Canada vs Latvia

I was able to take in the action of Canada's first round robin game live at the Credit Union Centre yesterday (thanks Daddy!). It was an incredible atmosphere despite the lopsided score. Everyone was so jacked for the game to start that the whole crowd screamed even when the boys came out for their pre-game skate. Team Canada's offensive ability has been doubted coming into the tournament, but if yesterdays game didn't shut up the critics, I don't know what will! The final score was 16-0 in favor of the Canadian kids, with a shot count of 66-10.

The huge story that came out of the boxing day game was #7 Gabriel Bourque. Bourque scored 7 points in the game, coming from 3 goals and 4 helpers. In doing so, he tied the record for most points in a single game by a Canadian player. All but four players and the goalies contributed on the scoresheet last night, proving that Canada has great depth when it comes to scoring, which they will need down the road.

Bourque obviously recieved the player of the game award for Canada, but it was #5 who got it for Latvia. I would argue that it should have gone to #2, the goalie. I realize that he let in 16 shots, but he also stopped 50! Canada's starting goalie did get the shutout, but he also must have been close to falling asleep after only having to face only 10 shots on net.

It was a record breaking night, not only for Bourque, but for the whole team. Canada now has a new record for most goals scored while getting a shut out. The previous record of 15-0 was set by last years squad when they faced Kazakhstan, only to be broken one year later.

Something that has had me wondering so far in the tournament is... What's up with Teubert? The Pats star has been lost in the crowd this year, he is barely even mentioned by the commentators, is one of only four players to not have any points on the scoresheet and has made key tournovers in his own zone combined with horrible passes! It's ironic that last year Teubert had a great showing at the WJHC and then came back and was brutal in Regina. This year Teubs has been playing great in Regina and is off to a horrible start at the tournament. Hopefully Teubert can turn things around because when he's on, he's on and everyone will notice!

Team Canada's next action is Monday, December 28th against Switzerland. Good Luck Boys!