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Late summer hockey
It is always a bit of a shock to see the Boys of Winter on the ice pads when there are still people flocking to our beaches; however, that is exactly the case now as many leagues are now underway, and the World Cup of Hockey is in full swing in Toronto.
Some of the pundits have labelled this the “Money Cup”. Shame on them! Do you really believe there are a few coins involved? I believe you can count on that. Big Time. Promotions, television revenue, product sales. I cannot imagine anyone even thinking about purchasing a “Team North America” jersey. But they will do it, and in big numbers.
There have been a few games played up to this point in the tournament. If you happen to think that you know the names of the teams that will participate in the final series, I take my hat off to you. From my perspective right now, it is a dog’s breakfast. The Russians were written off a couple of days ago. Then they scored four goals in the second period to defeat the ‘Wonder Kids” with the “NA” on their ugly jerseys. That changed everything.
It is certainly a wonderful showcase for the new kids on the block. I am not alone when I say that I believe Sidney Crosby is the best player in the game today. His performance last year in the Stanley Cup was remarkable. He has even stepped it up a notch in this tournament, thus far. Mind you, he has had some time to recharge, and gather some energy after a tough season.
You will recall that he spent some time in “quiet rooms” last season. That’s the term they use when a player gets bonked on the head, usually when he is run into the boards from behind. It is one of the most gutless things a player can do on the ice, and yet some players continue to play that way. The management of the Florida Panthers is now collectively holding their breath as their star defenceman, Aaron Ekblad, is being watched for a potential concussion. They call it “an upper-body injury.” I am certain all precautions will be taken before he hits the ice again.
All of the best players in the world are in Toronto. So, the best players from the best game. For Leaf fans, it is an exciting time. Their coach, and Team Canada’s coach, Mike Babcock, is almost smiling. Their number one draft pick Auston Matthews will fit nicely into the plans for the upcoming season. But in a year or two, when they decide to hold another World Cup, Matthews will be wearing a jersey with USA on the front. That will not be popular. Can you hear that chant? “USA, USA.” Certainly a moral dilemma.
The game tonight will be most important. US coach John Tortorella knows that the games between Canada and the US are battles. This one will be no exception. The American team has emerged, over the years, as the prime opposition for the Canucks. Have the Americans played well thus far? Not according to Brett Hull. He said that he would have scored a hat trick in the first game!
Some things never change.
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