What an opening day it was at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Malmö on Boxing Day as hot favourites USA and Canada won their opening games to stake an early claim for the coveted title.
While defending champions USA produced a consistent performance to beat a weary Czech side 5-1, Brent Sutter’s team got off to the perfect start as Canada led the unfancied Germany by two goals at the first break before running out 7-2 victors.
Meanwhile in Group B, 11,000 people watched hosts Sweden upturn Switzerland 5-3 while 13-time champs Russia demolished Norway 11-0. The top four ranked teams have all won their opening encounters and each looks a formidable force this year.
For fans unfamiliar with the Junior Championships, this annual tournament is the perfect training ground for young talents developing their careers at international level. While the stars of the NHL sink their teeth into some serious festive action, the bright sparks of the future must prove themselves in tournament competition.
It is a stage where our future Olympic heroes make their mark on the ice, just like 2005 MVP Patrice Bergeron and ’04 Best Forward Zach Parise have done before them.
The tournament is also a stage, however, for intense rivalries to flare up and fans in the NHL betting community are no doubt waiting for New Year’s Eve, when the USA face off against Canada for what is likely to be a fight to top Group A.
Last year’s silver medallists Sweden, meanwhile, must overcome Russia on the same day if they are going to advance from Group B as top dogs. On the face of it, Russia and Sweden should both make the top two places but those who bet on hockey know nothing is guaranteed in this game.
So, watch out for the odd upset in this tournament as we progress through the group stage and don’t be surprised if one of the frontrunners fall in the quarters this year as the pressure of tournament hockey gets the better of some of these inexperienced players.
