It was hockey at its best as we viewed the World Junior Hockey Championships televised from Pardubice in the Czech Republic. There were even a few young people amongst the almost sixty grey-haired retirees watching the games at ‘Beluchi’s Restaurant and Bar’ in Bucherious on the Mexican Riviera in the Bay of Banderas. It was a Saturday morning that saw the Russians defeat the United States and deny the Americans a place in the medal standings. Now it was Canada’s turn to try to outdo the Swedes who had beat them in the preliminary round. Not that it didn’t create a few moments of high drama as the Canadians’ saw their 2 – 0 lead squandered in the third period as Sweden popped in two quick goals from a runaway Swede offence while the Canadians looked uncoordinated and unable to maintain any coordinated offensive momentum. Late in the Third Period Canada had managed to keep their lead at 2 – 1 but with 19 seconds left in the game and a face-off in the Canadian defensive zone an opportunity was missed. The Canadian team was obviously shaken with Sweden’s late game offensive spurt; they simply could not find the solution while Sweden ran rampant around the goal maintaining excellent puck control. Should there have been a time out called? Perhaps Coach Craig Hartsburg had confidence that his players could keep Sweden out of the net for a mere 19 seconds. Well – as the saying goes that is now history. They didn’t take a time out to regain their composure and the Swedes took advantage when they popped in the late period goal bringing the tie and overtime! At the closing bell of the third period the game was tied 2 -2 and the momentum rested with Sweden. Team Canada was stunned with what could be the worst possible of upsets. However, between periods something happened in the Canadian dressing room. An offensive spark ignited Team Canada and they came out for the kill. Only one goal was needed by either team and by whatever means they could Team Canada meant to be the team that was going to get it! No second place runners in the minds of these young men. They came out and from the drop of the puck, they meant business. Stoutness of Heart, toughness and with a will to win - they capped it off. The team did what they had to in the sudden death overtime period. They put the puck in the net at 3:38 of the first overtime period and gave Canada their fourth consecutive GOLD MEDAL win. Congratulations to our young juniors who represented Canada so well and acquitted themselves admirably. What a Team. What a hockey country we have. Our senior citizens demonstrated that they are ready willing and able to put aside their personal wants, needs, wishes, and desires to provide support for our young, up and coming hockey stars. They were amply rewarded in their support by the manner in which the Canadian team conducted themselves. Yes they lost focus for a short while and they paid for it early in the preliminary round when Team Sweden beat them. What a wake up call – they were shown rather smartly that they were not infallible. They knew they had to find the key to the win and they did – guts! So for all the seniors out there who set aside some of their active time so they could play the coach potato for a short time in support of our Canadian Junior team we salute you. Now; no more slacking off. It’s time that you once again got back on the ice to do your part holding up the Canadian tradition of playing wining hockey. To that end we have a reminder that in the next short while several senior old-timers tournaments will be played in the local area. You will all want to note that Kamloops has just finished its January tournament, while Oliver and Salmon Arm are preparing for theirs in March. The finally of the winter season and beginning of the golf season starts with the all-important Playmakers Tournament where people from all over the country meet. Remember – Keep your stick on the ice!
eant business. Stoutness of Heart, toughness and with a will to win - they capped it off. The team did what they had to in the sudden death overtime period. They put the puck in the net at 3:38 of the first overtime period and gave Canada their fourth consecutive GOLD MEDAL win. Congratulations to our young juniors who represented Canada so well and acquitted themselves admirably. What a Team. What a hockey country we have. Our senior citizens demonstrated that they are ready willing and able to put aside their personal wants, needs, wishes, and desires to provide support for our young, up and coming hockey stars. They were amply rewarded in their support by the manner in which the Canadian team conducted themselves. Yes they lost focus for a short while and they paid for it early in the preliminary round when Team Sweden beat them. What a wake up call – they were shown rather smartly that they were not infallible. They knew they had to find the key to the win and they did – guts! So for all the seniors out there who set aside some of their active time so they could play the coach potato for a short time in support of our Canadian Junior team we salute you. Now; no more slacking off. It’s time that you once again got back on the ice to do your part holding up the Canadian tradition of playing wining hockey. To that end we have a reminder that in the next short while several senior old-timers tournaments will be played in the local area. You will all want to note that Kamloops has just finished its January tournament, while Oliver and Salmon Arm are preparing for theirs in March. The finally of the winter season and beginning of the golf season starts with the all-important Playmakers Tournament where people from all over the country meet. Remember – Keep your stick on the ice! 