2011 WJHC-Analysis

The World Junior Hockey Championship is probably the best international hockey tournament ever. It showcased the best young hockey talent that every participating hockey nations have to offer. Although for the past 2 years in a row Canadians have been at the end of heartbreaking results, it still is the best hockey during this time of year.

Sooo what went wrong this year??



Canada's goals for this year tournament was 1) to beat the Americans on their home turf and 2) win the gold medal. Sadly, they accomplished only one as they lost to the Russians in the gold medal game.

Team Canada simply pulled a "russian defense" in the 3rd period and their offense cant generate any scoring chances at the Russian zone. To simply put, the Russians outworked and outplayed the Canadians in the 3rd.

By winning the gold, the Russians prove to the hockey world that they are a force to be reckoned with once again. The Russians were much underestimated by everyone in this year tournament and prove that they are a hockey powerhouse by winning the quarters, semis, and the final in a comeback fashion.

Before anyone say "why does Canada sucks?" Let me just say that Canada has made it to the gold medal game in 10 straight years (2001-2011)and has won 5 straight gold medal from 2004-2009. The reason why Canada lost this game is because the Russians simply outplayed the Canadians in the 3rd period. Another reason is that Canada hasn't send its best team to the WJHC since the last gold medal win in 2009, a team that features John Tavares and PK Suban. Many of eligible Canadians to play in this tournament are grounded in the NHL helping their team win games. Players like Matt Duchene (leads Colorado with 40 pts), Taylor Hall (leads Edmonton with 12 goals), Jeff Skinner (3rd in team scoring), Evander Kane and Tyler Sequin. These players are not available for loan by their respective NHL team and these guys would certainly make a difference for Team Canada and dominates the tournament.

Despite this year disappointment, there's always a chance to win it all next year at home turf in Edmonton and Calgary.