Sunday, April 29, 2007

Canada edges Germans for first victory at World Championships


For whatever reason, Canada always seems to have problems getting untracked at the World Championships. The tournament which features a number of NHLers who unexpectedly found some free spring time on their hands, got underway over the weekend.

Canada gained its first victory on Friday with a hard earned 3-2 result over a German squad that once again proved to be troublesome for the Canadians. Germany which has seen a marked improvement in the quality of play in the last few years, always seems to get up for games against the Canadians and this year was no exception. They scored first and didn't shy away from the physical nature of the game.

The opening game was a hard hitting match, too hard hitting in one instance as Canada's Shea Weber found himself out of the game after only a minute and a bit after a hard hit to the head of Germany's Yannic Seidenberg. A definitive size differential and a poorly placed elbow caused the problematic hit which resulted in Seidenberg sliding down the ice in obvious distress, eventually to be helped off the ice destined not to return to the match. It has since been determined that he suffered a concussion and will not be available to the Germans for the rest of the competition.

Weber was kicked out of the game and later in the weekend on Sunday was given a three game suspension for the hit, despite the fact that the on site referee had not ruled the hit to be one with intent.

Canada finally secured the lead and eventual victory when Jamal Mayers put the third and winning goal into the net at the eleven minute mark of the third period. Canada managed to shut down the German attack after than and held on for victory number one.

Canada next plays Norway on Monday morning. The games are being broadcast on TSN and on its Broadband service as well, which will feature the puck drop at Noon ET, 9 AM PST. Bosses can expect production to decline in those offices which have computer access!

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