Game Recap: Prince Edward Island Rockets vs. Halifax Moosheads

Prince Edward Island Rockets vs. Halifax Mooseheads

Final Score
PEI - 1
Halifax - 3

Goalscorers
PEI: Josh Currie
Halifax: Dominic Beauchemin (2), Matthew Boudreau

Goalies
PEI: Antonie Bibeau (L), Maxime Legace
Halifax: Zach Fucale (W)

Fireball Player
(He's so hot, nothing is gonna put this guy out)

Dominic Beauchemin - 2 goals (one was a tip-in) and overall good play gets him this honour.

Snake Bitten Player
(No amount of sucking will help get the poison out of him)

Stefan Fournier - Not necessary his play (he was good), but his passing decisions were...well, not great.

Play of the Game
(Every game has a defining moment, this is probably it)

The back-to-back goals by Halifax in the second period. Boudreau scored on a nice shot that went over the shoulder. Beauchemin scored before the announcer finished announcing the Boudreau goal. PEI changed goalies after that.

Notes

• It seemed like half of PEI's shots in the first period came from their defensive zone.
• The Mooseheads called up two forwards. Personally took a liking to one of them (Brad Cuzner), I just can't figure out why...
• Serious, both Cuzner and (Brandon) Pye played hard. It just seems a shame that they will get sent down in three weeks.
• One of those things you don't think of usually, but it took almost 8 minutes into the second period for the first stoppage in play (for said period).
• During that stoppage, it was announced that MacKinnon and Drouin made Team Canada. A huge ovation followed.
• I swear, Boudreau scores every game I attend.
• At least PEI's goal had a nice little deke to go with it.
• Finally, I didn't take too many pictures as usual. What I did get (and turned out half-decent) are below.

Pictures

Showing Some International Love: Euro Hockey Tour Preview - Channel One Cup

The Euro Hockey Tour moves to Russia, and this time it looks a lot more interesting (for the Russian side at least). Will Russia defend the Motherland? Will the Czechs defend their 1st place finish after the Karjala Tournament? Here is the preview for the Channel One Cup.

(Most information from the IH Forums)

Rosters

Czech Republic

Goalies: Ondrej Pavalec* (Bili Tygri Liberec), Alexandr Salak (Farjestad)
Defense: Jakub Kindl* (CSOB Pojistovna Pardubice), Jakub Krejcik (Lev Praha), Zdenek Kutlak (HC Ambri-Piotta), Jakub Nakladal (Spartek Moscow), Filip Novak (Dynamo Moscow), Roman Polak* (HC Vitkovice Steel), Martin Skoula (Lev Praha)
Forwards: Michal Frolik* (Pirati Chomutov), Martin Hanzal* (Mountfield Ceske Budejovice), Ales Hemsky* (HC Pardubice), Petr Koukal (Neftekhimsk Nizhnekamsk), David Krejci* (HC Pardubice), Petr Nedved (Bili Tygri Liberec), Jabuk Petruzalek (Khabarovsk Amur), Tomas Plekanec* (Rytiri Kladno), Tomas Rolinek (Salavat Yulaev UFA), Martin Ruzicka (Ocelari Trinec), Jakub Svoboda (Kometa Brno), Jiri Tlusty* (Rytiri Kladno), Michal Vondrka (Slovan Bratislava), Jakub Voracek* (Lev Praha)

Finland

Goalies: Ari Ahonen (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Joni Ortio (HIFK Helsinki)
Defense: Teemu Eronen (Jokerit Helsinki), Lasse Kukkonen (Rogle BK), Teemu Laakso (Severstal Cherepovets), Sami Lepisto (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Mikko Maenpaa (CSKA Moscow), Ilari Melart (HIFK Helsinki), Kristian Nakyva (JYP Jyvaskyla), Atte Ohtamaa (Karpat Oulu)
Forwards: Juha-Matti Aaltonen (Rogle BK), Jonas Enlund (Sibir Novosibirsk), Tommi Huhtala (Espoo Blues), Toni Kahkonen (Karpat Oulu), Tuomas Kiiskinen (Donbass Donets'k), Ville Koho (SaiPa Lappeenranta), Kristian Kuusela (Espoo Blues), Miika Lahti (JYP Jyvaskyla), Jori Lehtera (Sibir Novosibirsk), Oscar Osala (Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk), Antti Pihlstrom (Salavat Yulaev UFA), Teemu Ramstedt (Espoo Blues), Jere Sallinen (HPK Hameenlinna)

Russia

Goalies: Konstantin Barulin (Ak Bars Kazan), Ilya Bryzgalov* (CSKA Moscow), Vasili Koshechkin (Severstal Cherepovets)
Defense: Anton Belov (Avangard Omsk), Yevgeny Biryukov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Denis Denisov (CSKA Moscow), Konstantin Korneyev (Ak Bars Kazan), Evgeny Medvedev (Ak Bars Kazan), Ilya Nikulin* (Ak Bars Kazan), Evgeni Ryasensky (CSKA Moscow) Yakov Rylov (CSKA Moscow), Fyodor Tyutin* (Atlant Moscow Region), Alexei Yelmin* (Salavat Yulaev)
Forwards: Artem Anisimov* (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl),Yegor Averin (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Evgeny Dadonov* (Donbass Donets'k), Pavel Datsyuk* (CSKA Moscow), Dmitri Kazionov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Ilya Kovalchuk* (SKA St. Petersburg), Nikolai Kulyomin* (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Yevgeni Malkin* (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Sergei Mozyakin (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Alexander Ovechkin* (Dynamo Moscow), Alexei Perezhogin (Avangard Omsk), Sergei Plotnikov (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Alexander Popov (Avangard Omsk), Vadim Shipachyov (Severstal Cherepovets), Sergei Shirokov (CSKA Moscow), Alexei Tereshchenko (Ak Bars Kazan), Nikolai Zherdev (Atlant Moscow Region)

Sweden

Goalies: Jonas Enroth* (Almtuna IS), Anders Lindback* (Ilves Tampere)
Defense: Jonas Ahnelov (MODO), Niclas Burstrom (Skelleftea), Sebastien Erixon (Timra IK), Carl Gunnarsson* (Orebro HK), Victor Hedman* (Barys Astana), Staffan Kronwall (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Tobias Viklund (AIK)
Forwards: Nicklas Backstrom* (Dynamo Moscow), Patrik Berglund* (VIK Vasteras), Nicklas Danielsson (SC Bern), Jimmie Ericsson (Skelleftea AIK), Marcus Johansson* (Bofors IK), Oscar Lindberg (Skelleftea AIK), Joakim Lindstrom (Skelleftea AIK), Joel Lundqvist (Frolunda HC), Niklas Persson (CSKA Moscow), Fredrik Pettersson (Donbass Donets'k), Viktor Stalberg* (Atlant Mytischi), Carl Soderberg (Linkopings HC)

* Notes locked out players

Schedule

All games are in Moscow, Russia unless denoted.

December 13
Finland vs. Czech Republic (in Helsinki, Finland)
Sweden vs. Russia

December 15
Russia vs. Czech Republic
Finland vs. Sweden

December 16
Russia vs. Finland
Czech Republic vs. Sweden

Last Year (Channel One Cup)

Sweden                  2W - 1L - 6PTS - +2GD
Czech Republic     1W - 1OTW - 1L - 5PTS - +4GD
Russia                    1W - 1OTL - 1L - 4 PTS - 0GD
Finland                  1W - 2L - 3PTS - -6GD

Euro Hockey Tour Standings

1 - Czech Republic   3W - 0L - 9PTS - +4GD
2 - Finland                1W - 1OTW - 1L - 5PTS - +2GD
3 - Russia                  1W - 1OTL - 1L - 4PTS - -1GD
4 - Sweden                0W - 3L - 0PTS - -5GD

Predictions

1 - Russia
2 - Czech Republic
3 - Sweden
4 - Finland

Now THIS was the Russian team I was expecting. Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk, Datsyuk.....Korneyev. It's basically Russia's preliminary roster for Sochi 2014. It would not be surprising to see them to run the table.

Czech Republic did reinforce their roster, but for the most part went with a "if it ain't broke, why fix it" approach. They should be able to take the second spot, but alos have the potential to upset Russia to end up first.

Sweden has come in with a lot better team.Their roster has turned over quite a bit, but it has been for the better. In comparing against the other teams, they do not seem to stack up against the Czechs and Russians. Not to say they don't ahve what it takes to beat them, but it will be an uphill battle.

Just like Sweden, Finland went for the complete roster overhaul. Unfortunately, it looks like they went in the other direction. While they did end up second in the Karjala portion, their games were closer than they would probably like. The turnover is understandable, but they aren't replacing the talent they are getting rid of.

Showing Some International Love: World Junior Championship - Division I Group B

Group B is hosted by Ukraine, who was recently promoted to Division I. This group has the potential to be the most surprising group of the lower divisions.

Note: Most infomation from the IIHF website.

Roster

Croatia
Goalies: Ivan Ruzic (Medvescak Zagreb), Ivan Stimac Rojtinic (Mladost Zagreb), Mate Tomljenovic (Medvescak Zagreb), Andrej Vasiljevic (HK 36 Skalica)
Defensemen: Luka Boric (Mladost Zagreb), Toni Boric (Mladost Zagreb),Teo Buinac (Medvescak Zagreb), Alain Cavkic (Medvescak Zagreb), Domagoj Kapetanic (Medvescak Zagreb), Bruno Kegalj (KHL Zagreb), Jan Lendo (Medvescak Zagreb), Luka Markovic (Dukla Trencin), Borna Silovic (HKm Zvolen), Roman Skrapec (KHL Zagreb)
Forwards: Damir Bukovic (Medvescak Zagreb), Roberto Cerovecki (Znojemsti Orli), Ivan Jankovic (KHL Zagreb), Luka Jarcov (KHL Zagreb), Josip Jazbec (Medvescak Zagreb), Ivo Kaleb (KHL Zagreb), Domagoj Krivosic (Medvescak Zagreb), Luka Mikulic (Medvescak Zagreb), Matija Milicic (KHL Zagreb), Mateo Nardin (Medvescak Zagreb), Jan Novotny (KHL Zagreb), Kresimir Polasek (KHL Zagreb), Luka Razic (Medvescak Zagreb), Marko Sakic (KAC Klagenfurt), Ivan Simunovic (Mladost Zagreb), Luka Vukoja (Red Bull Salzburg)

Great Britain
Goalies: Andrew Brummitt (Chelmsford Chieftains), Adam Goss (Coventry Blaze)
Defensemen: Declan Balmer (Petersborough Phantoms), Jamie Chilcott (Space Coast Hurricanes), Samuel Godfrey (Slough Jets), James Griffin (Coventry Blaze), Jonathan Kirk (Sheffield Bulldogs), Matthew Selby (Coventry Blaze), Zach Sullivan (Basingstoke Bison), Paul Swindlehurst (Swidon Wildcats), Lewis Turner (Bracknell Bees)
Forwards: Callum Bowley (Telford Tigers), Luke Brittle (Telford Tigers), Aaron Connolly (Slough Jets), Jordan Cownie (Petersborough Phantoms), Luke Ferrara (Petersborough Phantoms), Adam Harding (Cardiff Devils), Andrew Melachrino (Basingstoke Bison), Jack Musil (Space Coast Hurricanes), Ross Venus (Coventry Blaze), Jack Watkins (Dundee Stars), William Weldon (Petersborough Phantoms)

Italy
Goalies: Giancarlo Kostner (HC Gherdeina), Martin Rabanser (EV Ravensburg), Gianluca Vallini (SHC Fassa)
Defensemen: Lorenzo Casetti (HC Asiago), Danny Elliscasis (Pustertal Bruneck), Daniel Glira (Pustertal Bruneck), Daniel Maffia (EV Fussen), Michael Messner (Viptieno Broncos), Gabriele Moretti (SG Cortina), Andreas Radin (HC Meran), Ruben Rampazzo (Ritten Sport), Andrea Schina (Real Torino), Alex Trivellato (Eisbaren Berlin)
Forwards: Raphael Andergassen (SV Kaltern), Marcello Borghi (Milano Rossoblu), Martin Castlunger (SHC Fassa), Nicola Deluca (SHC Fassa), Daniel Frank (HC Meran), Alex Frei (SV Kaltern), Luca Frigo (Omaha Lancers), Peter Hochkofler (Red Bull Salzberg), Jose Antonia Magnabosco (HC Asiago), Michele Marchetti (HC Fassa), Benno Obermair (SV Kaltern), Jan Pavlu (Heilbronner EC), Joachim Ramoser (Eisbaren Berlin), Oliver Schenk (HC Gherdeina), Michele Stevan (HC Asiago), Michael Sullmann Pilser (HC Neumarkt), Davide Testori (Alleghe Hockey), Patrick Torman (Alleghe Hockey)

Kazakhstan
Goalies: Valeri Sevidov (Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk), Roman Shtefan (Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk)
Defensemen: Stepan Alexandrov (Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk), Vyacheslav Borisov (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Madiar Ibraibekov (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Danair Kairov (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Andrei Kurachyov (Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk), Andrei Medyanik (Gornyak Rudny), Vladimir Mezhebitski (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Yuri Sergienko (Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk), Ivan Stepanenko (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Stanislav Zinchenko (Snezhnye Barsy Astana)
Forwards: Ramazen Aldamzharov (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Dmitri Fisenko (Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk), Maxat Ibrayev (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Nurlan Kabiev (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Semyon Koshelev (Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk), Artyom Likhotnikov (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Nikita Mikhailis (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Anton Okunev (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Vladislav Podkorytov (Arlan Kokshetau), Anton Sagadeyev (Snezhnye Barsy Astana), Kirill Savitski (Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk), Arkadi Shestakov (Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk), Sergei Stukalov (Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk), Yesmukhanbet Tolepbergen (Snezhnye Barsy Astana)

Poland
Goalies: Robert Kowalowka (Unia Oswiecim), Mateusz Skrabalak (KH Sanok), David Zabolotny (SMS Sosnowiec)
Defensemen: Lukasz Bulanowski (KH Sanok), Dariusz Gaczol (MMKS Nowy Targ), Jakub Giminski (SMS Sosnowiec), Piotr Huzarski (Sokoly Torun), Marcin Kolodziej (Sielec Sosnowiec), Arkadiusz Kostek (SMS Sosnowiec), Igor Sarna (Zaprzod Janow), Karol Szaniawski (Mazowsze Legia Warsaw), Lukasz Sznotala (Cracovia Krakow)
Forwards: Hubert Demkowicz (KH Sanok), Adam Domogala (Frankfurt Lions), Kacper Guzik (GKS Katowice), Michal Kalinowski (GKS Katowice), Daniel Kapica (MMKS Nowy Targ), Dawid Majoch (Zaglebie Sosnowiec), Patryk Malicki (Unia Oswiecim), Lukasz Nalewajka (GKS Jastrzebie), Radoslaw Nalewajka (GKS Jastrzebie), Martin Pawelski (MHK 32 Liptovsky Mikulas), Filip Starzynski (Bismarck Bobcats), Jakub Stasiewicz (Stocznioweic Gdansk), Filip Stopinski (SMS Sosnowiec), Damian Zarotynski (MMKS Nowy Targ)

Ukraine
Goalies: Mykhailo Shevchuk (Levy Novoyavorivsk), Pavlo Yachnyk (Berkut Kyiv), Danil Yeliseyev (Bily Bars Brovary), Eduard Zakharchenko (Olimpiets Balashikha)
Defensemen: Anton Dyky (Sokil Kyiv), Dmytro Ignatenko (Bily Bars Brovary), Andri Lyashok (Levy Novoyavorivsk), Valentyn Sirchenko (Sokil Kyiv), Danylo Skrypets (Kristall Berdsk), Vsevolod Tolstushko (Sokil Kyiv), Volodymyr Varyvoda (HK Kremenchuk), Artem Yevseichyk (Sokil Kyiv), Ruslan Zabulonov (HK Kremenchuk)
Forwards: Kyrylo Bondarenko (Traktor Chelyabinsk), Dmytro Chernyshenko (Berkut Kyiv), Andri Istominov (Wichita Thunder), Sevastian Karpenko (Sokil Kyiv), Oleg Komarchev (Bily Bars Brovary), Vladislav Kursky (Levy Novoyavorivsk), Vladyslav Kutsevych (Ak Bars Kazan), Sergi Kuzmik (Bily Bars Brovary), Artur Lysak (Dynamo Kharkiv), Maxym Martyshko (Donbass Donets'k), Igor Mykulko (Sokil Kyiv), Pavlo Padakin (Calgary Hitmen), Yuri Petrangovsky (Sokil Kyiv), Ivan Pidgursky (Berkut Kyiv), Ruslan Romashenko (Kompanion Kyiv), Ivan Savchenko (Dynamo Kharkiv), Olexi Yanishevsky (Berkut Kyiv), Viktor Zakharov (Donbass Donets'k)

Schedule

December 10
Poland vs. Kazakhstan
Croatia vs. Italy
Ukraine vs. Great Britain

December 12
Kazakhstan vs. Croatia
Great Britain vs. Poland
Italy vs. Ukraine

December 13
Great Britain vs. Croatia
Kazakhstan vs. Italy
Ukraine vs. Poland

December 15
Italy vs. Great Britain
Poland vs. Croatia
Kazakhstan vs. Ukraine

December 16
Italy vs. Poland
Great Britain vs. Kazakhstan
Croatia vs. Ukraine

Notables

• Croatia only have 4 registered team officials. In unrelated news, I got a resume to update (and a language to brush up on).
• Great Britain head coach Andre Payette was a Flyers 10th round pick in 1994.
• Former NHLer Alexander Godynyuk is the head coach for Ukraine.
• Total players in North America count: 1 WHL, 1 USHL, 1 CHL, 1 NAHL, and 2 EJHL

Prediction

1 (Promoted) - Kazakhstan
2 - Great Britain
3 - Italy
4 - Ukraine
5 - Poland
6 (Relegated) - Croatia

I believe that Kazakhstan is skilled enough to get over a recently-relegated Great Britain squad and earn the promotion. Italy stays dormant in third. Ukraine will stun everyone by finishing fourth. Poland will struggle to hang on, but will end up winning out against Croatia. Croatia gets demoted to Division II Group A.

Showing Some International Love: World Junior Championship - Division II Group A

I would like to know how far in advance the IIHF picked the host country for this event. Romania was just promoted from Group B and is the host for this tournament. Will they give the home crowd something to cheer for? Let's see...

Note: Most data from the IIHF website.

Roster

Hungary
Goalies: Oliver Agoston (Espoo Blues), Jozsef Pleszkan (UTE Budapest)
Defensemen: Mate Arany (Sapa Fehervar), Balint Arkovics (Sapa Fehervar), Balint Bojko (MAC Budapest), Robert Domotor (UTE Budapest), Rene Lerant (Ferencvaros Budapest), Attila Reiter (Sapa Fehervar), Matyas Vojtko (HC Nove Zamky)
Forwards: Csanad Erdely (Sapa Fehervar), Zalan Fliszar (Vasas Budapest), Peter Gagyor (Vasas Budapest), Szilard Hamvai (Sapa Fehervar), Ferenc Kocsis (Sapa Fehervar), Aron Konczei (Debrecen HC), Mark Miskolczi (Miskolci JJSE), Krisztian Nagy (Miskolci JJSE), Laszlo Rito (Miskolic JJSE), Tamas Sarpatki (Sapa Fehervar), Daniel Szabo (Sapa Fehervar), Gergo Toth (Sapa Fehervar), Peter Vincze (Sapa Fehervar)

Japan
Goalies: Shun Hitomi (Kansai University), Yuya Wakimoto (Toyo University)
Defensemen: Jun Hashimoto (Hokkai HS), Takahiro Ishikawa (Waseda University), Kazunari Koizumi (Chuo University), Kakeru Osawa (Meiji University), Kazuki Sarashiya (Meiji University), Hiroto Sato (Toyo University), Yoshiya Yokoyama (Hosei University)
Forwards: Makuru Furuhashi (Chuo University), Yushiroh Hirano (Shirakaba Gakuen HS), Tomonori Kanemura (Keio University), Mikihisa Kitajima (Meiji University), Ryo Nagai (Meiji University), Shogo Nakajima (Chuo University), Maito Omuku (Meiji University), Yuto Osawa (Mora IK), Kosuke Otsu (Meiji University), Ryota Sarashiya (Kansai University), Kenta Takagi (Nippon Paper Cranes), Shun Tateda (Kansai University), Hiroyoshi Umeno (Toyo University)

Lithuania
Goalies: Simas Baltrunas (Liepajas Metalurgs), Donatas Zukovas (Energija Elektrenai)
Defensemen: Kasparas Falkas (Gelezinis Vilkas Vilnius), Paulius Gintautas (Kristall Elektrostal), Dalius Mikalauskas (Gelezinis Vilkas Vilnius), Egdar Protcenko (Gelezinis Vilkas Vilnius), Vaidotas Rastenis (Baltica Vilnius), Justas Steponaitis (Energija Elektrenai), Nikodemas Tuckus (Gelezinis Vilkas Vilnius)
Forwards: Ervinas Bazevicius (Gelezinis Vilkas Vilnius), Rokas Bazys (Gelezinis Vilkas Vilnius), Aivaras Bendzius (Ilves Tampere), Daniel Bogdziul (Ilves Tampere), Edvinas Boroska (Gelezinis Vilkas Vilnius), Ilja Cetvertak (Gelezinis Vilkas Vilnius), Ugnius Cizas (Sport Vaasa), Dominykas Deksnys (Vilniaus VNA), Aimas Fiscevas (Baltica Vilnius), Simonas Gorelis (Gelezinis Vilkas Vilnius), Mantas Marcinkevicius (Energija Elektrenai), Danielius Nomanovas (Gelezinis Vilkas Vilnius), Lukas Vezelis (Energija Elektrenai)

Netherlands
Goalies: Mike Beeren (Eindhoven High Techs), Deniz Mollen (Eindhoven Kemphanen)
Defensemen: Berry Donders (Eindhoven Kemphanen),Willem Gloudemans (Eindhoven High Techs), Mark Hoekstra (Friesland Flyes), Kilian van Goep (Eindhoven High Techs), Rick van Haren (Dusseldorfer EG), Jordy Verkiel (Tilburg Trappers), Thijs Voorn (Eindhoven High Techs), Luke Zwartbol (Eindhoven High Techs)
Forwards: Koen Bakker (Dells Ducks), Willem Bless (Eindhoven High Techs), Reno de Hondt (Malmo IF), Bob De Pont (Ruijters Eaters Geleen), Danny Donders (Dordrecht Lions), Luka Heutmekers (Ruijters Eaters Geleen), Jordy Knoren (Eindhoven High Techs),Tom Marx (Eindhoven Kemphanen), Tony Ras (Friesland Flyers), Cas Staps (Malmo IF), Danny Stempher (Eindhoven High Techs), Floris van Lieshout (Tilburg Trappers)

Romania
Goalies: Otto Onodi (HSC Csikszereda), Zoltan Toke (Debrecin AHK)
Defensemen: Gergo Biro (HK Nitra), Matyas Biro (HK Nitra), Florian Bocu (Steaua Bucharest), Huba Bors (HSC Csikszereda), Dennis Dumitru (Steaua Bucharest), Szabolcs Hildebrand (HSC Csikszereda), Detre Hodos (Vasas Bucharest), Tihamer Gyorfy (Progym Gheorgheni), Zsolt Matyas (HSC Csikszereda), Zoltan Molnar (HSC Csikszereda), Csanad Okos (Debrecin AHK), Nandor Pataki (HSC Csikszereda), Alpar Sallo (HSC Csikszereda), Nandor Tamas (MAC Budapest)
Forwards: Hunor Csergo (Progym Gheorgheni), Hugo Gecse (HSC Csikszereda), Roberto Gliga (Tingsryds AIF), Hunor Marton (HK Trnava), Zsombor Molnar (HSC Csikszereda), Daniel Tranca (HSC Csikszereda)

Spain
Goalies: Bruno Gonzalez (CH Jaca), Guillermo Sol (FC Barcelona)
Defensemen: Hector Alastruey (FC Barcelona), Ruben Fuente (CH Jaca), Inigo Gainza (CHH Txuri-Urdin), Daniel Medrano (FC Barcelona), Adrian Ubieto (CH Jaca), Jorge Vea (CHH Txuri-Urdin)
Forwards: Daniel Alvarez (CH Jaca), Jorge Burgos (Anglet Hormadi), Alejandro Carbonell (CH Jaca), Angel Fernandez (SAD Majadahonda), Patricio Fuentes (CHH Txuri-Urdin), Gaston Gonzalez (CH Jaca), Albino Daniel Lacasa (CH Jaca), Aitor Meco (SAD Majadahonda), Pablo Puyuelo (CH Txuri-Urdin), Carlos Quevedo (Ilves Tampere), Carlos Rivero (Goderich Sailors), Ignacio Solorzano (CHH Txuri-Urdin)

Schedule

December 9
Lithuania vs. Netherlands
Hungary vs. Japan
Romania vs. Spain

December 10
Lithuania vs. Hungary
Japan vs. Spain
Netherlands vs. Romania

December 12
Hungary vs. Spain
Japan vs. Netherlands
Lithuania vs. Romania

December 13
Netherlands vs. Hungary
Spain vs. Lithuania
Romania vs. Japan

December 15
Japan vs. Lithuania
Spain vs. Netherlands
Hungary vs. Romania

Notables

• Japan head coach Mark Mahon played at Concordia University in the 1980's before continuing his career in Germany. Only played 48 games in the DEL.
• Netherlands has a decent coaching staff. Head coach Bohuslav Subr played in the OHL for Guelph for three years, another year in the ECHL, then played out his career in the Netherlands.
• Netherlands assistant coach Paul Vincent was drafted by the Leafs in 1993 (6 round) and really bounced around in the minors.
• Romania head coach Otto Keresztes played defense in Germany for over a decade. He only played 27 games in the DEL in the mid-1990's.
• Carrying 7 or 8 defensemen is common. Romanian carrying 14 is mind-numbing. "The Trap" anyone?
• The only country to have an all-native (as in native to that country) coaching staff is Spain.

Prediction

1 (Promoted) - Japan
2 - Lithuania
3 - Hungary
4 - Spain
5 - Netherlands
6 (Relegated) - Romania

This group really looks like it will stay the same. Japan will get promoted to Division I Group B after being relegated. Lithuania and Hungary may put up a fight, but not much will come out of it. Spain and Netherlands survive another year. Romania goes back down to Division II Group B.

Showing Some International Love: World Junior Championship - Division I Group A

Well, the past few days were interesting huh? But I'm still maintaining my arm's length from the lockout (not to say I'm about to reach it though). So on to hockey that is getting played.

Just like the senior tournament, the World Junior Championship has split the Divisions into levels. Group A being the top and Group B being the bottom. Since the idea of one post taking up the whole site's main page doesn't sound appealing, I'll be breaking it up into the usual group-by-group previews. First up, Division I Group A, where host France will try to stay up after being promoted.

Note: Most data from the IIHF website.

Roster

Austria
Goalies: David Kickert (Vienna Capitals), Lukas Schluderbacher (VSV Villach), Phillipp Zopf (Red Bull Salzburg)
Defensemen: Christoph Duller (Red Bull Salzburg), Bernhard Fechtig (EHC Linz), Patrick Gaffal (EHC Linz), Philipp Lindner (Red Bull Salzburg), Lucas Loibnegger (Red Bull Salzburg), Niklas Mayrhauser (Fairbanks Ice Dogs), Christian Ofner (VSV Villach), Nicolas Paul (KAC Klagenfurt), Patrick Peter (Vienna Capitals), Landan Viveiros (Olds Grizzlys), Layne Viveiros (Portland Winterhawks)
Forwards: Daniel Ban (VSV Villach), Patrick Berr (KAC Klagenfurt), Johannes Bischofberger (Red Bull Salzburg), Alexander Cijan (Mora IK), Philipp Cirtek (Laconia Leafs), Stephan Fellinger (Red Bull Salzburg), Martin Gigler (Vienna Capitals), Philipp Koczera (KAC Klagenfurt), Philipp Kreuzer (Mora IK), Clemens Kuchinka (Innsbruck Haie), Valentin Leiler (VSV Villach), Thomas Mader (Graz 99ers), Patrick Obrist (Red Bull Salzburg), Alexander Rauchenwald (VSV Villach), Smail Samardzic (Red Bull Salzburg), Kevin Schettina (Red Bull Salzburg), Patrick Schonaklener (Vienna Capitals)

Belarus
Goalies: Roman Boboriko (HK Gomel), Mikhail Karnaukhov (Dynamo-Shinnik Bobruisk), Yan Shelepnyov (Dynamo-Shinnik Bobruisk), Sergei Stepanov (Yunost Minsk)
Defensemen: Roman Dostanko (Dynamo-Shinnik Bobruisk), Pavel Kazakevich (Yunost Minsk), Anton Kirechko (Metallurg Zhlobin), Nikita Kozlov (Yunost Minsk), Andrei Kravchenko (Yunost Minsk), Yevgeni Lisovets (Neman Grodno), Oleg Misyul (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Ilya Rak (Dynamo-Shinnik Bobruisk), Ivan Rybchik (Shakhtyor Soligorsk), Nikita Voles (Dynamo-Shinnik Bobruisk), Dmitri Zalamai (Yunost Minsk), Dmitri Znakharenko (Dynamo-Shinnik Bobruisk)
Forwards: Dmitri Ambrozheichik (Dynamo-Shinnik Bobruisk), Alexei Baturevich (Shakhtyor Soligorsk), Denis Dalidovich (Minot Minotauros), Denis Drankov (HK Mogilyov), Ivan Dunayev (Dynamo-Shinnik Bobruisk), Artur Gavrus (Neman Grodno), Artyom Kalashnikov (Nipawin Hawks), Alexander Karakulko (Yunost Minsk), Kirill Khvesyuk (Metallurg Zholbin), Alexander Kogalev (Yunost Minsk), Roman Kolenchukov (Dynamo-Shinnik Bobruisk), Valeri Kubrakov (Yunost Minsk), Yevgeni Kuntsevich (Shakhtyor Soligorsk), Pavel Pechur (Shakhtyor Soligorsk), Renat Safin (Neman Grodno), Yevgeni Samokhin (Shakhtyor Soligorsk), Denis Sharin (HK Mogilyov), Vitali Valkov (HK Mogilyov), Yegor Voronov (HK Mogilyov), Artyom Zemlyankin (Khimik-SKA Novopolotsk), Dmitri Zhelnerovski (RTSOP Raubichi), Bogdan Zozon (Dynamo-Shinnik Bobruisk)

Denmark
Goalies: Sebastian Feuk (Rungsted IK), Mathias Hansen (Frederikshavn White Hawks), George Sorensen (Herning Blue Fox)
Defensemen: Sebastian Bergholt (Rodovre Mighty Bulls), Marco Illemann (Copenhagen Hockey), Rasmus Knudsen (Herning Blue Fox), Christoffer Lindhoj (Copenhagen Hockey), Rasmus Lyo (Odense Bulldogs), Patrick Madsen (Herning Blue Fox), Anders Thode (Frederikshavn White Hawks), Bjorn Uldall (Herning Blue Fox)
Forwards: Matthias Asperup (Copenhagen Hockey), Mathias Bau (Rodovre Mighty Bulls), Oliver Bjorkstrand (Portland Winterhawks), Nikolja Ehlers (EHC Biel), Sebastian Ehlers (Aalborg Pirates), Mads Eller (Frolunda HC), Martin Hojbjerg (Djurgarden IF), Mikkel Hojbjerg (Djurgarden IF), Nicki Kisum (Copenhagen Hockey), Kristoffer Lauridsen (Malmo IF Redhawks), Nicolai Meyer (Frederikshavn White Hawks), Patrick Rasmussen (Rodovre Mighty Bulls), Patrick Russell (Linkopings HC), Jonas Sass (Herlev Eagles), Thomas Sondergaad (Frederikshavn White Hawks), Thomas Spelling (Rogle BK)

France
Goalies: Julian Barrier-Heyligen (Gap Rapaces), Antoine Bonvalot (Grenoble Bruleurs de Loups), Jimmy Darier (Lausanne HC), Alexis Neau (Angers Ducs)
Defensemen: Simon Barbero (Geneve-Servette HC), Alexis Besson (Amiens Gothiques), Gaetan Cannizzo (Brest Albatros), Martin Charpentier (Gap Rapaces), Pierre Crinon (Briancon Diables Rouges), Aurelien Dorey (Rouen Dragons), Raphael Faure (Rouen Dragons), Theo Lanvers (Rouen Dragons), Nicolas Leclerc (Amiens Gothiques), Quentin Mahier (Dijon Ducs), Brice Mansouri (Gap Rapaces), Damien Sanchez (Angers Ducs), Quentin Scolari (Grenoble Bruleurs de Loups)
Forwards: Norbert Abramov (Gap Rapaces), Joris Bedin (Grenoble Bruleurs de Loups), Kevin Bernillon (St. Lawerence Lions), Lou Bogdanoff (Grenoble Bruleurs de Loups), Maurin Bouvet (Amiens Gothiques), Kevin Bozon (HC Lugano), Mathieu Briand (Grenoble Bruleurs de Loups), Romain Carpentier (Amiens Gothiques), Cedric de Dio Balsamo (Briancon Diables Rouges), Floran Douay (Geneve-Servette HC), Guillaume Leclerc (Amiens Gothiques), Fabien Metais (Amiens Gothiques), Yann Millet (Geneve-Servette HC), Loic Mora (Geneve-Servette HC), Jordann Perret (Grenoble Bruleurs de Loups), Victor Pivron (HC Lugano), William Pras (Grenoble Bruleurs de Loups), Axel Rioux (Quebec Remparts), Marius Serer (Amiens Gothiques), Dimitri Thillet (Rouen Dragons), Remi Thomas (Amiens Gothiques), Nicolas Thos (Viry-Chatillon Jets)

Norway
Goalies: Espen Johansen (IF Frisk Asker), Steffen Soberg (Valerenga Oslo), Joachim Svendsen (Manglerud Star Oslo)
Defensemen: Nicolay Andresen (IF Frisk Asker), Martin Bjornland (Stjernen Fredrikstad), Emil Froshaug (Manglerud Star Oslo), Dag Christian Froystad (IF Frisk Asker), Iver Haland (Stjernan Fredrikstad), Erlend Lesund (Timra IK), Tallak Lyngseth (Valerenga Oslo), John Nicolay Nasgard (Valerenga Oslo), Mattias Norstebo (Brynas IF)
Forwards:Magnus Fischer (Valerenga Oslo), Marius Gunther (IF Frisk Asker), Andreas Heier (Stjernen Fredrikstad), Magnus Hoff (Valerenga Oslo), Jorgen Karterud (Valerenga Oslo), Jonas Knutsen (Prince Albert Raiders), Anders Pedersen (Sparta Sarpsborg), Espen Salo (IF Frisk Asker), Eirik Salsten (Storhamar Dragons), Markus Soberg (Frolunda HC), Andre Sorvik (Manglerud Star Oslo), Mathias Trettenes (Stavanger Oilers), Thomas Valkve Olsen (IF Frisk Asker), Sebastian Weberg (Green Bay Gamblers)

Slovenia
Goalies: Luka Gracnar (Red Bull Salzberg), Mitja Koren (Olimpija Ljubljana), Tomaz Trelc (HC Ceske Budejovice), Zan Us (Triglav Kranj)
Defensemen: Matic Brgant (Olimpija Ljubljana), Ales Jeklic (Mladi Jesenice), Nejc Kozar (Mladi Jesenice), Luka Kraigher (Mladi Jesenice), Miha Logar (Red Bull Salzburg), Luka Oberstar (Olimpija Ljubljana), David Planko (HK Celje), Mihael Potocnik (Triglav Kranj), Jurij Repe (Saint John Sea Dogs), Blaz Skrjanec (Triglav Kranj), Jure Stan (HDD Bled), Gal Zidan (Olimpija Ljubljana)
Forwards: Anze Bernik (Olimpija Ljubljana), Peter Bizalj (Mladi Jesenice), Klemen Drozg (Olimpija Ljubljana), Vid Hribljan (Mladi Jesenice), Nik Humar (Olimpija Ljubljana), Vid Jazbec (Mladi Jesenice), Luka Kalan (Mora IK), Najc Kastelic (HK Celje), Tadej Kelc (HK Maribor), Gregor Koblar (Red Bull Salzburg), Anze Matelic (Olimpija Ljubljana), Matic Ovsenar (Ogden Mustangs), Nik Pem (Mora IK), Miha Pesjak (Olimpija Ljubljana), Luka Petelin (Mora IK), Jaka Podrekar (Mladi Jesenice), Tadej Snoj (Olimpija Ljubljana), Jure Sotlar (Olimpija Ljubljana), Anze Torok (Mladi Jesenice), Nik Truden (Olimpija Ljubljana), Aljaz Uduc (Olimpija Ljubljana), Gal Zidan (Olimpija Ljubljana), Zan Zupan (Triglav Kranj)

Schedule

December 9
Slovenia vs. Belarus
Austria vs. Norway
France vs. Denmark

December 10
Belarus vs. Austria
Denmark vs Slovenia
Norway vs. France

December 12
Denmark vs. Austria
Belarus vs. Norway
France vs. Slovenia

December 13
Norway vs. Denmark
Slovenia vs. Austria
Belarus vs. France

December 15
Norway vs. Slovenia
Denmark vs. Belarus
Austria vs. France

Notables

• Wait, there is a player from a team in Olds? Somebody I know will be chirped (by me) over this.
• Former Chicago Blackhawks head coach Alpo Suhonen is part of the Austrian staff.
• Looking up the stats for Denmark head coach Brad Gratton, he could be the literal definition of a journeyman.
• Not surprising: France having a player who plays for the Quebec Remparts
• Surprising: Said player's name is very similar to a lead singer of Guns'N'Roses

Prediction

1 (Promoted) - Norway
2 - Denmark
3 - Belarus
4 - Slovenia
5 - Austria
6 (Relegated) - France

I almost want to say everything will be status quo, but there will be a few teams contending for the top. Denmark was relegated from the Championship last year and will try to regain their spot, but will fall short. Norway will make a charge up the standings and surprise everyone by ending up first and getting promotion. Belarus is another team that has potential for promotion. Slovenia ends up fourth, plain and simple. The battle to  not get relegated will be between Austria and France. France just got promoted from Group B last year, but their roster does not look as strong as Austria's. In the end, Austria survives again while France will be fighting it out in Group B once again.