U.S. juniors stand two games from world hockey title

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/juniors/2004-01-02-wjc-round-wrap_x.htm

U.S. juniors stand two games from world hockey title
By Alan Adams, special for USA TODAY
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"One of the strengths of this group is they find ways to get it done," said coach Mike Eaves, who was making his first return to a rink known by locals as the "old arena." Eaves coached IFK Helsinki in the arena — the second oldest in Finland — a decade ago.

Zach Parise has led the Americans offensively, with 11 points in four games, while goalie Al Montoya has kept up his end of the bargain. He was especially sharp in a 4-1 win against Russia.

"We killed a lot of penalties, but sometimes your best penalty-killer is your goalie and he was that," said Eaves.

The U.S. plays the winner of Friday's quarterfinal between Russia and Finland. The second quarterfinal is between the Czech Republic-Slovakia, with the winner advancing to face undefeated Canada. The semifinals are set for Saturday, and the gold medal game is Monday

The American teens are confident but not cocky. They know the gold medal is theirs to lose — they are favored to win the tournament — but they're calm about the challenge ahead of them.
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Ohhhh yeah....

"Everyone knows the rivalry between U.S. and Canada and hopefully are looking forward to a U.S.-Canada game, but we have to get past another opponent," said Parise. "You can't describe (the rivalry) after the game in Halifax last year."

A good chunk of the American team that lost in Halifax is back for a second chance at winning the world title and Parise feels that experience can only help going in to the semifinal.

"We experienced what it is like to be in a semifinal, but they (Canada, with two returning players) have a good enough team where (their inexperience) won't be a factor (if they meet the USA in the final)," he said. "It will come down to who wants it more, regardless of who has been there."

Does anybody own Montoya's rights yet? His stock has also risen.

Looks like another collision course between the US and Canada in an international tourney. Two weeks ago, I'd have put these two teams neck and neck. The US has unbelievable chemistry and Montoya is playing very well.

I'd kill to see Canada finally bring the gold back after five long years. They've medalled five times since their five gold years in a row but silver and bronze aren't gold.

Canadians haven't had the luck of seeing the US team play yet but a final would be great. Imagine that. Monday at 1et. Canada and the US on TSN. I'd have to tape that.

Looks like another collision course between the US and Canada in an international tourney. Two weeks ago, I'd have put these two teams neck and neck.

I'm hoping for USA/Canada show down. I'll be watching the gold medal game regardless, but I'd love to see Parise in action. Should be a dandy, assuming it happens!!!

Does anybody own Montoya's rights yet? His stock has also risen.

He didn't opt into last year's draft because it would have cost him his NCAA eligibility. He will almost certaintly be the first goalie taken in the 2004 draft. He was listed as the #2 North American Goalie prospect in 2003 (behind Fleury), and he's the #1 for 2004.

A USA/Canada match seems very likely at this point, and I can't wait to see it....I don't know who to cheer for though, Canada or Parise :P

A USA/Canada match seems very likely at this point, and I can't wait to see it....I don't know who to cheer for though, Canada or Parise :P

I don't think you lose either way you lean towards. Should be awesome if it unfolds the way it looks like it will.

He didn't opt into last year's draft because it would have cost him his NCAA eligibility. He will almost certaintly be the first goalie taken in the 2004 draft. He was listed as the #2 North American Goalie prospect in 2003 (behind Fleury), and he's the #1 for 2004.

That's strange. Was it because of his age? Why was Parise able to opt in last year?

That's strange. Was it because of his age? Why was Parise able to opt in last year?

Yup, it was age. If Parise was two months younger he'd have been faced with the same dilemma. September 15, 1984 was the birthdate cutoff for the opt-in last year. Parise was born July 28, 1984; Montoya was born Feb 13, 1985.

It was announded today by USA Hockey that tomorrows World Junior Semifinal between the USA and Finland will be televised live on the NHL Center Ice package.

Details at http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/main/home/04wjc_centericetv/

It was announded today by USA Hockey that tomorrows World Junior Semifinal between the USA and Finland will be televised live on the NHL Center Ice package.

Details at http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/main/home/04wjc_centericetv/

Thanks for posting this info. I wasn't expecting this one to be available going on what they've shown this week. Great news.

Team Canada has advanced to the gold medal game. They beat the Czech Republic 7-1 this morning. Can't wait for Monday...

Bleh, my Center Ice opted to show the Canada/Czech game instead of the USA/Finland one. Bad part was that it started at 4:45am.....and I stayed up til about 4:35am then figured I ought to sleep. Although I think it was Bob McKenzie saying on the pregame "If you're watching on this on the Pacific coast right now, you are quite dedicated [and a freaking nerd, go to bed]."

Bleh, my Center Ice opted to show the Canada/Czech game instead of the USA/Finland one. Bad part was that it started at 4:45am.....and I stayed up til about 4:35am then figured I ought to sleep. Although I think it was Bob McKenzie saying on the pregame "If you're watching on this on the Pacific coast right now, you are quite dedicated [and a freaking nerd, go to bed]."

I thought the US center ice providers carried both the Can/Cze game at 8AM ET/5AM PT, and the US/Fin game at 12PM ET/9AM PT?

You didn't think they were on at the same time, did you?

***Spoilers*** If you've taped the game between the US/Finland, do NOT read this post.

US advanced to the gold medal game today. They just beat the Fins 2-1. Parise set up a sweet first goal with a great play. Canada vs. USA on Monday at 1PM et.

I think Canada's blueline has become it's strongest part of their game. Their forwards are playing very well (especially Jeff Carter and Mike Richards) but the group on D is awesome.

Canada's #1 dman, Dion Phaneuf, completely obliterated the Czech Republic's top prospect Rostislav Olesz today. Early reports said he suffered a broken cheekbone, a broken nose and a severe concussion after Phaneuf went Scott Stevens on him but now things are settling and it looks as though it's just a very severe concussion.

We're looking at a great matchup here. Nobody has been able to beat Canada's size and strength yet but if anybody can, the US can. It's basically the Canadian blueline (all six guys are above 6'3" and play like it) vs. the highly skilled and smart US players. As a Canadian, playing the best team out there is the best challenge. This is going to be a great game.

Thanks for posting this info. I wasn't expecting this one to be available going on what they've shown this week. Great news.

Spoke too soon. Dish Network showed the Canada game instead this morning with no alternate sports feed televising the US game. @#$%&!!!!

Spoke too soon. Dish Network showed the Canada game instead this morning with no alternate sports feed televising the US game. @#$%&!!!!It was on guys. They changed the start time to noon ET when Finland beat the Russians. The home team plays the late game I guess. I saw it. Awesome game! The finals start at 11 AM ET on Monday on Center Ice.

It was on guys. They changed the start time to noon ET when Finland beat the Russians. The home team plays the late game I guess. I saw it. Awesome game! The finals start at 11 AM ET on Monday on Center Ice.

I checked all the channels at noon and there was no sign of it anywhere on Dish Network. Called them up as well. I heard DirecTV showed it though.