Night of Upsets!!!

This was not the day to be a favorite in the hockey world. First, at the World Junior Championships, Slovakia stunned the USA 5 - 3, riding the goaltending of Jaroslav Janus to the biggest upset of the tournament thus far. Describing it himself as "the best game of his life", Janus tuirned away 44 shots, earning the Slovakian team a place in the semi-finals against Sweden on Saturday.

In the other quarterfinal matchup, Russia is leading the Czech Republic, 1 - 0 in the 2nd period. The winner takes on Canada in the semis.

Perhaps less dramatic, but certainly no less of an upset, lightly regarded Clarkson upset Miami University (OH) 4 - 2 in the Ohio Hockey Classic. Miami, ranked #2 in the country by both USCHO and USA Today, gave up a goal just 1:39 into the contest, when Miami goalie Cody Redmond was caught cheating to the far post on a drive down the left, and was beaten by a backhand to the short side. Miami tied it early in the second, but Clarkson stunned the favorite with three consecutive goals to ice the contest. The Redhawks outshot Clarkson, 42 - 19, but Golden Knights' goalie Paul Karowich turned away 40 shots, and was helped by the crossbar and post in a few instances.

Clarkson advances to take on the winner of the Ohio State - Army contest presently underway. Miami will face the loser of that contest. Both games are on Saturday.

World Juniors Update

After Canada prevailed over the USA, 7 - 4, in their highly anticipated battle to end pool play, they enjoy a bye into the semis, as does Sweden, who had a surprisingly easy time in beating Russia 5 - 0. Today, the US takes on Slovakia for the right to go against Sweden, while Canada awaits the winner of the Russia -- Czech Republic quarterfinal. The puck drops for the US at 3:30 PM EST, and for Russa at 7:30 PM.

Both semi-final matches are on Saturday, with the Championship and 3rd place games on Monday.

The CBJ have deployed some scouts to Ottawa to catch the action (and perhaps discuss a few Senators' players?) Despite the shutout at the hands of Sweden, Filatov has played well for Russia, and will be interesting to watch in the match against the Czechs. Don't forget about Cody Goloubef for Canada and Ted Ruth for the US, both of whom could figure prominently in the Jackets' future.

Big Victories at World Juniors -- Showdowns Loom

No nail biters today at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa. The winning sides had big margins of victory to work with. Laughers will be only briefly enjoyed, however, as the last day of 2008 brings two big showdowns to the rink: Russia vs. Sweden @ 2:30 PM Eastern tomorrow, and Candada vs. USA at 7:30 tomorrow night. That will wrap up pool play and send the tournament into the Quarterfinals. Here are the highlights of today's action:

Russia 8 Slovakia 1 -- Nikita Filatov of the CBJ had a hat trick and an assist in just 5 shots on goal as Russia stayed undefeated with a convincing victory over Slovakia.

Czech Republic 6 Germany 0 -- The Czechs capitalize on Germany miscues and continue the poor showing by the German team in Ottawa.

Finland 5 Latvia 1-- The Finns break through for their first win in a Group B contest with winless Latvia.

USA 12 Khazakstan 0 -- 10 different scorers amass a dirty dozen goals over the hapless Khazakstan team.

Tomorrow promises to be a fantastic day of hockey in Ottawa!!! We will keep you posted here!!

World Juniors Update

U.S. 4 Czech Republic 3 -- The American team got a bit more than they bargained for, but held on to beat a competetive Czech team. Jordan Schroeder continued his hot hand for the U.S., and now has 7 points for the tournament, tying him for second place among all skaters.

Russia 5 Finland 2 -- CBJ prospect and team captain Nikita Filatov scored twice to keep the Russian team undefeated in pool play. Finland has yet to earn a point in the competition.

Sweden 3 Slovakia 1 -- Sweden prevails again, but has yet to really impress with either of its efforts.

Canada 15 Kazakhstan 0 -- 8 power play goals, 10 different scorers. Canada ties its all time victory margin mark, equalling a 15 - 0 Christmas Day drubbing of France in 2001.