Friday, December 23, 2011

WJC Today - 12/23/11

ABOUT LAST NIGHT
Team Canada cruised to a 7-1 victory over Switzerland last night in world junior pre-tournament action.

Devante Smith-Pelly scored twice while Boone Jenner, Mark Stone, Freddie Hamilton, Tanner Pearson, and Ryan Strome added singles. Scott Wedgewood got the win in goal. Moncton Wildcats defenseman Brandon Gormley had two assists.

Here are some Sea Dogs related notes on the game.

  • Playing in his first game since November 5, winger Jonathan Huberdeau didn’t look bad in his debut. Canada plays Sweden tonight, a much tougher opponent. It will be interesting to see how Huberdeau, still not at 100%, stakes up against some stronger competition.
  • Huberdeau started the game on a line with Winnipeg Jets prospect Mark Sheifele and Anahiem Ducks draft choice Devante Smith-Pelly. He had a few scoring opportunities in the opening frame but couldn’t beat Swiss netminder Tim Wolf. Canada led 3-1 after 20 minutes.
  • In the third period at 6:14, Huberdeau threw the puck through the crease while falling. Tanner Pearson was right there to slide it in and make it 6-1 Canada.
  • Huberdeau took a penalty late in the third period after slashing a Swiss player who high-sticked him the face. The call drew plenty of boos from the Red Deer crowd.
  • “I’m not quite there but it was pretty good for not playing for six weeks,” said Huberdeau to the Edmonton Sun. “For me, just getting into a game was a big deal. But for everybody coming north to Red Deer and now getting back on the bus to Edmonton means it’s getting pretty close. I think we’re getting better every day and that we’re going to be ready for the 26th.”
  • Nathan Beaulieu had another solid game and had a few scoring chances. He has played well in both pre-tournament games.
  • Really bizarre seeing Beaulieu, Huberdeau and Gormley playing for the same team.

IN THE NEWS
The Globe and Mail had an article on Thursday comparing Huberdeau and Mark Stone.

CANADA FACES SWEDEN TONIGHT
Team Canada plays their final pre-tournament game this evening against Sweden. Game time is 10:30pm at Rexall Place.

OTHER GAMES
The only other pre-tournament game tonight also features two Sea Dogs as Tomas Jurco and Team Slovakia take on Charlie Coyle and Team USA at 10pm in Three Hills, Alberta. The US is 1-1 in pre-competition play while the Slovaks are 0-1.

VIDEO
Here’s Nike’s newest Team Canada commercial which features a wall caving in on Brandon Gormley.

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