Despite the praise it draws from its participants, world juniors draws a yearly shrug of the shoulders from American hockey consumers. The tournament’s anonymity in the United States stands in stark contrast to the degree of interest among our northern neighbors. Canadians consider the tournament something of a nationalistic birthright, in the same category as the maple leaf, beaver tails, and the Tragically Hip. This is fitting of a nation that has struck gold 16 times since 1977.
It’s not always a healthy level of fanaticism.
TSN, Canada’s sports powerhouse, covers the tournament with a similar approach of scrutiny, care, and professionalism as it does with the NHL. Sometimes, it’s not fair.
-Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe. More on the tournament from Shinzawa plus NHL topics too.
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.