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| The United States is looking to capture it's third Junior gold this year like they did in '04 and '10(pictured). |
For the last few years now I've found myself locked in one on annual tournament. A tournament that few know about let alone watch. That tournament is the World Junior Hockey Tournament. This championship is held every year, unfortunately usually in Canada, and it represents the best under-20 non professional hockey players in the world. Over the last few years it has boasted some of the finest talent from all over the world. Players such as Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, James Van Riemsdyk and John Tavares have made their names known and their presences felt in this tournaments.
For a week in December and a week in January, these top tier young guns leave their junior playgrounds and arrive at a stage that they've really never seen before. What makes these tournaments so special is the intensity of play. I'm not saying the Olympics doesn't bring the best out of the best, but the play of the WHJC is much more wide opened and fast-paced. These kids literally leave it all on the ice, and sometimes let emotion get the best of them. When they make mistakes, they let you know about it via broken sticks, stupid penalties and sometimes tears. The letters across their chest matter, no matter if it's USA, Canada or Sweden. You feel the passion in every hit, celly and win.
But what really separates this tournament from the NHL international tournaments is the style of play. Every player on USA, Canada, Sweden and Russia have been drafted or are about to be drafted, so don't get it twisted, these kids are immensely talented. But the best part? They show it. You see dangles, goals, and saves at a blistering pace. Every seen a 6-5 game in the NHL? Yeah, but rarely. 6-5 is an average game in this tournament. Every single one of those goals is celebrated straight out of the Patrick Kane playbook. Even better is that once you cross the boundary between pool play and elimination play, the games become so intense you feel as if every single one is heading to OT or for a last second goal. Some of the games tournament's past have been considered to be among the greatest hockey games ever played. All of the teams are dangerous and none of them trap. It's like pitting two wild animals in the same cage; no ones stopping until they've rung 7 up on the other.
One of the biggest misconceptions in this tournament comes in the question of which is the greatest rivalry? Is it Sweden vs. Russia? Canada vs. USA? Russia Vs. Canada? Most analysts, especially Canadian ones, will tell you it's Canada vs. Russia because of the amount of times they've matched up in the finals: 8. But the USA vs. Canada rivalry will never be matched. The intensity of games between the border rivals is unmatchable. Whether it was USA's first Junior gold in '04 over Canada, the epic 7-round shootout in '07, the epic New Year's Eve game in '09, or the Carlson' no look OT Winner 6 days later, USA and Canada do not like each other. It does not matter the talent disparity from year-to-year, USA and Canada engage in some of the most passion-infused hockey you'll ever see. Unfortunately for the United States, most of the tournaments are played in Canada or at the US/CAN border, so they're never at home. The Canadian crowd is always a treat, hopping on the boards and go absolutely ballistic for every goal, making the game even that more exciting. Though it is a beautiful sight to see the Canadian crowd silenced by a US snipe.
This year, the United States is pretty young, only bringing back 6 players for this year's tournament. However one of those players is goalie Jack Campbell who will be a three year vet in the tournament and his wall-like tendencies in goal should boost the US's chances.
Unfortunately, because of the United States low interest in the NHL, this tournament doesn't get premium air-time. However, if you do have the NHL Network, I strongly advise you tune into this tournament, you'll get your money's worth for sure.
Here is the USA Tournament Schedule:
Pool Play
December 26th, 8 PM, NHL Network, USA Vs. Switzerland
December 28th, 3:30 PM, NHL Network, USA Vs. Finland
December 30th, 3:30 PM, NHL Network, USA Vs. Czech Republic
December 31st, 8 PM, NHL Network, USA vs. Canada
If you're in an appropriate setting, rage your face off and watch this game. I watched the USA/Canada game in 2010 on New Year's Ever and literally had the greatest time watching it. It's pretty much the best game of the tournament, every year.
Tournament Play
Quarterfinals, Jan 2nd, TBD
Semifinals, Jan 3rd, TBD
Finals, Jan 5th, TBD
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