Yesterday goaltender and 2006 3rd round Columbus Blue Jackets selection Steve Mason was named as the starter for Team Canada in the single elimination round of the World Junior Championships.
To Columbus fans who aren't aware of the WJCs....its comparable to say the NCAA 64 team basketball tournament in the States up in Canada...in other words, its a real big deal up North. So when Mason was announced as the starter alot of fans thought it was the wrong decision and that it should have been Steve Bernier who played in last year's WJCs for Canada's gold medal winning team and is a 1st round selection.
All that aside....things couldn't have worked out any better for Mason or the Jackets. This is the biggest stage in Junior hockey and to play for Team Canada in such meaningful games is just invaluable for a players development and confidence. Keep in mind you have to be 19 or younger to play as well.
Today Mason was in net for the Canadians against Findland and back stopped them to a 4-2 victory. Unfortunately Mason did let in a very bad goal early and the knock on him is that he'll let in a softy but then rebound and stay composed to play strong hockey from there. That was pretty much how the game went for Mason. What will be interesting is to see if Canada's coach goes with Mason against the United States on Friday or if he switches things up again and goes with Bernier.
Another prospect, 2007 2nd round pick Stefan Legein is also playing for the Canadians and thanks to the NHL Network (oh how I love you!) I was also able to watch this game. He played very well....he fired a heck of a slapper off the post and then sealed Canada's victory with an empty net goal. TSN's Pierre McGuire called him the "unsung hero" of the Canadian team and it was only appropriate for him to score that goal.
Friday is going to be a great game. Canada knocked off the US in a multiple round shootout to go on to win the gold medal. The US will be looking for a little revenge and are undefeated so far through this tournament. Set your DVRs!
-LTL
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2 comments:
question--how does one get the NHL network?
If you have Time Warner just give them a buzz and ask for the Sport Tier package with NHL Network.
You have to have digital cable to get it and the package will cost you and extra 5 bucks a month. It does come with some other FSN channels and NBA TV.
I'm pretty sure Dish and Direct TV both offer NHL Net though some type of package as well.
Its well worth it. Heck just watching NHL on the Fly in the morning is worth -- its like NHL Sportscenter -- its great!
-LTL
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