PHOTO: Bildbyrån + TT Nyhetsbyrån
Sweden got off to a dream start at the JVM.
But for the host nation Canada, it was the pure start of doom last night.
Who were totally shocked at home against the Czech Republic in the JVM premiere.
This year’s JVM tournament is underway and Sweden got off to a clean start to the tournament by defeating Austria with a crushing 11-0 in the opening match. It fared significantly worse for the big favorite Canada in tonight’s opener against the Czech Republic.
Canada shocked
Canada is the big gold favorite as the JVM is played at home and the host nation has got rid of NHL players who Shane Wright, Dylan Guenther, Brandt Clarke and the super talent Connor Bedard. But last night, the Canadians were totally shocked by the Czech Republic, who were responsible for a thunderbolt and won with a clear 5-2.
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The disappointment was of course huge after the nightmare start to the tournament.
– We are disappointed and have to look at ourselves in the mirror. Now we have to manage to figure out a few things. But I know we will respond to this, says team captain Shane Wright to the CBC television channel.
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“Give a show”
Canada was very confident of victory before the opening game and on the ice they tried everything to offer entertainment for the home crowd. Twice again in the first period, Canadian players tried to score zorro goals.
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But in the Czech goal, a youngster played big Tomas Suchanek.
– We wanted to put on a show. It may have caused us to deviate from what we should really be: A tough team that no one wants to play against, says star player Brandt Clarke after the loss.
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Sweden benefits
Canada’s shock defeat now opens up a real super situation for the Swedes to win the group and get the best possible conditions for the JVM playoffs. Sweden and Canada meet in the last group stage match on New Year’s Eve and will most likely decide first place.
The Swedish Junior crowns are currently leading the group after one round played. Here next, Germany awaits the host nation Canada and then it will be the knife to the throat directly to prove their skill.
– It’s easy to win and just keep going. This will tell us what kind of group we have, says the Canadian national team captain Dennis Williams.
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