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Hockey tourism in Buffalo

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From ice biking to sports museum displays to chicken wings, hockey fans have dozens of ways to divert themselves between games at the 2018 World Juniors.

Even since the last time Buffalo hosted this tournament in 2011, options to satisfy your various appetites have grown. And you don’t have to stray far from the venues if you don’t want to.

For instance, right at KeyBank Arena, adjacent to the 2015-opened Marriott HarborCenter hotel, the capacious 716 (Food and Sport) bar awaits with more than 70 TV and a classy pub menu with multiple variations on the local signature Beef and Weck sandwich. Homesick Canadians can pop into the one-of-a-kind Tim Horton’s outlet for doughnuts and coffee: it’s festooned with tributes to the legendary defenceman who played his final two NHL seasons (1972-73 and 1973-74) with the Buffalo Sabres and founded the chain.

Within eyesight of the arena is the original terminus of the 1825-constructed Erie Canal. Once, it was dubbed the “Gateway to the West,” linking this port city with other Great Lakes cities. Today, fans can head Canalside to enjoy the Championship Village, with a huge party tent, live music, autograph opportunities, and the Snowzilla toboggan slide, standing 40 feet (12 metres) high.

Next door is the Ice at Canalside rink, the biggest outdoor rink in New York State at a whopping 33,000 square feet (3,065 square feet). Rent an ice bike – invented right here in Buffalo – and go for a fun half-hour ride. Once you master the wide turning radius, the bikes are easy to pedal, and it’s virtually impossible to fall over. Regular public skating and curling are also available.

Also within walking distance is the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park. Normally closed at this time of year, it’s open during the World Juniors for history buffs to tour U.S. Navy vessels built during World War II, from the light cruiser USS Little Rock to the submarine USS Croaker.

If you’re ready to venture further afield, keep in mind the distinctive art-deco tower on the official 2018 World Junior logo. That’s Buffalo’s 32-storey, 1931-built City Hall. Free of charge, head up to the 28th floor for a panoramic view of Western New York’s largest city from 8:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday (closed New Year’s Day).

At the Buffalo History Museum, home to some 100,00 artifacts, the new ICONS: The Makers and Moments of Buffalo Sports History exhibition is a must-see for hockey fans. Check out Dominik Hasek’s 1992 goalie stick and jersey or record your own version of the classic “May Day! May Day!” call by broadcaster Rick Jeanneret of Brad May’s 1993 series-winning overtime goal against Boston.

There’s also a dagger made by the Wilkinson Sword Company of London to commemorate the Sabres’ 1970 entry into the NHL and, for women’s hockey supporters, a large display celebrating the 2017 Isobel Cup champion Buffalo Beauts of the NWHL, whose roster included Women’s Worlds winners such as Megan Bozek and Emily Pfalzer.

Getting hungry again? Main Street’s Anchor Bar is famous for inventing buffalo wings back in 1964, but many locals – especially of the Irish persuasion – also enjoy the variation at Gene McCarthy’s on Hamburg Street with BBQ sauce and blue cheese. In addition, one of Buffalo’s more than 25 craft breweries is on site. On Seneca Street, the beloved Chef’s Restaurant, known for its spaghetti parm, has a banquet room dedicated to the Sabres’ “French Connection” line of Rick Martin, Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert.

If you can’t decide if you’d rather burn calories or bulk up, the RiverWorks entertainment complex, located amid converted grain silos, boasts two outdoor skating rinks, an indoor roller skating rink, four bars, and the ever-hearty The Ward restaurant, among other amenities.

Whether or not your favourite team wins this year’s World Juniors, you can always find a way to have a gold-medal experience in Buffalo. For more information, see visitbuffaloniagara.com.

LUCAS AYKROYD

Bucek: “It’s up to us”

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No matter what happens in the medal round, Slovakia’s Samuel Bucek will long be remembered for his dazzling 3-2 winner on the U.S. at these World Juniors.

The 19-year-old left wing, however, has more on his mind than the solo effort that stunned the partisan crowd of 8,188 at Key Bank Arena just 1:03 after Sabres prospect Casey Mittelstadt had scored an electrifying tying goal reminiscent of Bobby Orr’s airborne 1970 Stanley Cup clincher.

Right now, it’s all about how to pull a stunning upset against Sweden, which finished first in Group B. It’s not Mission Impossible. After all, it was the Juniorkronorna that Slovakia beat 4-2 in the 2015 bronze medal game in Toronto for their first (and only) World Junior medal since 1999’s bronze in Winnipeg.

Still undrafted by an NHL club, Bucek is continuing to make his mark in North America. Under the bright World Junior spotlight, he’s among the tournament scoring leaders with six points, and has shown good chemistry with both Filip Krivosik and Adam Ruzicka. The Nitra native has game-breaking ability, enthusiasm, and size (at 190 cm and 88 kg). After spending 2016-17 with the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes, he’s in his second go-round with the USHL’s Chicago Steel, where he has 18 points in 20 games so far this season.

We spoke with Bucek on Sunday after he had two points to help Slovakia beat Denmark 5-1 and move on to the elimination games.

How do you feel about the way you’re producing offensively?

I don’t really care. It’s really good and I’m happy because it’s helping my team, but the most important thing is that we won two very important games and it gave us points. Now we’re going to the quarter-finals. It’s going to be huge.

In 2016, you scored the 4-3 winner against the Czechs that put Slovakia into the U18 quarter-final in North Dakota. How does this World Junior experience compare to the U18?

This is more men’s hockey. It’s a lot faster and more physical, compared to the U18. The U18 are still like kids playing hockey. Here the players are more skilled.

In general, which players do you admire the most?

That’s a good question. I really like Patrick Kane, and Marian Hossa, because he’s a two-way player, he plays for his team and he does the right things on the ice. He was kind of like my idol when I was growing up. Now it’s more Patrick Kane.

You’re wearing number 13 here. How about Pavel Datsyuk?

If I would say Datsyuk is not one of my favourite players, I would probably lie, because he’s unbelievable with the puck. He’s just outstanding, everything he does. Even if he doesn’t have any points during the game, he’s just playing. He’s just a guy you love to watch. I wish I could be like him one day, but it’s lots of work ahead of me.

Nitra has produced some well-known NHLers like Jozef Stumpel, Juraj Kolnik, and Branislav Mezei. How well do you know those guys?

I know them pretty well. I actually played with Jozef Stumpel two years ago for my hometown. He was my linemate and he taught me many things: how to shoot the puck on a one-timer, how to protect the puck, and stuff like that. He was always giving me advice. It was really good for my development. I’m glad I spent that year with him. I really appreciate what he did for me. His hockey sense is unbelievable. That’s why he played over 700 games in the NHL.

How do you feel about Bratislava and Kosice hosting the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship?

I’m really looking forward to it. I wish I could be there. I think I’m still too young to be there, but I would really appreciate if they send me an invitation. I will do my best.

What was your reaction when Slovakia won the World Junior bronze three years ago in Toronto?

I was watching that back home, and I was saying to myself, “I wish I could be playing there one day and be like them.” We are really close to that, but there is still lots of work ahead of us. We just have to stick with the plan and keep working hard, and I hope we’ll beat Sweden.

How far can your World Junior team go?

As I said a couple of games back, we have really good chemistry both on and off the ice. I think if we’re going to stick to the plan, play the right way, and do what we have to do on the ice, we could go really far. But it’s up to us.

LUCAS AYKROYD

Dream of the triple

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Playing three top-level IIHF tournaments in one season is a tall order for anyone. It’s even tougher if you’re a U20 player.

Nonetheless, in an Olympic season, it’s irresistible to speculate about who might suit up at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, the 2018 Olympics in Korea, and the 2018 IIHF World Championship in Denmark.

In our history, only six players have pulled off this remarkable triple: Darius Kasparaitis (CIS/RUS, 1992), Alexei Kovalyov (CIS/RUS, 1992), Alexei Zhitnik (CIS/RUS, 1992), Kenny Jonsson (SWE, 1994), Saku Koivu (FIN, 1994), and Yevgeni Malkin (RUS, 2006).

This season, the NHL’s decision not to participate in PyeongChang creates a special opportunity for young players to claim Olympic roster spots. But they still have an uphill climb ahead.

In order to even contemplate this feat, you need extraordinary talent, maturity and stamina to earn the respect of your national federation. Your odds increase if you’re from a country with a smaller talent pool (rather than, say, Canada, the U.S., or Russia). Of course, you must also be healthy and lucky.

And while we don’t know yet which NHLers will head to Copenhagen and Herning in May, there will be plenty, and “triple dreamers” would have to beat out some of them as well. Denmark is an attractive destination as a first-time host nation, and NHLers who might have gone to PyeongChang under other circumstances may be eager to participate – especially if there’s a chance to match Sweden’s unique 2006 “double gold” (Olympic gold in Turin, World Championship gold in Riga).

Prior to the 2010 Olympics, we speculated about who from the 2010 World Juniors in Saskatchewan might show up both in Vancouver and at the 2010 Worlds in Germany. However, our top candidates – both Swiss defencemen – both settled for two out of three. (Which, as Meat Loaf once noted, ain’t bad.) Roman Josi played at the Worlds at 19, while Luca Sbisa played at the Olympics at 20.

Josi was considered for Vancouver, but coach Ralph Krueger replaced the future Nashville star and veteran Goran Bezina on the final roster with Phillippe Furrer and Patrick Von Gunten. After Sbisa played two rounds of the WHL playoffs with the Portland Winterhawks, the Anaheim Ducks, who held Sbisa’s NHL rights, did not permit him to play at the 2010 Worlds as he was nursing some injuries. It all goes to show how many factors can limit your ability to do the triple.

So right now, surveying the eight nations here who are slated to send athletes to PyeongChang, which youngsters have a shot in 2018? (Neither Denmark nor Belarus qualified for the Olympics.) Players on NHL contracts or two-way deals will not be going.

The Finns have potential triple candidates in Jokerit sniper Eeli Tolvanen and two-way HIFK defenceman Miro Heiskanen. Defenceman Olli Juolevi, playing his third World Juniors, is enjoying a bounceback season with TPS Turku.

For Sweden, Elias Pettersson will get consideration if he continues to dominate. The 19-year-old Vaxjo Lakers prodigy, drafted fifth overall by the Vancouver Canucks this year, is battling with 34-year-old Skelleftea forward Joakim Lindstrom for the SHL scoring lead.

A strong showing in Buffalo has also increased Frolunda defenceman Rasmus Dahlin’s Olympic and World Championship hopes. Still, the consensus number one overall pick for the 2018 NHL Draft will be just 17 when PyeongChang rolls around. If he does make it, it’ll bring back memories of blueliner Mark Howe’s 1972 stint at the Sapporo Olympics with silver-medal Team USA at age 16.

The Americans have a long history of using college talent at the IIHF World Championship, and nostalgia for the collegiate 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team that defeated the Soviets and won gold at the Lake Placid Olympics runs strong. They announced their 2018 Olympic roster on New Year's Day, but it did not include any active World Junior players.

Two forwards from the 2017 gold medal team made the cut: Jordan Greenway (Boston University), who also played at the 2017 Worlds, and Troy Terry (University of Denver), who notched the shootout winner in Montreal. But unless injuries or illness intrude, it's unlikely that, say, current scoring leader Casey Mittelstadt would be called in.

And Canada’s depth makes it dubious a World Junior player will be selected for either the Worlds or Olympics, especially with no wunderkind like Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid on board. Speaking with the Montreal Gazette’s Pat Hickey, Hockey Canada president Tom Renney recently dismissed the notion that defenceman Victor Mete, who has played 27 games for the Montreal Canadiens this year, could go back to junior and suit up in PyeongChang.

Nonetheless, Olympic GM Sean Burke plans to attend the playoff round in Buffalo to see who might fit the bill. So the door is open.

This season, it’s unlikely Russian, Czech, Slovak or Swiss U20 players will contend for the triple. There just aren’t enough standouts. Even eligible higher-end talents, like Czech forwards Martin Necas and Filip Zadina, likely need more seasoning before playing in the Olympics or Worlds.

However, the great thing about hockey – and the World Juniors in particular – is that you just never know. At this tournament, magic happens.

LUCAS AYKROYD

Danish player suspended

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Danish captain Christian Mathiasen-Weise has been suspended for one game due to an infraction in the last game against Slovakia.

With 98 seconds left in regulation time in the teams’ last preliminary-round game, Mathiasen-Wejse checked Slovak player Erik Smolka to the head.

Smolka skated around the Danish net trying to get the puck and push it towards the goal when Mathiasen-Wejse hit him to the head with his shoulder. Smolka fell to the ice and had to be helped to the dressing room.

Based on the clip and the player’s statement, the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship Disciplinary Panel determined that the player changed his skating direction in the last moment to deliver a check to Smolka, who was in a vulnerable position because the puck was not near him. Instead of letting his opponent pass by, the player lunged toward his head and caught him up high without warning, which is an infraction of IIHF Rule 124 (Checking to the head or neck).

Considering the remaining time of the game and the score of 5-1 for Slovakia, the action was both unnecessary and dangerous, and recklessly put the health of the opponent at risk.

Therefore Mathias-Weise was assessed a one-game suspension, specifically for Denmark’s upcoming game on 2nd January 2018 in the relegation round against Belarus.

U.S. Olympic roster

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USA Hockey has announced on New Year’s Day the rosters for the hockey events at the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The announcements of the rosters for the 2018 U.S. Olympic Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Teams and 2018 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team were made during the second intermission of the NHL Winter Classic at Citi Field in New York City and live on NBC.

“We’re excited about all three of our teams and the chance to compete for gold,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “There’s no bigger stage than the Olympics and Paralympics and I know our teams will represent our country extremely well in PyeongChang.”

THE MEN’S ROSTER

The men’s roster includes 15 players with NHL experience, led by Brian Gionta, who will serve as team captain of the 2018 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team. Gionta has played 1,006 regular-season games and captained both the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres in his career. He is the lone player on the U.S. roster with Olympic experience, having played for Team USA in 2006.

“We really like our roster,” said Jim Johannson, general manager of the 2018 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team and also the assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. “It’s a group that brings versatility and experience and includes players who have a lot of passion about representing our country.”

Johannson noted that two goaltenders will be added by mid-January to fill the 25-man roster.

While Gionta is the only Olympian on the roster, 21 other players have donned the U.S. jersey in international competition and captured 13 total medals.

Team USA’s forward lineup is highlighted by three of the top point getters in the National League in Switzerland, including Marc Arcobello (SC Bern), who leads the league with 39 points (13-26) in 33 games played. Broc Little (HC Davos) and Garrett Roe (EV Zug) are tied for third with 31 points each. The U.S. offense will also feature the talents of Chris Bourque (Hershey), who leads the AHL with 39 points (11-28) in 34 games played for the Hershey Bears and Harvard University’s Ryan Donato (Harvard University), who is fourth in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey in points per game (1.45).

Matt Gilroy (Jokerit), who played 225 games in the NHL and won the 2009 Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top player in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey, will anchor the blueline. He is tied for sixth in points among defenseman in the Kontinental Hockey League with 25 (6-19) in 44 games with Jokerit. The U.S. will also rely on the talents of Ryan Gunderson (Brynas IF), who leads all Swedish Hockey League defensemen with 25 points (4-21) in 31 games played and James Wisniewski (Kassel), who currently tops all blueliners in the DEL2 with 36 points playing for Kassel. Wisniewski, who has played 552 regular-season NHL games, helped the U.S. win its first-ever gold medal in the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2004.

In goal, Ryan Zapolski (Mercyhurst University), who is one of three players from the Jokerit named to Team USA, is fifth in the league with a 1.68 goals against average. He is 21-8-3 on the season with a 93.5 save percentage.

The 2018 Olympic Winter Games will take place Feb. 9-25 in PyeongChang, South Korea. The U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team opens play on Feb. 14 when it faces Slovenia in its first preliminary round game.

THE WOMEN’S ROSTER

The women’s roster features 23 players, including 10 returning Olympians and six two-time Olympians (2010, 2014) in Kacey Bellamy, captain Meghan Duggan, Hilary Knight, Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson, Monique Lamoureux-Morando and Gigi Marvin; and four that made their Olympic debut in Sochi – Coyne, Decker, Amanda Kessel and Lee Stecklein. Eight players in total have played more than 100 international games apiece wearing the USA sweater, including Bellamy (133), Coyne (115), Decker (110), Duggan (130), Knight (150), Lamoureux-Davidson (125), Lamoureux-Morando (122) and Marvin (115).

“Today we took another step toward achieving our ultimate goal, which is to bring home a gold medal from South Korea,” said Reagan Carey, general manager of the 2018 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team and also the director of women’s hockey for USA Hockey, “We’ve had an exceptional four months in Wesley Chapel, Florida, leading up to this point and are confident that these 23 women give our country the best opportunity to reach the top of the podium in February.”

“The amount of skill and depth of talent on this roster is second-to-none and I couldn’t be more excited to see what these 23 women can do on the world stage in PyeongChang,” said Stauber, “With just a month to go until the Olympics, and now with our roster set, our focus only gets sharper. We’ll be ready to go.”

All 23 players on the roster have a collegiate hockey background, representing a total of nine NCAA schools. The University of Minnesota of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association leads the way with six representatives, followed by Boston College of the Hockey East Association (five) and the University of Wisconsin of the WCHA (four). The University of North Dakota and University of Minnesota Duluth (WCHA) are each represented by a pair of players, while Lindenwood University (CHA), Northeastern University (HEA), the University of New Hampshire (HEA) and the University of Vermont (HEA) have one apiece.

Fourteen of the 23 players on the final roster have been recognized as top-10 finishers for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, which annually recognizes the top NCAA Division I women’s college hockey player, and four have taken the trophy – Coyne (2016), Kessel (2013), Decker (2012), Duggan (2011).

With 18 post-graduate players and five collegiate players, the roster also features younger players in the prime of their collegiate career putting eligibility on hold to pursue their Olympic dream. Among them are Boston College players Cayla Barnes, Kali Flanagan and Megan Keller; the University of Minnesota’s Kelly Pannek; and the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Maddie Rooney.

During the 2016-17 season, 14 players on the U.S. roster were playing professionally in the United States, nine in the National Women’s Hockey League and five with the Minnesota Whitecaps. Sidney Morin played a portion of the 2017-18 season with MODO Hockey of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League before joining the U.S. Olympic evaluation process.

The 2018 Olympic Winter Games will take place Feb. 9-25 in PyeongChang, South Korea. The U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team will begin its quest for a gold medal on Feb. 11 when it faces Finland in its opening game of preliminary round play.

THE SLED ROSTER

The 17-player sled roster includes nine players with Paralympic experience, led by captain Josh Pauls, alternate captains Declan Farmer and Nikko Landeros and goaltender Steve Cash. All four were members of the gold medal-winning 2014 Paralympic Sled Hockey Team.

“As a whole, this team has all the ingredients to be successful,” said Dan Brennan, director of sled hockey for USA Hockey and general manager of the 2018 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team. “We’re going to be a fast-paced, puck-moving team that is led by a great core of veterans who knows what it takes to win.”

The U.S. has medaled in four of the five Paralympic Winters Games it has competed in, with gold medals in 2014, 2010, and 2002 and a bronze medal in 2006.

The 2018 Paralympic Winter Games begin March 9 in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Bring on the quarter-finals

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Will all the favourites advance at the 2018 World Juniors? Or will there be an upset or two? Let’s take a closer look at Tuesday's quarter-final match-ups.

Czech Republic-Finland (KeyBank Center, 12:00)

The Finnish program is rising with World Junior gold medals in 2014 and 2016, while the Czechs haven’t won gold since 2000 and 2001. So from the outside, the first quarter-final might seem like a mismatch. But the Finns must beware of this Czech team’s ability to put the puck in the net.

“This is for us the best result in a few years,” said defenceman Libor Hajek. “Second in our group, that’s awesome.”

Led by forwards Martin Necas (2-4-6), Filip Zadina (3-1-4), and Filip Chytil (2-2-4), the Czechs have already scored five or more goals against Russia, Belarus, and Switzerland. Their Achilles’ heel has been preventing the other team from quickly replying. Neither Czech goalie has been a tower of strength, as the numbers for Jakub Skarek (4.39 GAA, 85.9 save percentage) and Josef Korenar (3.08 GAA, 90.1 save percentage) attest. Both have been pulled by coach Filip Pesan.

It is clearly in the Finns’ best interest to play a tight defensive game. They had that lesson reinforced in their group-closing 5-4 loss to the Americans. While the Czechs have a strong top pairing with Hajek and Vojtech Budik, the Finns have one of their deepest blueline corps ever with captain Juuso Valimaki, Miro Heiskanen, Olli Juolevi, and Henri Jokiharju. It hasn’t been the greatest tournament for netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (3.04 GAA, 88.2 save percentage), but the 18-year-old who backstopped Finland to 2016 U18 gold still gives his team the edge in goal.

Coach Jussi Ahokas’s boys have allowed the fourth-fewest goals in Buffalo (12) so far. Their forwards have yet to kick into top gear, but if they get some timely production from the likes of Eeli Tolvanen (1-4-5) and Kristian Vesalainen (1-2-3), they should be favoured to advance to the semi-finals.

Canada-Switzerland (KeyBank Center, 16:00)

Quite simply, this is a classic David and Goliath scenario. The numbers spell it out. Canada has outscored opponents 21-6, while Switzerland has been outscored 10-20.

Canada also brings a balanced attack: five Canadians have four or more points, led by Jordan Kyrou and Sam Steel, who have five apiece. Only Swiss assistant captain Marco Miranda has four points. Canadian coach Dominique Ducharme can roll four lines and the young Swiss could easily lose even if they, say, nullify Kyrou and Steel. And there is no Nico Hischier or Nino Nieddereiter this year who could single-handedly rejuvenate the Swiss attack.

Swiss coach Christian Wohlwend was straightforward: “We will try to fight, but what can I say? They have seven first-round draft choices and the rest in the second round. And one in the fourth round who has played more NHL games than anyone so far. What can I say? We have one in the fourth round, and the rest aren’t drafted.”

On a special teams note, the Swiss must stay out of the box. They’re pitting the tournament’s weakest penalty kill (20 percent) against Canada’s top-rated power play (53.3 percent).

“We have to score when we have the chance,” said Swiss captain Nando Eggenberger. “We have to focus on our defence and block shots, and shoot on their net.”

Historically, Switzerland has never beaten (or even tied) Canada in 21 World Junior attempts. The only good news for the Swiss is that in the Bible, David won.

Sweden-Slovakia (HarborCenter, 18:00)

Can the Slovaks take it up yet another level? If they can’t get any higher than they already did in their 3-2 upset versus the host Americans, then this will be unbeaten Sweden’s game.

Captain Lias Andersson has led the way on the ice with a tournament-high five goals. Swedish coach Tomas Monten can also rely on the likes of power play catalyst Elias Pettersson (4-2-6), third-time World Junior star Alexander Nylander (1-5-6), and smooth-skating 17-year-old defenceman Rasmus Dahlin (0-0-6), who is living up to his billing as the top prospect for the 2018 NHL Draft.

In order to stymie all that well-coordinated firepower, Slovak goalie Roman Durny will almost certainly have to make more than 40 saves. And the Slovaks need clutch scoring again from forwards Samuel Bucek (3-3-6) and Filip Krivosik (2-1-3). They’re the only team at these World Juniors that has yet to score a power play goal.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Swedish defenceman Timothy Liljegren. “Slovakia is a good team. They beat the Americans, so we have to play a good hockey game.”

The Juniorkronorna are generally money in the quarter-finals. In fact, the Swedes haven’t lost one since Finland’s Tuukka Rask recorded a 53-save, 1-0 shutout in Vancouver in 2006. Expect that trend to continue.

Sweden has faced Slovakia in three recent quarter-finals, winning 6-0 in 2014 and 2016 and 8-3 in 2017. With that said, when the Slovaks captured bronze in 2015, it was Sweden they beat 4-2.

USA-Russia (KeyBank Center, 20:00)

The safest bet on this game is that, like the last four USA-Russia World Junior meetings, it will be decided by one goal. Top to bottom, the defending champion Americans have a superior roster with 10 NHL first-round picks. They should probably win. But as usual, Russian head coach Valeri Bragin has squeezed more out of his team than you’d expect on paper. Interestingly, Russia boasts the tournament’s top penalty kill this year (86.6 percent), not necessarily a statistic you’d expect.

Russia had won three straight playoff showdowns before the Americans prevailed in last year’s heart-stopping semi-final, 4-3. There, Troy Terry became this tournament’s answer to T.J. Oshie, who scored four times in six shootout attempts on Russia’s Sergei Bobrovski at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Terry, from the University of Denver, got three shootout goals on Russia’s Ilya Samsonov in Montreal.

The Russians will be out for revenge, and even if they’re outchanced or outshot, they’re uniquely opportunistic and deadly. While Klim Kostin (4-2-6), Artur Kayumov (3-2-5), and Andrei Svechnikov (0-0-5) have taken centre stage, relatively unheralded forwards like Alexei Polodyan (3-1-4) and Georgi Ivanov (1-3-4) are also contributing. From the back end, defenceman Vladislav Syomin (2-2-4) has keyed the attack.

“The key to getting success in the quarter-finals is to create enough chances,” said German Rubtsov.

Despite surrendering three goals on 11 disadvantages for a 72.7 percent penalty kill, the Americans look strong in all areas. Starting goalie Joseph Woll (2.34 GAA, 89.3 save percentage) should in theory be able to outduel Russia’s Vladislav Sukhachyov (2.65 GAA, 89.1 save percentage), who took over when Alexei Melnichuk faltered in the 5-4 opening loss to the Czechs. The defence brings size, mobility and skill – although perhaps not as much offence as expected outside of Adam Fox (1-3-4), who potted the late 5-4 winner against Finland.

As a group, the forwards, too, have more to give offensively. That said, current MVP favourite Casey Mittelstadt (4-5-9) has been both magical and clutch, showing real chemistry with linemate Brady Tkachuk (4-2-5), and you can’t say a bad word about captain Kieffer Bellows (4-0-0). If NHL-experienced Kailer Yamamoto (1-1-2) is going to break out, there’s no better time than against Russia.

Both sides have shown vulnerability, which makes it even more interesting. The Americans were upset by Slovakia, and the Russians had a sloppy opening loss to the Czechs.

If history provides any indication, this showdown will truly be a case of saving the best for last. Get ready to hold your breath as Bob Motzko tries to preserve his hopes of becoming the first head coach to win back-to-back World Junior gold medals since Canada’s Brent Sutter (2005, 2006).

LUCAS AYKROYD

Buffalo 2011

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It was seven years ago that the World Juniors were last in Buffalo, but that was a special tournament in many ways for many players.

Here’s a look back at what happened and to whom.

CANADA

Tournament—Canada advanced to the gold-medal game and seemed to have another championship won. Leading 3-0 after two periods, the Canadians were dominating—and then they inexplicably collapsed. Russia rallied, taking gold with a shocking 5-3 win.

Players—Several players from that team have gone on to fine NHL careers, notably Sean Couturier (gold 2015 WM, 2016 World Cup championship), Ryan Ellis (gold at 2016 WM), and Brayden Schenn (gold 2015 WM)

CZECH REPUBLIC

Tournament—In 2011 the relegation round consisted of four teams, the bottom two from each group. The Czechs were among that number, finishing on top (7th place overall).

Players—Ondrej Palat later played at the 2014 Olympics and 2016 World Cup and is now a key member of the Tampa Bay Lightning, top team in the NHL. Martin Frk has perhaps the hardest shot in the game after Shea Weber and is a star with Detroit

FINLAND

Tournament—The Finns had a good round robin, winning three of four games, but then lost to Russia in overtime in the quarter-finals. They had a 3-1 lead in the third but gave up two late goals, another shocking turn of events.

Players—Olli Maatta is a star defenceman with Pittsburgh now and also played at the 2014 Olympics and 2016 World Cup. Teemu Pulkkinen won silver at the 2016 World Championship, and Sami Vatanen and Joonas Donskoi are also established NHLers.

GERMANY

Tournament—After a winless preliminary round, the Germans also went winless in the relegation round and were relegated.

Players—Tom Kuhnhackl, son of Erich, has gone on to play in the NHL, with Pittsburgh. Now in his third year with the Penguins, he has developed into a steady winger who plays about ten minutes a game.

NORWAY

Tournament—Also winless in the round robin, Norway avoided relegation by beating Germany, 3-1, in the last game of the tournament.

Players—Goaltender Lars Volden has gone on to become the country’s number-one goalie. He has played in four World Championships as well as the 2014 Olympics. Mats Rosseli Olsen and Sondre Olden have also become mainstays on the national team.

RUSSIA

Tournament—“Team Comeback” trailed in each of the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals, winning every game en route to a stunning gold.

Players—Vladimir Tarasenko is one of the top players in the NHL now, with St. Louis, as is Yevgeni Kuznetsov with Washington and Artemi Panarin with Columbus. Panarin had two goals in that wild comeback against Canada and Kuznetsov had three assists. Tarasenko had a goal and an assist. In short, that comeback was no fluke.

SLOVAKIA

Tournament—The Slovaks ended in the relegation round but won two of three games to stay up for 2012.

Players—Martin Marincin is just now making his way into the lineup of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Richard Panik has been in the NHL since 2012, with Tampa Bay, Toronto, and now Chicago. And, Tomas Jurco has been a regular with the national team ever since.

SWEDEN

Tournament—The ever-consistent Swedes lost to Russia in the semis and then to the U.S. in the bronze-medal game.

Players—Although time has shown this wasn’t a first-rate roster in the long run, there were a few notables to develop. Gabriel Landeskog became one of the youngest captains in NHL history, with Colorado, and Adam Larsson and John Klingberg have also become stars in the NHL.

SWITZERLAND

Tournament—The Swiss lost to Canada, 4-1, in the quarter-finals and finished a solid 5th.

Players—The top of this class was Nino Niederreiter, who is probably the best Swiss player in the NHL today. He also played for Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup and was a key contributor to the nation’s miracle run at the 2013 World Championship, winning silver.

UNITED STATES

Tournament—The hosts were upended by Canada, 4-1, in the semi-finals but rallied to beat Sweden, 4-2, to claim bronze.

Players—Jason Zucker has turned into a fine player with the Minnesota Wild, and defenceman Jon Merrill is having a wild ride in Vegas with a team that has stunned everyone. Kyle Palmieri has played in the NHL ever since that U20, first with Anaheim and now New Jersey. As well, Nick Bjugstad has played with Florida since 2012.

ANDREW PODNIEKS

Necas scores SO winner

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It was another uninspired start for Finland, and today it cost them.

Kristian Reichel and Martin Necas scored in the shootout for the Czechs while only Kristian Vesalainen scored for Finland.

The win ends a long semi-finals drought for the Czech Republic. The team hadn't made it as far as the semis since 2005 when it won bronze. Finland, meanwhile, won gold in 2014 and 2016 and are going home early. The Czechs will now play the winner of Canada-Finland in one semi-finals on Thursday.

Vesalainen also had two assists in the game.

The Czechs opened the scoring at 6:20 on the power play when Filip Zadina wired a high shot over the shoulder of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. It was the team’s seventh goal with the extra man this tournament in only 14 chances, second best to Canada.

Despite holding a 15-4 shot advantage in the period, the Finns had a slow start similar to their last game against the Americans on New Year’s Eve. There weren’t many good scoring chances among those 15, but the Czechs also failed to create greater distance on the scoreboard either.

The Finns tied the game at 3:04 of the second with a man advantage of their own. Kristian Vesalainen’s shot was blocked in front by a group of players, but Aapeli Rasanen managed to pull it from the scrum and snap it into the open goal with Josef Korenar down and out.

The Finns took the lead at 9:53. Olli Juolevi’s quick point shot was nicely screened in front, beating Korenar over the glove on a shot the goalie really couldn’t see.

But the Czechs fought back and tied the score four and a half minutes later. Kristian Reichel made his dad, Robert, happy. Kristian scooped up a loose puck in centre ice and went in on goal. He drew a penalty on the play but managed to make a nice deke on Luukkonen and roof a backhand on the play.

Shots may have been 29-15 for Finland after two periods, but the score was equal, 2-2.

Early in the third it appeared Finland had scored the goal needed to take it to the semis. Vesalainen pounced on a rebound at 6:30 after goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made two good saves on Eeli Tolvanen. He couldn’t control the rebound, though, and Vesalainen was uncovered in front.

The Finns then played solid, two-way hockey, but as time wound down the Czecsh scored the equalizer. Jakuv Galvas's point shot was deftly tipped in front by Zadina, and the puck fooled Luukkonen and went it, setting the stage for a ten-minute overtime of four on four.

That OT produced previous few shots and only one real chance, when Janne Kuokkanen hit the side of the post with a shot. Beyond that, it was all caution and control.

ANDREW PODNIEKS

Advantage: Denmark!

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Andreas Grundtvig scored the winner with 15 seconds left as Denmark rallied from a 4-2 deficit to top Belarus 5-4 in the relegation opener.

The first World Junior meeting ever between these nations was a wild affair. Denmark blew a 2-0 first-period lead but scored twice in the final minute for the victory.

For Denmark, assistant captain Joachim Blichfeld stepped up with two goals and an assist, and Jonas Rondbjerg had a goal and two assists. Philip Schultz added a single.

"It’s one of the craziest games I’ve played," said Blichfeld. "I think we started out really good. We were up 2-0. We’ve got to keep that lead, but we didn’t. Still, we found a way to fight back. It’s a great feeling right now."

Ilya Litvinov, Vladislav Yeryomenko, Ivan Drozdov, and Igor Martynov tallied for Belarus. Captain Maxim Sushko and Yegor Sharangovich each added two assists.

Belarus’s last World Junior victory came on 3 January, 2007 (3-1 over Germany) in Mora, Sweden. So this was truly a tough loss for the newly promoted former Soviet republic.

Game Two of the relegation round is Thursday at 12 noon at KeyBank Center.

"I don’t know what happened in the last minute. We just didn’t play to win at the end. We need to realize that and come out and win the next two," said Yeryomenko. "I think we are stronger than our opponents and we should win the next two games. I don’t think we need to change anything. We just need to be tougher and every player should play their best and everything will be good!"

The Danes made the quarter-finals each year from 2015 to 2017, but this year, they were outscored 26-2 in the preliminary round. Even without a game-breaker like Nikolaj Ehlers or Oliver Bjorkstrand, more was expected. Finally their offense came alive in the battle for survival.

Shots on goal favored Denmark 30-28.

"It’s never fun to let in four goals, but as long as we score five, I don’t really care," said Danish goalie Kasper Krog. "It’s about the team and we won today. I’m happy."

The Danes won despite lacking several key forwards. Captain Christian Mathiasen-Wesje served a one-game suspension for an illegal check on Slovakia’s Erik Smolka in the 5-1 Danish loss on New Year’s Eve. Mathiasen-Wesje can return for Game Two of the series. Nikolaj Krag, who did not play in the third period against Slovakia, sat out with a concussion, and Jacob Schmidt-Svejstrup was ill.

"Everybody’s got a big heart," said Blichfeld. "We love the game. Everybody loves each other. We’re fighting for each other."

During a sloppy Belarusian line change midway through the first period, Blichfeld had a great chance to open the scoring on a breakaway, but Belarus starter Andrei Grishenko foiled his backhand attempt.

With 4:04 left in the first, Denmark drew first blood. Blichfeld won a faceoff in the Belarusian end back to Rondberg, who beat Grishenko with a great glove-side shot inside the post.

Just 52 seconds later, it was 2-0 Denmark. Quick on the forecheck, Grundtvig picked the puck up on the end boards and sent it around to David Madsen, who centered it to Schultz, and he squeezed one through the Belarusian goalie’s five-hole.

At the other end, Krog stared down Drozdov on a breakaway in the final minute of the first.

Belarus broke through shorthanded just 1:01 into the second period, capitalizing on confusion behind the Danish net as Litvinov’s wraparound deflected off Danish defenceman Malte Setkov and past Krog.

At 9:13, Yeryomenko’s centre-point blast on the power play made it 2-2, beating Krog with Litvinov providing the screen in front. Sharangovich almost gave his team the lead when he fired one off the cross bar on a power play rush in the last minute of the second.

"I think when they shoot the puck, we’re way too soft," Blichfeld said. "We’ve got to be hard on the puck, skate back harder."

Early in the third period, Viktor Bovbel got a minor and misconduct for a hit from behind on Grundtvig. However, the Danes failed to take advantage. At 1:44, Belarus scored its second shorthanded goal, as Drozdov picked off a bad back pass by Sektov in the Danish zone and swooped in to deke out Krog.

Martynov gave Belarus a 4-2 lead on the power play at 8:30, roofing a rebound home. But the Danes got new life 34 seconds later when Blichfeld cut to the slot and fooled Grishenko to make it 4-3.

"He played great," Krog said of Blichfeld. "The guy is dangling around outthere. Sometimes he just does what he wants to. And I’m happy to see him make great plays out there for us."

With 1:52 left, Danish coach Olaf Eller pulled Krog for the extra attacker, and that paid off when Blichfeld converted a rebound to make it 4-4 with just 34 seconds left in regulation.

Looking ahead, Krog said: "We’ve just got to be a bit better on special teams and we’ve got to work hard. We’ve got to prepare ourselves for the next game and come out flying."

LUCAS AYKROYD

Canada rolls along, 8-2

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It took Canada 48 seconds to confirm Swiss coach Christian Wohlwend’s prediction of what would happen in today’s quarter-finals.

That is, Maxime Comtois fired a hard pass to Brett Howden on a two-on-two, and Howden buried the shot to give Canada a 1-0 lead.

It would be unfair to say that the game was over at that point, but the goal confirmed what Wohlwend had predicted – that Canada was bigger, faster, stronger. Better. Plain and simple.

"That was a bit of reverse psychology," captain Dillon Dube suggested. "But that got us focused to playing our own game. It helped a bit. We came out strong. That first one helped settle us down, and then the floodgates opened."

The dominating 8-2 win gives Canada a place in the semi-finals on Thursday and a date with the Czech Republic. The winner of that game plays for gold.

"They're a good team, and they're fast," defenceman Cale Makar said of the Czechs. "We'll turn our focus to them now. We're excited to play them. We haven't played our best yet. I know we can step our game up."

"We played the Czechs before the tournament, so we know a little bit about them," said Brett Howden, who had a goal and three assists tonight. "They've changed a few things, I think, but we'll address that tomorrow on our day off and get ready for them."

The Swiss go home now after an 8th-place finish.

“I think we had a good team here," offered Swiss captain Nando Eggenberger. "We won the deciding game in the preliminary round and wanted to get further, but we have to realize that they were simply stronger. Now we have to start preparing for next year. Every player must become stronger, more disciplined and smarter.”

Canada outshot its opponents by a massive 60-15 count and was in control from start to finish, scoring in the opening and closing minute.

Less than eight minutes after the early first goal Canada made it 2-0 when Makar stepped in from the point and drilled a high shot over Philip Wuthrich’s glove.

Three-and-a-half minutes later, Drake Batherson controlled a loose puck near the crease on the power play and made no mistake. 3-0.

The goals continued to come in the second. Batherson got his second when he stepped on the ice to find the puck at his feet. He skated in hard on goal and put another high shot over Wuthrich’s glove.

Less than a minute later Batherson’s stick got its hat-trick goal. Jordan Kyrou was in the Swiss end when his stick broke. He went to the bench, and Batherson stuck his stick out for Kyrou to take. He did, got the puck, and scored, immediately turning to the bench for a laugh with Batherson.

That spelled the end for Wuthrich. Wohlwend gave Matteo Ritz the chance to play. There was but one small moment of relief for the Swiss in the period. Simon le Coultre’s long shot deflected off the toe of Dario Rohrbach's skate in front of Carter Hart to make it a 6-1 game.

The Swiss made it 6-2 midway through the third on a nice short-handed effort. Axel Simic got to a puck and drove down the right side, beating Hart with a wrist shot from long range.

Later on that same power play, though, Canada added another, this on a one-timer from the slot by Dube.

Comtois finished the scoring with a second effort on a wraparound with just 50.4 seconds remaining.

ANDREW PODNIEKS

Swedes hold off Slovaks

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Isac Lundestrom scored twice as unbeaten Sweden edged a gutsy Slovak side 3-2 at HarborCenter on Tuesday to advance to the 2018 World Junior semi-finals.

The Swedes will take on the winner of the USA-Russia quarter-final on Thursday. The result guarantees they will play for a medal for the 12th straight year.

"I think we still need another level or two coming up in the next games," said Alexander Nylander. "We’ve just got to step it up and play playoff hockey."

Fabian Zetterlund also scored for Sweden, and Tim Soderlund had two assists. Captain Martin Bodak scored both goals for Slovakia.

Sweden last medaled on home ice in Malmo in 2014 (silver) when Tomas Monten was an assistant coach. Now the 40-year-old is hoping to win gold in his second stint as head coach. The Swedes have only won gold twice before (1981, 2012).

In a showdown between two of the tournament's top-performing goalies, Filip Gustavsson prevailed over Slovakia's Roman Durny. Sweden outshot Slovakia 40-22.

Of Durny, Bodak said: "He was all the time outstanding in this tournament. He’s a really good guy in the locker room and on the ice."

It was Sweden’s fourth quarter-final victory over Slovakia in the last five years, but it was a much tighter result than usual. The Juniorkronorna won 6-0 in 2014, 6-0 in 2016, and 8-3 in 2017.

The Slovaks’ last quarter-final victory was 3-0 over the Czech Republic in 2015, when they marched to an unexpected bronze medal in Montreal. Despite seeing their 2018 medal hopes go up in smoke, they can be proud of what they accomplished in Buffalo, including a 3-2 upset over the United States.

"We tried to play our best, and I think we played our best," said Bodak. "A little luck was missing for us."

You couldn’t fault Slovakia’s effort in this do-or-die affair, but Sweden had the skill to execute a little better. After getting injured against Switzerland and missing the final group game against Russia, forward Jens Boqvist returned to the Swedish lineup for this crucial victory.

Both teams rang shots off the goal post in the early going, and the Slovaks showed defensive tenacity to keep their opponents on the outside, blocking plenty of chances despite being outshot 13-4 in the first period.

However, in the middle frame, Sweden picked up the pace, getting offensive contributions from throughout its lineup.

Just nine seconds in, Lundestrom barged over the blue line into the slot and wristed home his first goal of the tournament.

Zetterlund made it 2-0 Sweden at 6:55, splitting the Slovak defence and tucking a backhand between Durny’s legs to complete a dazzling solo rush.

"I skated the puck into the offensive zone, took the backhand and went five-hole," said Zetterlund.

As the period wore on, the Swedes also took it to Slovakia physically. Defenceman Timothy Liljegren crunched Viliam Cacho next to the Slovak bench, and Boqvist knocked Bodak down with an open-ice hit.

Top Swedish defenceman Rasmus Dahlin was penalized for delay of game for flipping the puck over the glass in his end, and at 17:41, Bodak got some revenge. The Slovak captain stepped in off the right point and beat a screened Gustavsson on the short side to make it 2-1. The underdogs were still in it.

"I was trying to pass first far side, but I couldn’t because there was a player from Sweden," said Bodak. "Then I saw our two players in front of the net and one Swedish guy. I tried to put it in the net and it went in, so I was really happy."

To kick off the third period, Slovakia had a glorious opportunity with a two-man advantage for 1:44. Marian Studenic put one off the post from the slot, but the Slovaks failed to bulge the twine.

"We tried to pass and shoot as much as possible there," Bodak said. "I got a shot and I broke my stick, so that was also unlucky. It was good play from us, but we just didn’t score a goal."

"It was really big," said Nylander. "Great job by our penalty-killers to not let them score. We just kept going from there."

Lundestrom gave Sweden some breathing room with his second goal at 10:17. Soderlund found him all alone to Durny's left, and the Lulea forward just had to slide the puck into the gaping net.

But Slovakia wasn't done. Just 1:41 later, Bodak charged to the net to finish off a great line rush, putting the puck over Gustavsson's glove to make it 3-2.

Durny foiled Lundestrom's hat trick attempt from close range with under four minutes remaining. The Slovaks kept on coming hard, but the Swedes pressed right back and Slovakia couldn't get its goalie out for the extra attacker. It was a gallant but doomed effort.

"In the game against Canada, we didn’t play well," Bodak reflected. "We were a little bit scared or something. But otherwise, our game was pretty good. I’m happy and proud of my team. I think we should get to play in the semi-finals, but it’s hockey, you know?"

Slovakia's three best players of the tournament were honored afterwards: Roman Durny, Martin Bodak, and Samuel Bucek.

LUCAS AYKROYD

Zadina following Hischier

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Filip Zadina is well on his way to following Nico Hischier’s footsteps to the NHL.

The 18-year-old moved from his native Czech Republic this season to play with Halifax in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League where Hischier spent last year.

Not only is Zadina playing for the Mooseheads, he’s even living with the same Dartmouth billet family, Ash and Mandy Phillips, that Hischier stayed with last season in Halifax.

“I’m trying to follow in his steps ‘cause he’s playing in the NHL, he’s one of the best younger guys in the NHL and Halifax helped him a lot,” Zadina said on Tuesday at the IIHF World Junior Championship.

Zadina scored twice, including the game-tying goal, for the Czechs in the 4-3 shootout win over Finland in the quarter-finals at the Under-20 tournament. At last year’s tournament, Hischier also scored twice in the quarter-finals, but his Swiss national junior team fell 3-2 to the U.S. – the eventual gold medallists.

The win earns the Czech Republic a berth in the semi-finals for the first time since 2005, and a date with the Canadians on Thursday.

“We will try to play our hockey,” Zadina said of the task ahead. “We want to have fun the next game. We will see what’s going to happen and we’ll play 100 per cent and more. We want to enjoy this game ‘cause it’s an unbelievable game for us. It’s going to be. Hopefully we will play our hockey and we will see what’s going to happen.”

Prior to the start of the tournament Zadina was ranked fourth by ISS Hockey for June’s NHL Draft. The six-foot (184-cm), 190-pound (86-kg) winger is hoping his stock has risen since the start of the Under-20 tournament.

“I am happy (Rasmus Dahlin) will be the first,” he said. “I want to be like second. He’s a good player, really skilled played and I think he deserves (first overall).

“I’m good and I know it.”

Scouts admit Zadina is having an excellent tournament, but he’ll be in tough to go ahead of Dahlin, Andrei Svechnikov (Russia) or Brady Tkachuk (U.S.) at the draft.

“A clutch performance, led his team by example,” said Dennis MacInnis, the Director of Scouting for ISS Hockey “Provided leadership and timely goal scoring. Wants to make a difference and make the plays. Great all-around offensive assets, skills, speed and physical edge.”

In 32 games with the Halifax Moosheads prior to the World Juniors, Zadina scored 22 goals and 22 assists. His 46 points are good for second overall in QMJHL scoring.

Zadina was originally selected fourth overall by the Vancouver Giants in the 2016 Canadian Hockey League import draft, but chose to remain at home. After the Mooseheads selected him 11th overall in 2017, he made the move from his hometown of Pardubice.

The likes of Hischier, Nikolaj Ehlers, Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin going through the program in Halifax no doubt helped Zadina’s decision making.

“Cause the CHL is playing on the smaller rink and everything is kind of similar to the NHL: the schedule is (similar) and that’s the reason I came to Halifax and to play North American (style) hockey,” Zadina said of the decision. “I think it was a good move for me.

“I saw the Europeans left (and) played in Halifax and moved to the NHL and they played very well in Halifax. That’s one of the reasons I came to Halifax: for development and to be a better player”

Now Zadina and his teammates are hoping to carry their success from the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where they won gold, to Thursday’s semi-finals. The Czechs are looking for their first medal at the Under-20 tournament since winning bronze in 2005.

“Our age, the ’99-borns, we are a strong age,” he said. “We have good players and we’re trying to play our hockey, fun hockey, that’s most important. There’s good chemistry.

“It’s the same like when we won Hlinka. I remember we lost against Finland, Under-18 in overtime, it was a tough loss, but we won today, (so) I’m more happy.”

DHIREN MAHIBAN

Win with World Junior trivia

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How much do you know about the World Juniors? See if you deserve a gold medal by doing the following quiz with 10 trivia questions.

The deadline for contest entries is 6 January 2018.

Three randomly selected entries with all 10 correct answers will win a digital issue of the 2018 IIHF Guide & Record Book on USB stick.

Email your answers, as well as your name and current mailing address, to webmaster@iihf.com.

1) How many World Junior gold medals has Finland won?

2) Who is the all-time points leader in U.S. World Junior history?

3) Who is the only goalie to win seven games at one World Juniors?

4) Who played on the top Soviet line at the 1989 tournament?

5) Which Swedish cities hosted the 2000 World Juniors?

6) Who led the 1999 Slovak bronze medal team in scoring?

7) Who captained the 2001 Belarus World Junior team?

8) Which nations did Denmark beat for the first time at the 2017 World Juniors?

9) Who got both Swiss goals against the U.S. in the 2017 quarter-finals?

10) Which Canadian cities will host the 2019 World Juniors?

A lonely history

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If there’s one area where the 2018 Czech team excels, it’s scoring goals. That’s a good thing, considering the woeful Czech semi-final history against Canada.

The Czech Republic has never scored more than one goal on Canada in a World Junior semi-final since the IIHF introduced the playoff system in 1996. Canada won the only two previous encounters, 7-1 in 2004 and 3-1 in 2005.

So who were those two lonely Czech goal-scorers and what became of them?

In 2004, Ondrej Nemec got the goal with a rising slap shot on the power play. Although the puck-moving defenceman never made the NHL despite being drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Penguins (35th overall in 2002), he established himself as a star in both the Czech Republic and the KHL. He won three World Championship medals in a row (gold in 2010, bronze in 2011 and 2012).

Today, Nemec, 33, is the captain of HC Kometa Brno. Brno won the Czech Extraliga championship in 2017, and Martin Necas, currently second in 2018 World Junior scoring (3-6-9), was on Nemec’s team.

In 2005, Rostislav Olesz got the goal on a shorthanded 2-on-1 rush. Drafted seventh overall by the Florida Panthers in 2004, the skilled winger played 365 NHL games with Florida, Chicago, and New Jersey (57-77-134). Although he won World Junior bronze in 2005 and tied Russia’s Alexander Ovechkin and Canada’s Jeff Carter for the tournament goals lead (seven), the two-time World Championship participant’s biggest international team accomplishment was Olympic bronze in 2006 in Turin, Italy.

Today, Olesz, 32, is the captain of HC Vitkovice in the Czech Extraliga. World Junior winger Daniel Kurovsky (1-1-2) is one of his teammates.

Of note: getting just one goal isn’t particularly impressive, but in 2005, no team fared better than the Czechs against the Canadians – widely acknowledged as the best World Junior squad ever. That unbeatable team featured Sidney Crosby, Patrice Bergeron, and Shea Weber, among other future NHL and Olympic superstars. Canada defeated all its other opponents by four or more goals.

Looking at more recent history, the Czechs, who have five returning players, can take some heart from having scored three times in last year’s 5-3 quarter-final loss to Canada. In this tournament, they’ve also gotten more goals (22 in five games) than they have at any World Juniors since Saskatchewan 2010 (28 in six games). Filip Zadina (5 goals) is contending for the tournament lead, and Necas (3 goals) and Filip Chytil (2 goals) are also names to watch.

So win or lose, perhaps Nemec and Olesz will welcome some new members to their club on Thursday.

LUCAS AYKROYD

Clutch Bellows

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Last season Kieffer Bellows made a decision to leave Boston University to join the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winterhawks.

It’s a decision paying dividends for the 19-year-old as he looks to help the U.S. win gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship.

Bellows, a New York Islanders first-round pick, scored seven goals and 14 points with the Terriers in 34 games last season. This season, his first in the WHL, he’s already netted 19 goals and 40 points in 31 games.

“I think just my two-way game has improved, my defensive zone (play) has improved a lot and my skating has gotten a lot better,” Bellows said of the move. “Mike (Johnston) just really promotes transition hockey from defence to offence right away and I think that’s really helped me in this tournament.”

The six-foot-one, 200-pound forward believes his game has benefitted the most from the lengthier schedule provided in the WHL.

“Playing in the WHL this year has been awesome,” Bellows said. “Mike Johnston and the rest of the coaching staff have really helped me improve my game a lot. I’m playing with great guys in my line mates Cody Glass (and) Skyler McKenzie have been great. Just playing all those games is great. I think before I came here I played 31 games and it’s been fantastic, that’s really helped my game skyrocket to a new level.”

Bellows’ offence has helped the Americans at this year’s World Juniors. The Edina, Minnesota native scored twice, including the game winner, in Tuesday’s 4-2 quarterfinals win over the Russians.

With the game tied 2-2, and 7:29 to play in the third, Bellows stepped into a rolling puck and beat Vladislav Sukhachyov blocker-side for his tournament-leading sixth goal.

“I had a thought in my head about where I wanted to put it and I’ve obviously practised that before,” he said. “I practise pucks that are rolling, that are bouncing. It’s good to practise that and it applied (in the game).”

In the Dec. 29 outdoor game at New Era Field against the Canadians, Bellows also scored twice, including the shootout winner, as the Americans battled from behind to win 4-3.

Despite his knack for scoring key goals in big games, Bellows doesn’t believe he’s clutch, but that his preparation puts him in the right spots on the ice.

“I think I’m just playing simple hockey and good things will come when you’re keeping it simple,” said Bellows. “I think that’s the best thing that’s going on with me right now.

“I think for everyone it’s not hard to get up for big games and get going, especially against Russia, a team that we played last year in the semifinals. They’re always going to be a good opponent and I think if we keep our game simple like we did today, then good things will come.”

Bellows teammates have taken notice of his ability to step up when it matters most.

“His work ethic’s been consistent, whether he’s scoring or not,” said American captain Joey Anderson. “I think he’s creating chances and doing the most with the opportunities he’s given. I think that’s something about him that’s very evident. Everyone can see the amazing shot he has.”

At last year’s tournament Bellows scored two goals and an assist as the Americans captured gold for the third time in eight years. As they look to win gold for the first time in back-to-back tournaments, Bellows is embracing a different role with the team.

“Just outside the rink and on the bench I feel I’ve taken on a bigger role just helping guys out that haven’t been here before, especially in these tight games and games where we might be down,” said Bellows. “Some guys haven’t been through this before so I think that’s nice.”

DHIREN MAHIBAN

Batherson looking for more

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Drake Batherson scored twice in Canada’s 8-2 thumping of Switzerland in Tuesday’s quarter-finals, but felt he could’ve had more.

With Canada already leading 4-0 near the midway mark of the second period, Jordan Kyrou broke his stick while receiving a pass. The St. Louis Blues prospect went back to the Canadian bench looking for a stick when Batherson volunteered his.

“He was just waiting at the door, he’s a righty, I knew he’s a righty,” Batherson said. “Tossed him mine, he flew right back out there, nice shot and scored. That was pretty funny. I’ve never experienced something like that before: giving a player my stick and then he scores a goal with it. We had a good laugh after. It was pretty funny.”

Kyrou, who has a team-leading five assists and seven points in five games, initially had trouble with his new stick.

“He said he kind of mishandled it a bit, mine’s a totally different curve than his, but I think he likes it now that he scored with it,” said Batherson. “He gave me the point (after he scored). I thought maybe I’d get the third assist or something there.”

Batherson has had no trouble finding the back of the net himself. The 19-year-old has a team-leading four goals in five games heading into Thursday’s semi-final matchup against the Czech Republic.

“I think I’ve progressed like the team, from Game 1 to here we are now,” he said. “Just felt out the tournament a bit and just building more confidence every game and just getting better.”

The Ottawa Senators prospect has progressed in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season as well scoring 17 goals and 39 points through the first 24 games with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles after notching 58 points all of last season.

He may have a new team when he returns to the QMJHL as the Screaming Eagles have reportedly traded Batherson to Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

“From where I’ve come two years ago, I never thought I’d be playing the World Juniors here in Buffalo or anything like that. It’s just hard work paying off and here, I am and I’m having a blast,” said Batherson.

The Senators have taken note of Batherson’s development.

Drafted in the fourth round at the 2017 NHL Draft, the six-foot-two, 188-pound forward signed his entry-level contract with the Senators in October after impressing the club’s brass at camp.

“From what we’ve seen since training camp, he’s definitely raised his game a notch,” said Sens GM Pierre Dorion. “I think his play away from the puck has gotten better and I think his consistency and work ethic have all improved from what we saw at camp.”

Dorion was in the building for Batherson’s two-goal performance on Tuesday and had many positives to take away.

“What I’ve liked about him is obviously his offensive awareness, his shot, his skill, his ability to generate offence from the blue line-in have all been very good at this tournament,” said Dorion. “On top of that, I’ve really been impressed by his work ethic and his battle for pucks.”

As Batherson looks to take the next step in his hockey career and earn a longer look from the Senators next season, Dorion says the forward will need to work on his size.

“The one thing (he has to do) is get stronger for the pro game,” he said. “Obviously it’s always play away from the puck. We know he’s got the talent and tools to be an NHL player, but at the end of the day, he’s got to make sure that he can be reliable when he’s out there.”

DHIREN MAHIBAN

Syomin suspended

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Russian player Vladislav Syomin has been suspended following the quarter-final game against the United States.

At 17:11 of the first period Syomin was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for a checking to the head or neck violation.

The 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship Disciplinary Panel determined that Syomin hit Max Jones to the head by elevating his shoulder after a puck battle in the offensive zone of the Russians and thus violated Rule 124i-iv (Checking to the head or neck). Jones fell to the ice but got up slowly and was back in the game later. The action was both unnecessary and dangerous, and recklessly put the health of the opponent at risk.

The player shall be sanctioned with a one-game suspension during the next official IIHF Championship the player will participate.

Russia’s next wunderkind?

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For Russia the World Juniors ended early but the team had one of the most talented draft-eligible players with Andrei Svechnikov.

One thing Andrei Svechnikov didn’t really enjoy talking about at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship is the upcoming NHL draft. He is aware that the questions aren’t going anywhere, this being North America, and particularly Buffalo whose Sabres could land an early draft pick in 2018.

There is also the fact that Svechnikov is one of few Russian draft-eligible players and a very highly touted one at that. There is every indication that he is a top-10 prospect at least. At most, he could be picked first.

Svechnikov claims he doesn’t think about the draft too much. When he isn’t claiming that, Russia’s media officer was happy to, often shooing away the press after too many NHL-related questions.

“I try not to focus on this right now”, says Svechnikov, who estimated he was being asked about this topic six or seven times in the first couple of days in Buffalo. “Of course, I’d like to be picked first, but it’s not like I am thinking about it day in and day out.”

Svechnikov, however, will readily admit that he wants to play in the NHL next year and would much prefer this outcome to going to Europe or spending more time in the juniors. As for which team would draft him, it truly doesn’t matter. While some of his teammates felt Buffalo was too wintry and snowy for them, Svechnikov said it was just a normal city and that he “really didn’t understand what all the criticism is all about.” After all, he’s used to snow and ice from playing in Canada and from his old home in Kazan.

One person who isn’t giving Svechnikov star treatment and clearly doesn’t care about his NHL prospects is Russia’s head coach Valeri Bragin, who wasn’t giving the talented youngster a lot of playing time.

“I am playing as much as the coach lets me,” said Svechnikov. “But I am not angry or sad about it. Bragin knows what he is doing. Besides, the one time he let me play on a penalty kill, we got scored on, and it was my mistake. So, I don’t think about my playing time. I have to make the best use of what time I have.”

Speaking of Bragin, his one consistent complaint about the team was its lack of international experience. A lot of the players on the roster had never played at the IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship, which is something Bragin believes is important for a U20 player. One can’t say this about Svechnikov.

The player who went through the Ak Bars Kazan system and is with the OHL’s Barrie Colts now has played at the U18 twice and is still eligible for his third try, on home ice, when the tournament comes to Chelyabinsk and Magnitogorsk in April.

“I really don’t care much about being the youngest player on the U20 team”, he said. “And I wouldn’t mind playing at the U18 again. If my team is knocked out of the Memorial Cup competition and if I am free to go, I will, of course.”

That, on top of everything else that’s going to happen, would certainly make for an eventful year in the 17-year-old’s life, but the mature-beyond-his-age Svechnikov really does look like he has a pretty sold grip on things.

When he gives his standard answers to the draft questions, Svechnikov says he isn’t really being dishonest. All of his thoughts truly are on hockey and the goals he has set for himself. If anything else, that’s one quality all those NHL front offices are going to like. Sorry for bringing this up again, Andrei.

SLAVA MALAMUD

Up next: semi-finals

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It could be North America for gold, Europe for gold, or a mix. In this day and age, nothing is certain.

Sweden vs. United States, 4pm ET (22:00 CET)

These two nations have accounted for four of the last eight gold medals, and we know from the senior level they are among the “big six” in the world. This should be a high-octane matchup, the U.S. getting the edge perhaps because of home ice/small ice more than anything.

The Americans have done things in the right order—they’re getting better as the tournament goes along. After hammering Denmark, 9-0, to start, they lost a shocker to Slovakia, 3-2, in which they didn’t look particularly effective. But the outdoor game against Canada got them fired up, and they turned a 3-1 deficit in the third into a 4-3 shootout win, and that started their forward momentum.

Their strongest game was their last, a 4-2 win over Russia in the quarter-finals, and that came on the heels of an up-and-down 5-4 win of the Finns. The U.S. hasn’t been a show of force exactly. They’ve had good and bad moments, but one thing that puts them at the top right now is their uncanny ability to score when it matters. They’ve done this three times now: against Canada, rallying in the third; against Finland, blowing a 3-0 lead but scoring late to win; against Russia, losing two leads but scoring the final goal.

Casey Mittelstadt is the top scorer in the tourney with ten points, but he has had plenty of support, notably from the top goalscorer so far, Kieffer Bellows, and linemate Brady Tkachuk, who has two goals and seven points. The third member of that trio, captain Joey Anderson, has three goals.

The U.S. has been the most disciplined team of the four remaining nations, taking just 15 minor penalties in five games. But their stats don’t tell the story. They’re not the top power-play or penalty-killing team. They’re not necessarily the biggest or fastest. What they have proved is confidence, teamwork, and timing can make the difference. That’s what they’ll need against Sweden.

The Swedes are like machines. You out the players in, and they spit out win after win. They just do. They are a perfect 5-0 so far in Buffalo, and that’s because they do everything well.

In goal, Filip Gustavsson has been the number-one man, and he’s allowed but seven goals in four games for a GAA of 1.71.

On defence, they are anchored by number 8, Rasmus Dahlin, who will almost certainly be the first overall selection at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He has six assists, is a +7, and averages nearly 24 minutes of ice time a game.

Like Canada, the offence is spread across the board. Every forward has at least one point, but there are those who have carried the load. Lias Andersson, Elias Pettersson and Alexander Nylander have been particularly impressive, but the supporting cast, top to bottom, is skilled with the puck.

Yes, the Americans are favourites, playing at home, but if the Swedes win, it won’t be an upset. They are just too good, as always.

Canada vs. Czech Republic, 8pm ET (2:00 CET)

If history counts for anything, Canada would be seen as the odds-on favourite. Of the remaining teams, Canada has won 16 gold, the United States four, and the Czechs and Swedes two each. But, of course, that’s not how it’s done.

More recent history shows that Canada pummelled the Czechs 9-0 in a tuneup on 20th December, in London, Ontario, and most will be quick to say the Czechs are a different team now. They’ve added some players; they’re playing with more confidence; they’re a team now.

But the same can be said for Canada. That team on 20th December isn’t as good as the one that will play on 4th January.

Canada has scored more goals than any other team in the tournament—29—and has given up the fewest—8. Those are numbers that do matter. And among the top-10 scorers, only one Canadian name appears—Jordan Kyrou, with seven points—indicating the high-power offence is also distributed among the four lines.

So, the Czechs can’t focus on one player or one line. They have to be aware of every line. One night, Brett Howden is the hero. The next night it’s Drake Batherson or Boris Katchouk or Jonah Gadjovich.

Canada’s power play is also the best in the tournament, humming along at 53% on the strength of ten goals on only 19 chances. Another red flag for the Czechs.

The Czechs have to be the underdogs of the teams remaining. Their road to the semis was much different. Just six days after that bad exhibition loss to Canada, they opened the tournament with a dramatic 6-5 win over Russia. They lost to Sweden and then struggled to beat Belarus, 6-5, and a solid win over Switzerland closed out their round robin.

Whereas Canada’s goaltending has been at least not much of a factor, the play of both Josef Korenar and Jaukb Skarek has been integral to the Czechs’ success. As well, they have specific and particular offensive weapons, and players have emerged from the shadows to establish themselves as elite junior players.

Consider the case for Kristian Reichel, wearing his father’s number 22 and scoring three goals in five games (plus a critical shootout goal). Filip Zadina has five goals in as many games, and Martin Necas is second in overall scoring with nine points. Defenceman Libor Hajek leads all blueliners in the tournament with seven points.

The Czechs haven’t been this deep in a World Junior event since 2005, but you look at what they’ve done here in Buffalo and all of a sudden their place in the semis doesn’t look like such a fluke.

And, considering they just eliminated Finland, playing them shift for shift for 70 minutes before winning in a shootout, the Canadians will have their hands full.

ANDREW PODNIEKS

Nylander expects more

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You wouldn’t have guessed Sweden defeated Slovakia to advance to the semi-final at the IIHF World Junior Championship after talking to Alexander Nylander.

The Swedish forward was critical of his own play following the 3-2 win in which he was held without a point.

The Buffalo Sabres prospect has a goal and five assists through the first five games of the tournament. Given that it is his third appearance at the Under-20 tournament and the fact that he was tied for the lead in points (12) at last year’s tourney, the 2016 first-round pick was expected to be dominant at this year's event.

“We have to step it up, my line and myself,” Nylander said. “I had a really bad game, which is unacceptable. I have to step it up a lot more next game. I’ve got to play a lot better. I wasn’t moving my feet and create more plays and use the stuff I’m good at, trying to get shots at the net and working hard. I’ve got to work harder.”

The 19-year-old aggravated a groin injury during Sabres rookie tournament and missed the first 14 games of the Rochester Americans schedule recovering.

Since returning from the injury, Nylander scored two goals and four assists in 15 American Hockey League games prior to the World Juniors and feels like he’s got his timing back.

“I think it’s coming back right now, but right now I’m just focusing on winning the next game, the semi-final game, and trying to get my game back,” he said. “It’s coming in this tournament that I’m playing in right now, but there is more that I can give.”

Swedish coach Tomas Monten agreed he’s seen better performances from Nylander in the tournament.

“I think that’s the best with those players, they know when they didn’t play their best game and they know they can be better, they’re going to be next game for sure,” said Monten. “It feels like he’s grown a lot. Before (the Slovak) game he was a player that can play in all situations: he plays on our power play, he plays on our PK. He can play in the offensive zone, the D-zone, last minute shifts – a player that can really contribute to everything.

“Not a great game (Tuesday), but he’s going to be back at it next game.”

Nylander is hoping Tuesday’s close game against the Slovaks will provide his team with the necessary wakeup call heading into today’s semi-final against the Americans.

“(The Slovaks) came out hard, they were doing really well with their fore-checking and they were getting pucks down low,” said Nylander. “We’ve just got to keep focusing on our own game, stick to the game plan and go from there.”

The Swedes’ success at the Under-20 tournament has been well-documented. They have not lost a game in the preliminary round dating back to the 2007 tournament, but have won just four of the past 10 semi-finals and just one gold medal (2012) in that time.

Despite the history, Monten doesn’t believe the past has anything to do with the group he’ll coach in semi-final game against the Americans.

“The thing is, you play better teams in the medal rounds than in the qualifying,” said Monten. “That’s the difference. I think last year we were a little bit unlucky, I still think we (played) a great game against the Russians, I think we were a lot better, but some years we just weren’t good enough, the other Top-3 teams were better. We’ll see this year, but the preliminary round is one thing, and playoffs is another.

DHIREN MAHIBAN
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