J.T Miller leads the 2013 USA World Juniors Team this year |
Hockey fans have had a rough go of it this winter, watching their beloved NHL embarrass itself by forgetting about the fans and the money they could make in favor of pride and arrogance. The owners are to blame, the players are to blame and of course Gary Bettman is to blame. Unfortunately for anyone who still has an ounce of optimism for a league that is locked out for the third time in under 20 years; it ain't gonna happen. It's time to get over it, hope your NFL team is playing well and pick up an NBA team for the spring. Or if you're such a diehard, go out and find some AHL TV package, though I'm not sure that's available even in these desperate times. However, there is a shining light for those craving for some high quality, exciting hockey. Enter the World Junior Hockey Championship.
I will say that most hockey fans do know about the World Juniors tournament, but if you don't get to know it as soon as possible. The 2013 Tournament began today and will conclude on Saturday, January 5. Unique to this year's tournament (thanks to the lockout), every player that is eligible to play for their respective countries will play. Usually a few exceptional players miss the U-20 tournament because they have already become official pro athletes. With no NHL commitments, this tournament will showcase the best of the best and it must not be missed.
For Americans, the US team finished in an embarrassing fashion last year, failing to escape pool play. This year USA started off (today) by destroying the host country Germany 8-0. But what makes this tournament so exciting to watch is two things. One, these players are either 20 years old or younger, which makes their emotions run high and their passions explode on every big play. Two, these games are wide open, with games often concluding in scintillating 5-4 or 6-5 fashion. The game is fast, much like the NHL playoffs, and momentum isn't just an beliefe it's a basic pillar of this tournament.
While the Canadians are usually the favorites, USA has been extremely productive in the underdog role. Most recently in 2010, the United States captured its second gold medal ever by coming out of nowhere to shock the Canadians on their home ice. Here in the 2013 season, the US is once again a big underdog with only three players with any previous WJC experience.
So if you need to get your hockey fix, the World Juniors can give you a little taste of the wonderful sport. Here is the U.S. TV schedule with every game coming on the NHL Network (live streaming on NHL.com as well):
Thurs, Dec 27, 8 P.M. vs. Germany
Fri, Dec 28, 8 P.M. vs. Russia
Sun, Dec 30, 8 P.M. vs. Canada** MUST SEE TV AS ALWAYS
Mon, Dec 31, 8 P.M. vs. Slovakia
Wed, Jan 2, Quarterfinals TBA
Thurs, Jan 3, Semi-Finals TBA
Sat, Jan 5, Finals TBA
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