Spirit Breaking

After a another slow start Team Canada beat Team Czech Republic 7 - 2 during the round robin of the 2011 World Junior Hockey Hockey Championship in Buffalo New York.

Although they won the game this could be a costly game for the Canadians as they lost 2 players to injury and 1 was assessed a match penalty in a questionable call in the second period. Despite that the schedule-maker is on Canada's side as their next game is against the weakest team in their pool.

The replay of the hit was shown several times. There is no doubt the Czech player was hurt but it appears to me that the hit was legal and clean. In fact they did not call a penalty until it was clear an injury had occurred. I believe we must protect players and especially their heads but you do not normally strap a player to a stretcher because they hurt their head or suffered a concussion. You use the backboard when there is suspected spinal cord damage or a potential to be injured in transport.

That was a hard hit. He was stopped in his tracks but it was completed within the rules.

As the game wore on it appeared that the wind was gone out of the Czech Republic's sails. They looked defeated with half the game to go. They could not muster much offence and were running around in their own end. To ensure a victory you must beat your opponents spirit and that is exactly what Team Canada did today.

Team Canada is rolling in Buffalo. I don't think I want to be on Team Norway tomorrow night.