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.
As I type this, the puck is dropping on the first game in this year's Frozen Four, featuring the Miami University Redhawks against Bimidji State. Vermont takes on Boston University in the nightcap, with the winners vying for the national championship.
