoy it.
  45. Subhadeep Chakrabarti from Edmonton, AB, Canada writes: Congratulations, Team Canada ! I am so happy and proud today ! Well done !!
  46. sha nig from writes: Um, this article is ahead of itself. I'm reading about the playing of Oh Canada, but I'm watching it on TV and it hasn't happened yet.
  47. Billy Biroux from Polar Bear Pit, Nunavet, Canada writes: Amazing. Four in a row. Seven straight years in the gold medal game.
    Despite the rest of the world getting better in hockey, we still come out on top.
    Cheers to the juniors.
    And special cheer to that brunette helping to present the medals!
  48. True North from Canada writes: C C from Canada writes:

    You can watch the game from free via an internet stream on SopCast.

    ***

    That's an awesome tip - thanks CC!
  49. MJ Patchouli from Regina, Canada writes: Well done, boys! Your shining beaming happy faces YELLING our national anthem with pride -- well, you've made my own motherly heart shine today.

    Congratulations!
  50. Dan L from Canada writes: Paul, Bytown, wrote:

    'Mason sucks!!! What the hell was he doing 5 feet out to the side of his net. Idiot!!!!'

    It was a six on five Paul, not much Mason could do on it, so I suppose the saves Mason made in OT sucked too right?..........

    joe cormorant wrote:

    'Wow- that sucks. The canadian has to sit on the Swedish goalie to score. Good thing they have the crease rule in international hockey, too bad they don't use it. Crappiest goal in the tournament.'

    I see you're back to showcase your ignorance Joe, I'm pretty sure all you know about the game can be written on the head of a very small pin! Since you didn't get the message in the Canada vs USA forum yesterday here it is again:

    THE OFFICIATING WAS NOT A FACTOR IN THE OUTCOME OF THE GAME!! Canada simply out played the swedes in three out of four periods.
  51. V. Gr from Canada writes: GO CANADA!!! So proud, the young players are all so adorable in their adoration of this great country of ours!
  52. Vox Veritas from Montreal, Canada writes: Well done guys, four gold in a row is an oustanding achievement!!!!
  53. Neil W. Humphrey from Vancouver, Canada writes: 4 Peat for Canada. What a team!!!

    Bring on #5 in Ottawa!!!!

    Ps joe cormorant from Canada, notice that the Swede players didn't object as they knew it was a good goal.
  54. Bergeil DeBungie from Victoria, Canada writes: In overtime no less, way to go boys!!! Woot woot!!!
  55. James C. from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: glad to hear the outcome. too bad i never saw any of the games, but hopefully next year..... :-)
  56. Greg Atkin from Canada writes: To the first poster: It demonstrates how nobody cares about hockey. No media coverage in Europe, nobody in the stand except Canadians. Empty arenas all over the US at NHL games. NCAA hockey is doing quite well however so there is some interest.
  57. L.B. MURRAY from Canada writes: Congrats ! Scary 3rd period where the Swedes looked so much fitter ... Short and sweet in overtime for Canada. Thanks, guys!!
    -
  58. E A from Canada writes: Well then Greg, I hope someone tells the Swedish players who cried after the OT goal (not knocking the Swedes, good hockey players if a bit grabby) not to worry, as Europeans they're not supposed to care about hockey anyway!
  59. Greg Atkin from Canada writes: I just read Joe Comorant's comments and I agree with him Two lucky goals for Canada or at least two garbage goals. People don't want to see this crap and maybe that's why the game is slowly dying. So there's 9,000 plus in London Ontario every night. They're 2 hours away from any other pro sport in Toronto or Detroit.
    I think the world agrees with you Joe ; just a few folks with their sticks in a knot around here desperately trying to cling to glory.
    C'mon folks the attendance numbers don't lie. This was a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL and the place was empty. There were the Canadian fans and the others attended to get a glimpse of those hotties in the black dresses.
  60. ray ittac from Canada writes: Ahhhhhhhh...feels good. I must admit to some rough language in my basement during the third period. Hartsburg should have called a time out somewhere with about 3 or 4 minutes left to try to calm things down a bit. I don't think our guys made more than 2 consecutive passes in the last 14 minutes and that cost them. Full credit to Sweden for not giving up once again and almost pulling out a second victory. Still think it is a shame to give this series to a host that has little interest in hockey. So many empty seats they had room to spread that huge flag. The US Russia game had a ton of seats too. Hope that isn't the case in Ottawa and I do not think it will be. Congrats guys!!!!!
  61. F/A josquin from van, Canada writes: Oh please, who gives a crap--------it's just a game, and this misplaced tribalism is depressing me.

    The front page??? tell me again why we are going to hell in a hurry.

    Yah they played well and should be proud of the exertion, but that is where it should end.

    Sports fans take it all too far-----it's just a game.
  62. Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes: AHHH!!!

    Feels so gooood!

    Canada is hockey! Hockey is Canada!!

    Congrats to all!
  63. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes:
    umm greg?

    why not let the rest of us hockey-loving people (wherever in the world we happen to be) enjoy the game and a lovely win for our country?

    seriously... try lawn-bowling greg.
  64. ray ittac from Canada writes: No Greg...this was a world JUNIOR championship and perhaps that is the reason the seats were empty. If it was Canada/Sweden in the final and it was in Czeckland, people would have paid to see the Crosby, Alfie, Sundin, Pronger, etc etc ensemble play. Those names have market value. Our juniors do not. This is definitely a homer series. It's like NCAA basketball and March madness. Never buy tickets in advance for the Big East final. Go there and wait for teams to get knocked out and watch their fans dump primo seats for beer money.
    After their team is out, they do not care. As for "desperately trying to cling to glory". That comment doesn't even fit in your argument. People do not have to justify their TV viewinbg habits to anyone else. They come here, post a few comments supporting their teams and feel better about it. I have never been able to figure out why so many people feel threatened by other people's joy!
  65. Jeff Gulley from Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, Canada writes: What a great experience...I'll remember this tournament my whole life :-)

    Great work Canada. Excellent job by Sweden again to come back in the third. I thought our boys had learned their lesson...that intermission was the best thing that could have happened to them.

    Got some great shots and video from the arena...up close and personal....they brought the cup into the stands for us fans to see too!!

    Congratulations Russia and Sweden...HUGE Congratulations to Canada...great show gentlemen!!!
  66. ray ittac from Canada writes: F/A....LOLOLOLOL...you're back in a room where once again you state you don't care about. Are you an obsessive hater or lacking for a real hobby. tell you what. I will help you. Scroll to the top of the page. Click on 'national' or 'world' or 'report on business' and you will actually find something you might be more interested in. LOL...but you;ll be back. Secretly, deep down inside, you love us.
  67. L. W. from Greener Pastures, Canada writes: Ray Ittac,

    Ottawa is almost sold out already. Canadians tend to understand Junior hockey more than the Europeans. We look at it as the future of the NHL. The Europeans on the other hand don't get to see their juniors come along. They are scooped up by North American teams. The OHL arenas draw very well. They draw the real fans as opposed to those that go to an NHL game for the bragging rights of paying $200.00 plus for a ticket. People in Toronto would do well to try and find their way beyond the city limits and get out into some of our grass roots hockey towns.
  68. Michael Mitchell from Canada writes: Greg, agreed. This was a world championship. How can that building not be filled? Ever see the crowds at world track events in Europe? Crazy. The sport has some issues. I'm not sure what the solutions are. Too many NHL teams, too many U-S cities, too long a season. I was a rabid fan with the Original Six - and even the first expansion in '68. At 53, a life-long Wings' fan, I can't watch a full game until the spring. Not interested. What has to happen?
  69. A Leading Edge Boomer from Canada writes: Greg--no attendance at junior hockey games in Europe is not due to deterioration in the quality of the game --junior hockey never drew any fans in Europe in the first place--not ever----in fact a gather that junior versions of such sports as soccer do not draw well either--the Euro fans seem only interested in the senior level of spectator sport-

    But that is not true in Canada--so London draws 9000 for junior hockey and there is no pro team--in Ottawa we also draw such crowds for "Ottawa 67's" Junior Hockey and sell out Scotiabank Place for the NHL as well. Hockey in Canada is drawing bigger crowds, and bigger TV watching then ever.

    Vancouver/Kellina set a record attendance of 375000 for the WJHC. Ottawa will go well over 400000. More than 320000 tickets have been sold already.

    Congratulations to both Team Canada and Team Sweden on a great and entertaining game.

    See y'all in Ottawa on Boxing Day.
  70. ray ittac from Canada writes: I'm not sure Michael...does all the world have to love hockey. A track event in Toronto might draw my uncle and his neighbour. Soccer in Canada historically draws poorly. No pro volleyball here. I don't think we need to despair that some markets do not draw hockey crowds well but I do question why we need to place a tournament there.
  71. Dan L from Canada writes: Great, now we have a new no-nothing displaying his ignorance of the game, listen Greg Atkin, you obviously wouldn't know a good goal if it bit you in the a$$, why don't you and the rest of the hockey hating grinches go whine somewhere else!

    I don't give a hoot about say......... cricket but that doesn't mean I feel obliged to get on forums catering to it's fans and make pissy comments about it! You don't like hockey? fine, then leave the fans of the game here alone and go comment on a forum for something you like!
  72. Ken H from Germany writes: I really hate to hear that there were empty seats. Shortly before Christmas I thought of going, but the tournament passes were "sold out", so I thought that I wouldn't be able to get tickets for any interesting games. Hell, I live in Berlin, so it would have been easy to get there. Can't believe the gold metal game had empty seats.

    Damn.
  73. ray ittac from Canada writes: Actually Dan L. ...if you read Greg's post properly, he read Joe C.'s blog and got the idea from him. Until then , he didn't notice. So if you want to argue, skip the middleman and go straight to Joe C. At least he has his own arguments.
  74. francis mercer from Canada writes: bravo!! bravvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvooooooooooooooo!!
  75. Rob C from Canada writes: They squeaked by a pretty good team. I gather Canada will do better next year in Ottawa - 10 boys will be coming back with this experience under their belt.

    Good news for the NHL that Sweden can compete with the best. So can finland - The US looked weak & that's fine with me - they're cocky jerks, as usual.
  76. Dan L from Canada writes: ray ittac wrote:

    "Actually Dan L. ...if you read Greg's post properly, he read Joe C.'s blog and got the idea from him. Until then , he didn't notice."

    Well Ray that's just a bigger indictment of Greg's post. Makes one wonder if he even watched the game? If he simply based his post on Joe's verbal diarea ............ shame on him. We all know by now that Joe either doesn't know a thing about the game or simply enjoys crapping all over Team Canada. I watched the entire game & none of the goals scored by EITHER side was anywhere near being a "crap goal"
  77. Babbleon ! from Canada writes: Greg Atkin agrees with Comorant,that says it all,ding and dong trying to analyze Canada's 4th straight gold medal.
  78. Ken H from Germany writes: One comment: why do we care what the rest of the world thinks about hockey? It our game and we love it. Do the Japanese care if nobody outside Japan love Sumo? No. We don't need to worry about it ... really. I don't care if the NHL fails in the US. I don't care if nobody knows hockey in Germany. I love the passion that my country feels about it and that's enough. We don't need to justify our loves by everyone else's acceptance.
  79. francis mercer from Canada writes: why don't you as.....S just enjoy the WIN!!!!
  80. A Leading Edge Boomer from Canada writes: That was supposed to be "Vancouver/Kelowna" in my earlier post----my apalogies--err, apologies-- to BC hockey fans...I am the typo King!
  81. ray ittac from Canada writes: Bingo to ken H........Hey Francis, i am enjoying the win!!
  82. ray ittac from Canada writes: Ah well, nice to see the naysayers are in hiding. Well FA and MK and GA, I know you're reading but staying quiet. I'm off to do some paperwork. Nice day for it!
  83. j wilson from Vancouver, Canada writes: Greg Atkin? Havent heard from you since you were crapping on the Spengler Cup team. Now youre crapping on kids who just won a gold medal.

    Parents must be proud of you.
  84. Marc Chasseur from Snowdon, QC, Canada writes: Good lord, the attention this third-rate tourney gets in Canada.

    Folks, this event is completely ignored by the rest of the hockey-playing world (and for good reason). Perhaps we should rally around the flag for an international sporting event that actually matters; we look like a bunch of simpletons for the attention we lavish on this piece of TSN marketing hype.
  85. L. W. from Greener Pastures, Canada writes: Marc,
    Go back to watching paint dry, AKA soccer.
  86. Jean Bon from Ste-Cecile-de-Masham, Canada writes: Congrats to Canada! You guys played a great tournament, and even though some doubted you could win again after that Sweden loss, you rebounded and played great.

    Sweden also deserves kudos.. they were a great team, and if they showed up for 60 minutes instead of 20 like they did for their last games, they would now be holding a gold medal. Still, they were a great team.

    As a Québecois who was a neutral fan watching this game, it was great entertainment! congrats to both teams!
  87. Al Tholl from writes: Armchair quarterbacking sure bothers me. It's really easy to be right and know what needs to be done when you're up in the stands or in the easy chair holding a beer in your hands. Congratulations to coach Hartsburgh for making the decision to go with Mason and to Mason for proving him right. That doesn't stop me from feeling sympathy for Bernier, I hope he goes on to have and enjoy a great career. Kudos to the Swedish team, they were skating around and through us in big waves that 3rd period. I'm still not sure quite how we managed to win, the momentum was totally with the Swedes when the game suddenly ended. Congratulations to our juniors, you did it again and made Canada proud.
  88. Al B from Toronto, Canada writes: It's good Canada won. But it is obvious that only Canadians care about the tournament. It's like curling. Sure it's great to win but some people here look like first rate navel gazers. It's no big fun to be 'world' champions when the 'world' is limited to four countries. But I'm glad we won.
  89. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Congrats Team Canada!!!

    Why don't we just make Halifax the permanent site of the World Junior Championship?

    Proven Successful Venue! Great "Town." Perfect venue for a non-professional major sporting event. Guaranteed success-Guaranteed sellout of all games at MetroCenter (10,000)

    Easy access for NHL scouts-Great people-Great Seafood-Great bars-Few problems- Affordable-Great volunteers-Quietly bilingual.

    Fresh Ocean Air-Point Pleasant Park walk/run trails on the ocean-Privacy respected (ask Bruce Willis or Harrison Ford or......).....easy downtown docking access for your yachts......Casino for other entertainment.

    EVERYTHING mentioned within a 20 minute walk!!

    Anything else you need to know?

    .
  90. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: SWEET...Nice job Canadian Juniors. Those Swedes don't give up and an exciting game turned into a nail-biter. GO CANADA GO
    I really like the bigger ice surface.
  91. Babbleon ! from Canada writes: Marc from Quebec I know you are mad because Bernier was not the hero but read Ken H post then you will understand, maybe you will have to read it twice!
  92. Billy Biroux from Polar Bear Pit, Nunavet, Canada writes: Al B.
    What are you talking about?
    There are 6 or 7 competetive hockey nations.
    And probably 6 or 7 at the second level.
    What other sport can boast that?
    BAseball? No.
    Basketball? Maybe.
    American football. Never.
    Outside of soccer, and maybe rugby and cricket, hockey is right up there.
    And really. Why do you care what other people think?
    We care. And thats all that should really matter. Right?
  93. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: So,nobody can say that Canada wasn't treated fairly and got what they deserved...

    I am proud of my country,The Czech Republic,while being disadvantaged in many ways to put a first class tournament again,as always....

    Everytime,the tourney is there,it takes on another meaning to me,anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Greta for the Juniors to do great in the Worlds in hockey....

    Soccer isn't good,because Canada hasn't got the population????.....Come on...

    It's all about love,passion and commitment.

    If soccer were to be treated the way hockey is in Canada,Canada could be a power house in that as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  94. F/A josquin from van, Canada writes: no Ray, who says. " F/A....LOLOLOLOL...you're back in a room where once again you state you don't care about. Are you an obsessive hater or lacking for a real hobby. "

    Just grumpy today, and am taking it out on one of my favourite venues---- sports fans. There were no articles on the religious today is all, and had to get something off my chest.
  95. George BrownIII from Christmas Island writes: GRRRRRRRRRR the %^&(nhl is not broadcasting any junior games on their network on the equally &&*dishnetwork, gotta get myself a grey dish here in the US just to watch the CBC & Hockey Night in Canada.
  96. Babbleon ! from Canada writes: You are right MK you need passion and love for the game to become world class. Canada will never become world class in soccer, we play the game but that is all we do is play it's not our culture nor is it in our blood. The Europeans and S Americans will always dominate the soccer world and Canadians will play soccer to keep in shape for hockey!
  97. Al B from Toronto, Canada writes: Bill Biroux, let's see, there's only Canada, US, Russia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Finland, Slovakia who can field a decent team. Of these only say four can realistically go for gold. Maybe they should rename it the white guy world championship or something. Cricket is limited to a few countries too. But at least it's more spread out geographically and ethnically. It's still a major bore though. Like I say it's not as good to be king of the little hill than king of the big hill. Just a matter of perspective, not of 'what others think'.
  98. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: I think it's a disaster to conclude that and leave as such....

    It's a travesty for the players,for the beings investing their future into it....

    I think,really,that one of the richest countries in the world,such as Canada,we could do both....

    But,love and passion is the difference,I agree....
  99. Billy Biroux from Polar Bear Pit, Nunavet, Canada writes: Wrong Al B,
    Of that list, 6 can and have won world championships.
    Then theres the up and coming countries.
    Switzerland, Germany, Latvia, Kazakstan.
    Thats what, 10 good hockey countries.
    Name me another sport outside of soccer and rugby that can claim that?
    And don't include those American league's who try to claim themsleves "world champions". Is there anything more ridiculous then that?
  100. Al B from Toronto, Canada writes: I hate it whenever someone says something like 'hockey is in our blood'. Not it isn't. I can point to many Canadians 'de souche' who coudn't care less. Like everything else, it's cultural, in other words indoctrination. There is no reason why Canadians can't be successful at soccer. We're not a one-trick pony. It's a matter of organization, commitment. Look at Australia who've emerged as a soccer power. Countries like Sweden and the Czech Republic with half the population of Canada have always fielded competitive soccer teams as well as good hockey teams.
  101. Al B from Toronto, Canada writes: Bill Biroux, uh uh, only Canada, US, Russia and Czech Republic have a shot at winning. And I wouln't call Kazazstan or Latvia or Germany a 'good' hockey team. But we'll have to agree to disagree on that.
  102. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Congrats Canada!

    R. Carriere, I like your thinking.
  103. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: I agree wholeheartedly,only 6 countries can win the Senior Men's WC and/or the Olympics...{include Sweden and Finland}

    Canada should be outhere kicking everybody's butt in soccer,vs places in Concacaf,impoverished places that have no "running water"

    Places,such as Haiti,Dom. rep.,Jamaica, etc.....Canada shouldn't be loosing vs them....
  104. Marie Wozniak from Canada writes: I have to admit that I was rather disgusted by the way our players conducted themsevles post-win. Something has got to be said for athletes who can be gracious in both defeat and victory - I saw neither in both their loss to Sweden, nor their win in the finals. I am a great hockey fan, but couldn't help but seeing these young boys as bafoons, screaching around the rink without the class to be able to skate over to their opponents and congragulate them on a game (or tournament) well played. In many other sports this is the norm - tennis (or all court based games) soccer, basketball, football I see players of opposing teams coming together to shake hands, trade jerseys, or just slap one another on the back and let them know the game was well played. I was embarassed with how these young men conducted themselves. I expected more.
  105. Billy Biroux from Polar Bear Pit, Nunavet, Canada writes: Al B.
    CAnada is a "one trick pony" when it comes to sports?
    Name me one other country who holds more then one world championship in major team sports?
    You can't. Because there isn't one.
    So whats your point except to whine?
  106. Al B from Toronto, Canada writes: Bill Biroux, where did I talk about winning championships? Canada can be competitive in soccer, not winning the World Cup. Whining? Ha.
  107. Al B from Toronto, Canada writes: And England have won the Soccer and Rugby world cups. And maybe Cricket too.
  108. Steve . from Western Canada, Canada writes: That was an awesome game. It's too bad there has to be a loser. The Swedish team was very impressive this year. All in all, I'd say it was a good tournament with the exception of a few of the calls. The Swedish penalty in the first for interference (I think) was rediculous. Too many times the players are penalized for being tough and playing the game. The officiating is getting better every year but they still have room to loosen up a bit. It's nice that Canada won but it's even nicer that this year all the teams were strong and it made for a very entertaining tournament. Thanks to all the players from all the countries.
  109. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: The one good thing was that the 400 Canadian military personal came over form Germany and Holland to watch,{before the guys get shipped to Afganistan}....To Pardubice....Beautifull drive,in winter and summer[Summer better}

    Czech Rep. is in the geographical exact middle of Europe,they are members of European Union and NATO as well and the Shenegan Agreement....

    Czechs are also involved in Afganistan,Iraq and Bosnia.....Mostly serving with the other small groups such as Canada....
  110. Babbleon ! from Canada writes: Marie have you seen when the Czech's won the World juniors in the eighties the whole team were on their knees going around the rink. Every team has their own way of celebrating let the kids have their fun they deserved it!
  111. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: I think from re-watching this that the Canadians did nothing improper,being a hockey team....Handled themselves just great!!!!!!!!!

    That angle is "passe" to me.....

    I have a calendar of the Czech accomplishments that will not get mentioned etc...

    But....This is Canadian night.....

    I am really proud of my country{Czech Republic} that put this on......
  112. MK Euro 2008 Czechs..... from Canada writes: I read the release from Steven Harper...

    The greatest show of friendship that we have between the Countries is that we have a free travel agreement,no Visa between Czechs and Canadians.....

    I hope the situation that was pretty nasty when Chretien was the PM is all over......

    One really good thing was there were 12 Canadian little kids teams playing Christams tournaments,in Czech and some came to watch the WC.....

    Right now,there has to be 5 thousend Canadians in the Czech republic....all having great time,just for hockey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Millitary,kids,families,friends,just norma