Bay Side
December 22nd, 2003, 2:09:07 PM
World Junior Hockey Championships
: www.SabreFans.com
It's that time of year again, time for one of the most anticipated hockey events of the year - the IIHF World Junior Championship or WJC. The WJC will be held from Dec. 26, 2003 to Jan. 5, 2004 in Helsinki and Hameenlinna, Finland. The tournament, which has run every year since 1977, features the best young talent from around the world playing for national pride and honor. As with many international tournaments the WJC has been dominated by the Soviet Union and the Russian national team after the fall of the Soviet regime. The Soviets/Russians have won the gold medal twelve times, only Team Canada has challenged Soviet/Russian dominance with ten gold medals of their own (including five straight gold medals after the fall of the Soviet Union). The rivalry between Cananda and the Soviets/Russians goes back a long way. Both nations firmly believe they produce the best hockey players on earth, so winning these tournaments is a matter of immense pride to both nations (not that it isn't for all the participating teams but the rivalry between Canada and Russia adds a bit more spice to the mix). The United States has never won the tournament; the Americans have just one silver and two bronze medals to date.
The Russians are the two-time defending champions, having won in 2002 and 2003. Both times the Russians defeated the Canadians, the last time on Canadian soil. The tournament features some tremendous young talent, here's a quick preview of the Canadian and American teams.
Team Canada
To me team Canada is perhaps the best all around hockey team in the tournament. Marc-Andre Fleury will be the starting goalie and is perhaps the best goalie in the tournament. The Canadian blue line has some very solid players like Dion Phaneuf, Braydon Coburn and Brent Seabrook. It's a decent combination of skill and just rough and tumble defense, Fleury should be fairly well protected in his crease. It's worth noting that four members of the defense were selected in the first round of the NHL draft. Up front Team Canada is anchored by its captain, and Buffalo Sabres' prospect, Dan Paille. However, all eyes will be on the young superstar in the making Sidney Crosby. Crosby is perhaps the most exciting player to come out of Canada in many years and is a dynamic and gifted offensive player. The problems team Canada will face will be the facts that many of its players are fairly small and inexperienced. There is always a lot of pressure on Canadian national teams to play well, the question is can this kids accept and excel in that environment? I'll say they will as most of these players have been under the media's and fans' microscopes most of their careers to date. Team Canada is my favorite to win the gold medal on the shoulders of Marc-Andre Fleury.
Team Russia
Just a quick note on the Russian team. Alexander Ovechkin will be eligible for the 2004 NHL draft. Likely to go number one overall, there will be a lot of eyes on this young man. There will also be a lot of pressure on him to be his team's leader and in ways to out perform Sidney Crosby. The Russians are always a threat to win gold. The Soviet Union may be gone but the "Big Red Machine" lives on.
Team USA
The Americans lack the headline talent of many of the other teams in this tournament but that's nothing new. The American teams have a history of being written off and generally exceding expectations in many tournaments. The Americans a fairly "old" (old is relative when speaking of 18 and 19 year olds) and experienced team, that will serve them well in this tournament. Mart Stuart and Ryan Suter will lead the American defense in front of goalies Alvaro Montoya and Dominic Vicari, Jim Howard withdrew at the last minute. Up fron the Americans will be lead by Patrick O'Sullivan, Ryan Kesler, and Zach Parise. The Americans are a well rounded, experience squad with good size and grit. Their achilles heel could be their goaltending. While not likely to challenge for the gold medal, the American team could fight their way to the medal platform this year.
Rosters
AUSTRIA
Goaltenders
Thomas Innerwinkler (86) Vastra Frolunda
Mathias Lange (85) Billings Bulls
Defensemen
Martin Dobner (84) Villacher SV
Phillip Kink (85) Wiener Eislowen
Johannes Kirisits (85) Kalgenfurter AC
Victor Lindgren (85) Zell Am See
Michael Mayr (84) Linz Black Wings
Martin Oraze (84) Villacher SV
Christoph Quantschnig (85) Klagenfurter AC
Stefan Pittl (84) Salzburger EC
Forwards
Yanick Bodemann (85) Sierre HC
Patrick Harand (84) Vienna Capitals
Christoph Ibounig (85) Klagenfurter AC
Manuel Latusa (84) Vienna Capitals
Andreas Neodl (87) Wiener Eislowen
Nicolas Petrik (84) Graz 99ers
Phillip Pinter (85) Villacher SV
Rafael Rotter (87) Wiener Eislowen
Christoph Rud (84) Zell Am See
Paul Schellander (86) Klagenfurter AC
Anton Tino Teppert (85) Klagenfurter AC
Thomas Vanek (84) University of Minnesota
Franz Wilfan (85) Valley Junior Warriors
-------------------------------------------------
CANADA
Goaltenders
Marc Andre Fleury (84) Pittsburgh
Harding, Josh (84) Regina
Defensemen
Belle, Shawn (85) Tri-City
Coburn, Braydon (85) Portland
Gorges, Josh (84) Kelowana
Klein, Kevin (84) Guelph
Meech, Derek (84) Red Deer
Phaneuf, Dion (85) Red Deer
Seabrook, Brent (85) Lethbridge
Forwards
Brent, Tim (84) Toronto St. Michael?s
Burns, Brent (85) Minnesota Wild
Carter, Jeff (85) Sault Ste. Marie
Colliton, Jeremy (85) Prince Albert
Crosby, Sidney (87) Rimouski
Dawes, Nigel (85) Kootenay
Dixon, Stephen (85) Cape Breton
Getzlaf, Ryan (85) Calgary
Paillé, Daniel (84) Guelph
Richards, Mike (85) Kitchener
Anthony Stewart (85) Kingston
Talbot, Maxime (84) Gatineau
Tambellini, Jeff (84) University of Michigan
Notes:
On Dec. 14 Canada released Andre Benoit, Marc Andre Bernier, Adam Courchaine, Maxime Daigneault and Eric Fehr.
On Dec. 12 Bruno Gervais left the Canadian Camp due to a knee injury
On Dec. 10 the Minnesota Wild made forward Brent Burns available to join the Canadian Camp
On Dec. 15, Adam Henrich and Jeremy Swanson were released by Canada
Final cuts made on December 16.
-------------------------------------------------
CZECH RPUBLIC
Goaltenders
Marek Schwarz (86) HC Sparta Praha
Tomas Popperle (84) HC Sparta Praha
Lukas Mensator (84) Ottawa 67's
Defensemen
Ondrej Nemec (84) HC Vsetin
Jiri Hunkes (84) HC Ocelari Trinec
Ctirad Ovcacik (84) Bili Tyrgi Liberec
Michal Barinka (84) Norfolk Admirals
Marek Chvatal (84) Sarnia Sting
Tomas Linhart (84) HC Pardubice
Ladislav Smid (86) Hc Bili Tygri Liberec
Martin Vagner (84) Gatineau Olympiques
Forwards
Petr Kanko (84) Kitchener Rangers
Tomas Fleischmann (84) Moose Jaw Warriors
Karel Hromas (86) HC Sparta Praha
Jakub Koreis (84) Guelph Storm
Kamil Kreps (84) Brampton Battalion
Jakub Klepis (84) HC Slavia Praha
Jakub Sindel (84) HC Sparta Praha
Jiri Hudler (84) Detroit Red Wings
Rostislav Olesz (85) HC Vitkovice
Vojtech Polak (85) HC Energie Karylovy Vary
Roman Vondracek (84) HC Sparta Praha
Lukas Kaspar (85) HC Litvinov
Petr Vrana (85) Halifax Mooseheads
Radim Hruska (85) HC Vsetin
NOTES: December 16: Following the test game against senior club team Zlin (2-1 win for Zlin), coach Alois Hadamczik released defenesemen Petr Horava (Kladno), Ondrej Stanek (Slavia Prague) and forwards Lukas Pabiska (Bili Tygri Liberec) and Roman Bilek (Plzen).
-------------------------------------------------FINLAND
Goaltenders:
Mikael Vuorio (84) Jukurit
Hannu Toivonen (84) Providence Bruins
Defensemen:
Sami Lepisto (84) Jokerit
Janne Jalasvaara (84) Blues
Mikko Kalteva (84) Jokerit
Anssi Salemla (84) Tappara
Ville Varakas (84) HIFK
Kevin Kantee (84) Jokerit
Oskari Korpikari (84) Karpat
Forwards:
Sean Bergenheim (84) NY Islanders
Valtteri Filppula (84) Jokerit
Arsi Piispanen (85) Jokerit
Tommi Oksa (84) Jokerit
Jyri Junnila (84) Karpat
Lennart Petrell (84) HIFK
Joni Toykkala (84) Blues
Teemu Nurmi (85) Tappara
Jarkko Immonen (84) Blues
Lauri Tukonen (86) Blues
Petri Kontiola (84) Tappara
Patteri Nokelainen (86) SaiPa
Masi Marjamaki (85) Moose Jaw
-------------------------------------------------
RUSSIA
Goaltenders:
Konstantin Barulin (84) Gazovik Tyumen
Denis Khudyakov (84) Severstal Cherepovets
Rustem Sidikov (85) CSKA Moscow
Defensemen:
Dimitry Kosmachev (85) CSKA Moscow
Konstantin Korneev (84) Ak Bars Kazan
Dimitry Vorobiev (85) Lada Togliatti
Sergei Gimayev (84) Severstal Cherepovets
Mikhail Tyulyapkin (84) Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod
Denis Grot (84) Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Denis Ezhov (85) Metallurg Novokuznetsk
Sergei Karpov (84) Dynamo Moscow
Grigory Panin (85) Lada Togliatti
Forwards:
Alexander Ovechkin (85) Dynamo Moscow
Dimitry Pestunov (85) Metallurg Magnitogorsk
Alexander Semin (84) Washington Capitals
Dimitry Mirnov (84) Dynamo Moscow
Evgeny Tunik (84) SKA St. Petersburg
Alexei Shkotov (84) Quebec Remparts
Ilya Krikunov (84) Khimik Voskresensk
Evgeny Malkin (86) Metallurg Magnitogorsk
Sergei Anshakov (84) CSKA Moscow
Grigory Shafigulin (85) Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Evegeny Isakov (84) Severstal Cherepovets
Alexander Kozhevnikov (84) Val D'or Foreurs
Dimitry Kazionov (84) Lada Togliatti
Marat Valiulin (84) Ak Bars Kazan
Yuri Ermolin (84) Avangard Omsk
Alexei Krutov (84) Krylia Sovetov Moscow
Notes:
F Dimitry Mirnov is probably out due to injury.
December 11, Washington Capitals released F Alexander Semin to the national junior team.
December 16: Russian junior national team lost to the Russian senior national team 4-1 at Odintsovo in a test game. Defenseman Sergei Karpov scored the goal for the juniors giving them a 1-0 lead in the fourth minut.
-------------------------------------------------SLOVAKIA
Goaltenders:
Jaroslav Halak (85) HC Slovan Bratislava
Jozef Racko (84) MHC Nitra
Defensemen:
Andrej Meszaros (85) HC Dukla Trencin
Juraj Senko (84) MCH Zilina
Michal Gavalier (84) Shawinigan Cataractes
Ivan Baranka (85) Everett Silvertips
Jan Mucha (84) HC Ceske Budejovice
Milan Hruska (85) P.E.I. Rockets
Richard Stehlik (84) Lewiston MAINEiacs
Michal Sersen (85) Rimouski Oceanic
Daniel Hancak (84) HC Slovan Bratislava
Forwards:
Tomas Bulik (85) HC Kosice
Rastislav Spirko (84) Tri-City Storm
Michal Lukac (84) Tri-City Storm
Pavol Hajduk (84) HC Sparta Praha
Stefa Ruzicka (85) Owen Sound Attack
Tomas Pokrivcak (84) HC Martin
Tomas Troliga (84) Calgary Hitmen
Martin Sagat (84) Kootenay Ice
Branislav Fabry (85) HC Slovan Bratislava
Karol Biermann (84) HC Slovan Bratislava
Vladislav Balaz (84) Lewiston MAINEiacs
Vladimir Kutny (85) Quebec Remparts
Stefan Blaho (85) Sudbury Wolves
Notes: On Dec. 18, Slovakia cut five players: Stanislav Hajas, Dusan Pasek, Vladimir Dravecky and Juraj Prokop . Goaltender Marek Novotny was named the non-travelling reserve.
-------------------------------------------------SWEDEN
Goaltenders:
Joakim Lundstrom (84) Brynas IF
Magnus Akerlund (86) HV 71
Defensemen
Pierre Jonsson (84) Mora IK
Daniel Sondell (84) IF Bjorkloven
John Fransson (85) Lulea HF
Alexander Tang (85) Vastra Frolunda HC
Tobias Enstrom (84) MODO
Tomas Skogs (84) Mora IK
Johan Bjork (84) MIF Redhawks
Henrik Blomkvist (84) Vaxjo Lakers HC
Forwards
Niklas Eckerblom (84) Djurgardens IF
Fredrik Johansson (84) Vastra Frolunda HC
Nicklas Danielsson (84) Brynas IF
Sebastian Meijer (84) HV 71
Patric Blomdahl (84) AIK
Marcus Jonasen (84) Tri-City Americans
Loui Eriksson (85) Vastra Frolunda HC
Johan Andersson (84) IF Troja/Ljungby
Robert Nilsson (85) Leksands IF
Kalgoum Monir (84) Huddinge IK
Johannes Salomonsson (86) Djurgardens IF
Andreas Valdix (84) MIF Redhawks
Alexander Steen (84) Vastra Frolunda HC
-------------------------------------------------SWITZERLAND
Goaltenders
Daniel Manzato (84) Tigres de Victoriaville
Michael Tobler (85) EV Zug
Defensemen
Silvan Anthamatten (84) EV Zug
Lukas Baumgartner (84) Kloten
Florian Blatter (84) Davos
Tim Ramholt (84) Cape Breton
Philippe Seydoux (85) Kloten
Andri Stoffel (84) GCK Lions
Martin Stettler (84) SCL Tigers
Forwards
Patrik Bartschi (84) Kloten
Yvan Benoit (84) Geneve-Servette
Gianni Ehrensperger (85) Kloten
Lukas Grauwiler (84) Missassuaga
Peter Guggisberg (85) Davos
Stefan Hasler (84) Davos
Roland Gerber (84) SCL Tigers
Carly Neuenschwander (84) Bern
Emanuel Peter (84) Kloten
Christoph Roder (84) Biel
Kevin Romy (85) Geneve-Servette
Victor Stancescu (85) Kloten
Morris Trachsler (84) GCK Lions
Notes: On December 15, Thomas Baumle replaces Tobias Stephan due to injury.
On Dec. 18, Switzerland made its final cuts: Thomas Baumle, Alain Birbaum, Marc Greider, Alan Tallarini, Christian Bentele, Florian Conz and Antonio Rizello were cut.
-------------------------------------------------UKRAINE
Goaltenders
Yevgeniy Galyuk (85) HS Kryzhynka
Sergiy Gavrlyuk (85) HC Kiev
Mykola Voroshnov (85) Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
Defensemen:
Pavlo Akymov (86) HS Sokol Kiev
Vadym Gnyazdovsky (85) HC Kiev
Danylo Guryev (87) Druzhba-78 Kharkiv
Kyrylo Katrych (84) HC Kiev
Igor Kugut (84) Gazovik Tyumen
Oleksiy Lubnin (84) Olympia
Yevgeniy Onyshchenko (85) HC Kiev
Sergiy Madera (84) HC Kiev
Ruslan Mozgovoy (84) Vitebsk
Forwards:
Viktor Andruschenko (86) Khimvolokno Mogilev
Anatoliy Bogdanov (85) TuTo Turku
Pavlo Bolshakov (85) Barvinok Kharkiv
Denys Bortnyk (84) HC Kiev
Sergi Chernenko (84) HC Sokol Kiev
Oleksiy Koval (85) HC Sokol Kiev
Vitaliy Kyrychenko (85) HC Kiev
Pavlo Legachev (84) HC Kiev
Ivan Nadzon (84) HC Kiev
Oleksandr Proskurin (85) Barvinok Kharkiv
Yegor Rufanov (85) HC Kiev
Igor Shamansky (84) Gazovik Tyumen
Oleksandr Shevchenko (84) HC Sokol Kiev
Vitalii Verchenko (85) HC Kiev
-------------------------------------------------USA
Goaltenders:
Alvaro Montoya (85) University of Michigan
Dominic Vicari (85) Michigan State University
Defensemen
Matt Carle (84) University of Denver
Matt Hunwick (84) University of Michigan
Jeff Likens (85) University of Wisconsin
Corey Potter (84) Michigan State University
Danny Richmond (85) London
Mark Stuart (84) Colorado College
Ryan Suter (85) University of Wisconsin
James Wisnewski (84) Plymouth
Forwards
David Booth (84) Michigan State University
Jacob Dowell (84) University of Wisconsin
Patrick Eaves (84) Boston College
Danny Fritsche (85) Columbus Blue Jackets
Ryan Kesler (84) Vancouver Canucks
Greg Moore (84) University of Maine
Brady Murray (84) University of North Dakota
Patrick O'Sullivan (85) Missassauga
Zach Parise (84) University of North Dakota
Brett Sterling (84) Colorado College
Stephen Werner (84) UMass-Amherst
Drew Stafford (85) University of North Dakota
Notes: On December 12 Drew Stafford replaced Dustin Brown
On Dec. 15, Domnic Vicari replaced Jimmy Howard and Matt Hunwick replaced Dylan Reese
: www.SabreFans.com
It's that time of year again, time for one of the most anticipated hockey events of the year - the IIHF World Junior Championship or WJC. The WJC will be held from Dec. 26, 2003 to Jan. 5, 2004 in Helsinki and Hameenlinna, Finland. The tournament, which has run every year since 1977, features the best young talent from around the world playing for national pride and honor. As with many international tournaments the WJC has been dominated by the Soviet Union and the Russian national team after the fall of the Soviet regime. The Soviets/Russians have won the gold medal twelve times, only Team Canada has challenged Soviet/Russian dominance with ten gold medals of their own (including five straight gold medals after the fall of the Soviet Union). The rivalry between Cananda and the Soviets/Russians goes back a long way. Both nations firmly believe they produce the best hockey players on earth, so winning these tournaments is a matter of immense pride to both nations (not that it isn't for all the participating teams but the rivalry between Canada and Russia adds a bit more spice to the mix). The United States has never won the tournament; the Americans have just one silver and two bronze medals to date.
The Russians are the two-time defending champions, having won in 2002 and 2003. Both times the Russians defeated the Canadians, the last time on Canadian soil. The tournament features some tremendous young talent, here's a quick preview of the Canadian and American teams.
Team Canada
To me team Canada is perhaps the best all around hockey team in the tournament. Marc-Andre Fleury will be the starting goalie and is perhaps the best goalie in the tournament. The Canadian blue line has some very solid players like Dion Phaneuf, Braydon Coburn and Brent Seabrook. It's a decent combination of skill and just rough and tumble defense, Fleury should be fairly well protected in his crease. It's worth noting that four members of the defense were selected in the first round of the NHL draft. Up front Team Canada is anchored by its captain, and Buffalo Sabres' prospect, Dan Paille. However, all eyes will be on the young superstar in the making Sidney Crosby. Crosby is perhaps the most exciting player to come out of Canada in many years and is a dynamic and gifted offensive player. The problems team Canada will face will be the facts that many of its players are fairly small and inexperienced. There is always a lot of pressure on Canadian national teams to play well, the question is can this kids accept and excel in that environment? I'll say they will as most of these players have been under the media's and fans' microscopes most of their careers to date. Team Canada is my favorite to win the gold medal on the shoulders of Marc-Andre Fleury.
Team Russia
Just a quick note on the Russian team. Alexander Ovechkin will be eligible for the 2004 NHL draft. Likely to go number one overall, there will be a lot of eyes on this young man. There will also be a lot of pressure on him to be his team's leader and in ways to out perform Sidney Crosby. The Russians are always a threat to win gold. The Soviet Union may be gone but the "Big Red Machine" lives on.
Team USA
The Americans lack the headline talent of many of the other teams in this tournament but that's nothing new. The American teams have a history of being written off and generally exceding expectations in many tournaments. The Americans a fairly "old" (old is relative when speaking of 18 and 19 year olds) and experienced team, that will serve them well in this tournament. Mart Stuart and Ryan Suter will lead the American defense in front of goalies Alvaro Montoya and Dominic Vicari, Jim Howard withdrew at the last minute. Up fron the Americans will be lead by Patrick O'Sullivan, Ryan Kesler, and Zach Parise. The Americans are a well rounded, experience squad with good size and grit. Their achilles heel could be their goaltending. While not likely to challenge for the gold medal, the American team could fight their way to the medal platform this year.
Rosters
AUSTRIA
Goaltenders
Thomas Innerwinkler (86) Vastra Frolunda
Mathias Lange (85) Billings Bulls
Defensemen
Martin Dobner (84) Villacher SV
Phillip Kink (85) Wiener Eislowen
Johannes Kirisits (85) Kalgenfurter AC
Victor Lindgren (85) Zell Am See
Michael Mayr (84) Linz Black Wings
Martin Oraze (84) Villacher SV
Christoph Quantschnig (85) Klagenfurter AC
Stefan Pittl (84) Salzburger EC
Forwards
Yanick Bodemann (85) Sierre HC
Patrick Harand (84) Vienna Capitals
Christoph Ibounig (85) Klagenfurter AC
Manuel Latusa (84) Vienna Capitals
Andreas Neodl (87) Wiener Eislowen
Nicolas Petrik (84) Graz 99ers
Phillip Pinter (85) Villacher SV
Rafael Rotter (87) Wiener Eislowen
Christoph Rud (84) Zell Am See
Paul Schellander (86) Klagenfurter AC
Anton Tino Teppert (85) Klagenfurter AC
Thomas Vanek (84) University of Minnesota
Franz Wilfan (85) Valley Junior Warriors
-------------------------------------------------
CANADA
Goaltenders
Marc Andre Fleury (84) Pittsburgh
Harding, Josh (84) Regina
Defensemen
Belle, Shawn (85) Tri-City
Coburn, Braydon (85) Portland
Gorges, Josh (84) Kelowana
Klein, Kevin (84) Guelph
Meech, Derek (84) Red Deer
Phaneuf, Dion (85) Red Deer
Seabrook, Brent (85) Lethbridge
Forwards
Brent, Tim (84) Toronto St. Michael?s
Burns, Brent (85) Minnesota Wild
Carter, Jeff (85) Sault Ste. Marie
Colliton, Jeremy (85) Prince Albert
Crosby, Sidney (87) Rimouski
Dawes, Nigel (85) Kootenay
Dixon, Stephen (85) Cape Breton
Getzlaf, Ryan (85) Calgary
Paillé, Daniel (84) Guelph
Richards, Mike (85) Kitchener
Anthony Stewart (85) Kingston
Talbot, Maxime (84) Gatineau
Tambellini, Jeff (84) University of Michigan
Notes:
On Dec. 14 Canada released Andre Benoit, Marc Andre Bernier, Adam Courchaine, Maxime Daigneault and Eric Fehr.
On Dec. 12 Bruno Gervais left the Canadian Camp due to a knee injury
On Dec. 10 the Minnesota Wild made forward Brent Burns available to join the Canadian Camp
On Dec. 15, Adam Henrich and Jeremy Swanson were released by Canada
Final cuts made on December 16.
-------------------------------------------------
CZECH RPUBLIC
Goaltenders
Marek Schwarz (86) HC Sparta Praha
Tomas Popperle (84) HC Sparta Praha
Lukas Mensator (84) Ottawa 67's
Defensemen
Ondrej Nemec (84) HC Vsetin
Jiri Hunkes (84) HC Ocelari Trinec
Ctirad Ovcacik (84) Bili Tyrgi Liberec
Michal Barinka (84) Norfolk Admirals
Marek Chvatal (84) Sarnia Sting
Tomas Linhart (84) HC Pardubice
Ladislav Smid (86) Hc Bili Tygri Liberec
Martin Vagner (84) Gatineau Olympiques
Forwards
Petr Kanko (84) Kitchener Rangers
Tomas Fleischmann (84) Moose Jaw Warriors
Karel Hromas (86) HC Sparta Praha
Jakub Koreis (84) Guelph Storm
Kamil Kreps (84) Brampton Battalion
Jakub Klepis (84) HC Slavia Praha
Jakub Sindel (84) HC Sparta Praha
Jiri Hudler (84) Detroit Red Wings
Rostislav Olesz (85) HC Vitkovice
Vojtech Polak (85) HC Energie Karylovy Vary
Roman Vondracek (84) HC Sparta Praha
Lukas Kaspar (85) HC Litvinov
Petr Vrana (85) Halifax Mooseheads
Radim Hruska (85) HC Vsetin
NOTES: December 16: Following the test game against senior club team Zlin (2-1 win for Zlin), coach Alois Hadamczik released defenesemen Petr Horava (Kladno), Ondrej Stanek (Slavia Prague) and forwards Lukas Pabiska (Bili Tygri Liberec) and Roman Bilek (Plzen).
-------------------------------------------------FINLAND
Goaltenders:
Mikael Vuorio (84) Jukurit
Hannu Toivonen (84) Providence Bruins
Defensemen:
Sami Lepisto (84) Jokerit
Janne Jalasvaara (84) Blues
Mikko Kalteva (84) Jokerit
Anssi Salemla (84) Tappara
Ville Varakas (84) HIFK
Kevin Kantee (84) Jokerit
Oskari Korpikari (84) Karpat
Forwards:
Sean Bergenheim (84) NY Islanders
Valtteri Filppula (84) Jokerit
Arsi Piispanen (85) Jokerit
Tommi Oksa (84) Jokerit
Jyri Junnila (84) Karpat
Lennart Petrell (84) HIFK
Joni Toykkala (84) Blues
Teemu Nurmi (85) Tappara
Jarkko Immonen (84) Blues
Lauri Tukonen (86) Blues
Petri Kontiola (84) Tappara
Patteri Nokelainen (86) SaiPa
Masi Marjamaki (85) Moose Jaw
-------------------------------------------------
RUSSIA
Goaltenders:
Konstantin Barulin (84) Gazovik Tyumen
Denis Khudyakov (84) Severstal Cherepovets
Rustem Sidikov (85) CSKA Moscow
Defensemen:
Dimitry Kosmachev (85) CSKA Moscow
Konstantin Korneev (84) Ak Bars Kazan
Dimitry Vorobiev (85) Lada Togliatti
Sergei Gimayev (84) Severstal Cherepovets
Mikhail Tyulyapkin (84) Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod
Denis Grot (84) Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Denis Ezhov (85) Metallurg Novokuznetsk
Sergei Karpov (84) Dynamo Moscow
Grigory Panin (85) Lada Togliatti
Forwards:
Alexander Ovechkin (85) Dynamo Moscow
Dimitry Pestunov (85) Metallurg Magnitogorsk
Alexander Semin (84) Washington Capitals
Dimitry Mirnov (84) Dynamo Moscow
Evgeny Tunik (84) SKA St. Petersburg
Alexei Shkotov (84) Quebec Remparts
Ilya Krikunov (84) Khimik Voskresensk
Evgeny Malkin (86) Metallurg Magnitogorsk
Sergei Anshakov (84) CSKA Moscow
Grigory Shafigulin (85) Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Evegeny Isakov (84) Severstal Cherepovets
Alexander Kozhevnikov (84) Val D'or Foreurs
Dimitry Kazionov (84) Lada Togliatti
Marat Valiulin (84) Ak Bars Kazan
Yuri Ermolin (84) Avangard Omsk
Alexei Krutov (84) Krylia Sovetov Moscow
Notes:
F Dimitry Mirnov is probably out due to injury.
December 11, Washington Capitals released F Alexander Semin to the national junior team.
December 16: Russian junior national team lost to the Russian senior national team 4-1 at Odintsovo in a test game. Defenseman Sergei Karpov scored the goal for the juniors giving them a 1-0 lead in the fourth minut.
-------------------------------------------------SLOVAKIA
Goaltenders:
Jaroslav Halak (85) HC Slovan Bratislava
Jozef Racko (84) MHC Nitra
Defensemen:
Andrej Meszaros (85) HC Dukla Trencin
Juraj Senko (84) MCH Zilina
Michal Gavalier (84) Shawinigan Cataractes
Ivan Baranka (85) Everett Silvertips
Jan Mucha (84) HC Ceske Budejovice
Milan Hruska (85) P.E.I. Rockets
Richard Stehlik (84) Lewiston MAINEiacs
Michal Sersen (85) Rimouski Oceanic
Daniel Hancak (84) HC Slovan Bratislava
Forwards:
Tomas Bulik (85) HC Kosice
Rastislav Spirko (84) Tri-City Storm
Michal Lukac (84) Tri-City Storm
Pavol Hajduk (84) HC Sparta Praha
Stefa Ruzicka (85) Owen Sound Attack
Tomas Pokrivcak (84) HC Martin
Tomas Troliga (84) Calgary Hitmen
Martin Sagat (84) Kootenay Ice
Branislav Fabry (85) HC Slovan Bratislava
Karol Biermann (84) HC Slovan Bratislava
Vladislav Balaz (84) Lewiston MAINEiacs
Vladimir Kutny (85) Quebec Remparts
Stefan Blaho (85) Sudbury Wolves
Notes: On Dec. 18, Slovakia cut five players: Stanislav Hajas, Dusan Pasek, Vladimir Dravecky and Juraj Prokop . Goaltender Marek Novotny was named the non-travelling reserve.
-------------------------------------------------SWEDEN
Goaltenders:
Joakim Lundstrom (84) Brynas IF
Magnus Akerlund (86) HV 71
Defensemen
Pierre Jonsson (84) Mora IK
Daniel Sondell (84) IF Bjorkloven
John Fransson (85) Lulea HF
Alexander Tang (85) Vastra Frolunda HC
Tobias Enstrom (84) MODO
Tomas Skogs (84) Mora IK
Johan Bjork (84) MIF Redhawks
Henrik Blomkvist (84) Vaxjo Lakers HC
Forwards
Niklas Eckerblom (84) Djurgardens IF
Fredrik Johansson (84) Vastra Frolunda HC
Nicklas Danielsson (84) Brynas IF
Sebastian Meijer (84) HV 71
Patric Blomdahl (84) AIK
Marcus Jonasen (84) Tri-City Americans
Loui Eriksson (85) Vastra Frolunda HC
Johan Andersson (84) IF Troja/Ljungby
Robert Nilsson (85) Leksands IF
Kalgoum Monir (84) Huddinge IK
Johannes Salomonsson (86) Djurgardens IF
Andreas Valdix (84) MIF Redhawks
Alexander Steen (84) Vastra Frolunda HC
-------------------------------------------------SWITZERLAND
Goaltenders
Daniel Manzato (84) Tigres de Victoriaville
Michael Tobler (85) EV Zug
Defensemen
Silvan Anthamatten (84) EV Zug
Lukas Baumgartner (84) Kloten
Florian Blatter (84) Davos
Tim Ramholt (84) Cape Breton
Philippe Seydoux (85) Kloten
Andri Stoffel (84) GCK Lions
Martin Stettler (84) SCL Tigers
Forwards
Patrik Bartschi (84) Kloten
Yvan Benoit (84) Geneve-Servette
Gianni Ehrensperger (85) Kloten
Lukas Grauwiler (84) Missassuaga
Peter Guggisberg (85) Davos
Stefan Hasler (84) Davos
Roland Gerber (84) SCL Tigers
Carly Neuenschwander (84) Bern
Emanuel Peter (84) Kloten
Christoph Roder (84) Biel
Kevin Romy (85) Geneve-Servette
Victor Stancescu (85) Kloten
Morris Trachsler (84) GCK Lions
Notes: On December 15, Thomas Baumle replaces Tobias Stephan due to injury.
On Dec. 18, Switzerland made its final cuts: Thomas Baumle, Alain Birbaum, Marc Greider, Alan Tallarini, Christian Bentele, Florian Conz and Antonio Rizello were cut.
-------------------------------------------------UKRAINE
Goaltenders
Yevgeniy Galyuk (85) HS Kryzhynka
Sergiy Gavrlyuk (85) HC Kiev
Mykola Voroshnov (85) Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
Defensemen:
Pavlo Akymov (86) HS Sokol Kiev
Vadym Gnyazdovsky (85) HC Kiev
Danylo Guryev (87) Druzhba-78 Kharkiv
Kyrylo Katrych (84) HC Kiev
Igor Kugut (84) Gazovik Tyumen
Oleksiy Lubnin (84) Olympia
Yevgeniy Onyshchenko (85) HC Kiev
Sergiy Madera (84) HC Kiev
Ruslan Mozgovoy (84) Vitebsk
Forwards:
Viktor Andruschenko (86) Khimvolokno Mogilev
Anatoliy Bogdanov (85) TuTo Turku
Pavlo Bolshakov (85) Barvinok Kharkiv
Denys Bortnyk (84) HC Kiev
Sergi Chernenko (84) HC Sokol Kiev
Oleksiy Koval (85) HC Sokol Kiev
Vitaliy Kyrychenko (85) HC Kiev
Pavlo Legachev (84) HC Kiev
Ivan Nadzon (84) HC Kiev
Oleksandr Proskurin (85) Barvinok Kharkiv
Yegor Rufanov (85) HC Kiev
Igor Shamansky (84) Gazovik Tyumen
Oleksandr Shevchenko (84) HC Sokol Kiev
Vitalii Verchenko (85) HC Kiev
-------------------------------------------------USA
Goaltenders:
Alvaro Montoya (85) University of Michigan
Dominic Vicari (85) Michigan State University
Defensemen
Matt Carle (84) University of Denver
Matt Hunwick (84) University of Michigan
Jeff Likens (85) University of Wisconsin
Corey Potter (84) Michigan State University
Danny Richmond (85) London
Mark Stuart (84) Colorado College
Ryan Suter (85) University of Wisconsin
James Wisnewski (84) Plymouth
Forwards
David Booth (84) Michigan State University
Jacob Dowell (84) University of Wisconsin
Patrick Eaves (84) Boston College
Danny Fritsche (85) Columbus Blue Jackets
Ryan Kesler (84) Vancouver Canucks
Greg Moore (84) University of Maine
Brady Murray (84) University of North Dakota
Patrick O'Sullivan (85) Missassauga
Zach Parise (84) University of North Dakota
Brett Sterling (84) Colorado College
Stephen Werner (84) UMass-Amherst
Drew Stafford (85) University of North Dakota
Notes: On December 12 Drew Stafford replaced Dustin Brown
On Dec. 15, Domnic Vicari replaced Jimmy Howard and Matt Hunwick replaced Dylan Reese