The ice hockey world championships are held in Canada for the first time in the tournament history, as unbelievable as it sounds. The first gold medals were given already in 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium - to the Canadians, of course - so it's about time the annual top level tournament of international hockey arrives in the sport's home country.
Team Canada has always been one of the biggest favorites to win the tournament and this year will definitely be no exception. Now they are clearly the biggest favorite, not only because of their undeniable support by the home crowd, but also because of the NHL sized, smaller rinks that many European players have to adjust their game into. This also works in Team USA's favor.
While Canada is widely considered the biggest favorite, there are a few other teams aiming for the gold medals as well.
Let's start with a look on Group A that consists of Sweden, Switzerland, Belarus and France.
While Sweden is not having their biggest star players in the tournament this time, they are able to put up a dangerous and competitive team every year. They should not be underestimated, but the smaller rinks may cause them some problems as most of their players play in the Swedish league where the rinks are considered large even on an international scale. One of the best rookies in the NHL this season, Nicklas Bäckström, will have a big role offensively while Niclas Wallin, Alexander Edler and the veteran Kenny Jönsson will carry the defense. Mikael Tellqvist and Erik Ersberg will handle the goaltending duties and have the ability to be good tournament goalies. Experience from smaller rinks is important for the both of them. This year the Swedes are not among the biggest favorites, but they always have the potential to get to the medal rounds.
The Swiss will also have to deal with the same problem of smaller rinks, especially because their biggest strength has always been good skating that thrives on larger ice surface. Switzerland is always capable of upsetting the favorites, but this time it may be more difficult for them to do. Smaller rinks also favor harder, more physical teams and the Swiss' weakness has usually been their softness. NHL goaltenders Martin Gerber and Jonas Hiller will play an important role for the Swiss' success and they have the ability of stealing games for their team. Still, advancing to the medal rounds would be a big surprise.
Belarus and France are the two in the group who will battle against relegation to the lower tournament level. France gets a big boost from the NHL goalie Cristobal Huet, but overall Belarus seems like the stronger team.
Canada, USA, Latvia and Slovenia form Group B.
comments (0) write a comment »
write a new comment
This article has no comments.