Let the complaining continue. Another World Junior Championships, fans are already up in arms.
The biggest surprise so far was the Americans cutting Columbus Blue Jackets 2009 1st round pick John Moore. I am surprised as the next guy, but I am not buying the anti-CHL argument this time around. I believed USA Hockey invited 12 players with CHL ties to the training camp so that argument is thrown out.
People forget at this short tournament you want to have players that are on a roll. I didn’t think he hurt himself Saturday night against North Dakota, but at the same time he didn’t do anything to help his cause. He’s having a nice season with the Kitchener Rangers, but isn’t on the same pace as John Carlson was last year. Although Kitchener didn’t have the same firepower as London did last year.
USA Hockey didn’t set-up this training camp just to pick the first round picks or potential first round picks. Maybe Moore had a sense of entitlement that he would be named to the team and didn’t take this past weekend as a true tryout.
I am putting my trust in Dean Blais as Kurt Russell put in the movie “Miracle” “I’m not looking for the best players, Craig. I’m looking for the right ones.”
Once again Sweden fans are blaming the referees and being on Canadian soil for their loss Sunday.
1. Canada came out wanting to win this game.
2. Sweden took bad penalties. Tim Erixon running over Jake Allen was stupid.
3. Jocob Markstrom did let in a softy.
4. Canada beat you on neutral ice two years ago
It was only an exhibition and when the real tournament starts, there will be officials from all over the world. At the end of the day, I believe you will be seeing both teams play at some point in the medal round.