Dan Sallows

It took just one goal under two minutes in, by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, to decide the outcome of the 2010 Ivan Hlinka gold medal game. Heading into Saturday’s matchup it was hard not to consider Canada as the overwhelming favourites once again. This 2010 edition of the U-18 summer team had been absolutely overpowering their opponents so far, after a 4-0 start that saw them lead the tournament in goals for (25) and against (9). They also boast two of the top 3 leading scorers, in Matt Puempel (3G,4A) and Nugent-Hopkins (4G,2A). All this, despite the fact many of the Canadian players had been battling a flu bug early on and some had yet to recover, including their captain Ryan Murray. But, team USA was 3-0-1 at the tourney, with their only loss coming in a shootout to Russia, and couldn’t be considered a slouch. The Americans had averaged just under 5 goals per game, while giving up 14 to the opposition. Like Canada, they were a well-balanced team, that could beat you in more ways than one. It looked as though Saturday’s contest would be a good old fashion shootout, between two teams that had been able to consistently twinkle the twine. Surprisingly, that was not the case, as defense and goaltending reigned surpreme in this one. So the stage was set, at Zimny Stadion in Piestany, Slovakia, for two clubs that have become notorious for meeting in gold medal games on the international stage.

Canada took a 1-0 lead early, as Nugent-Hopkins got the offense going for the third time at this tournament, just 1:42 in. It was his team, and tourney leading 5th goal. However, that would be it for the scoring in the period and the game, as it was a lackluster 60 minutes as far as the scoreboard was concerned. Matt Puempel left the game after one shift, as he had injured his back in the semis, and was unable to go. Team Canada scored the first goal in each of the five games in which they played at the 2010 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka. Shots through the first 20 minutes were even at eight a piece, while Canada went 0-2 on the power play, and team USA 0-1. Much like the Americans Semi-Final game against Sweden, it was a tight checking affair, with both clubs surrendering very little in the way of offensive opportunities.

In the second, the goaltenders continued their strong play, as Canada’s Tyson Teichmann and team USA’s Steven Michalek shut the door on any chances that were thrown towards them. Michalek was particularly good in blanking a Canadian team that had yet to go a period without scoring at the U-18 Junior World Cup. The shots in the period ended up 10-8 in favor of team Canada. It was a march to the penalty box late in the frame, with 7 minor penalties called, including a too many men against the States at 19:45. Which, was their second too many men infraction of the game and meant team Canada would open up the third on a power play. Canada failed to capitilize though, which seemed to be the theme in the game for both clubs. In the end, Canada won the defensive matchup, and Teichmann backstopped them the rest of the way, making 22 saves in the 1-0 victory. The Belleville Bulls netminder was terrific through 4 games for Canada, posting a 4-0 record, with a 1.97 goals against average, a .924 save percentage and a shutout when they needed it the most.

It wasn’t the type of final game many had anticipated between two high-octane teams that had become known for their scoring prowess at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, but another classic gold medal game none the less. Both clubs have to be commended on their effort, during a grueling schedule that saw them play 5 games in 6 days, making two hour trips back and forth from Breclav, Cze. to Piestany, Svk. The USA can take comfort in the fact they have dominated the junior ranks internationally this year, and a silver medal is a great accomplishment. For Canada, it was another terrific performance at a tournament they’ve been incredibly successful at. Team Canada has now won three consecutive gold medals at the Ivan Hlinka, and 15 overall, and have only failed to medal twice in it’s 20-year history.

Team USA 0
Canada 1

GAME SUMMARY
first period

1. CANADA, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
(unassisted) 1:42

Penalties: Tanner Sorenson 6:07, USA Bench 9:59,
Phillip Danault 11:53.

second period

No Scoring

Penalties: Brian Cooper 6:04, Brian Cooper 10:36,
Scott Harrington 10:36, Lucas Lessio 13:04, Daniel Catenacci 17:15,
Brian Cooper 17:15, USA Bench 19:45.

third period

No Scoring

Penalties: Duncan Siemens 3:19,

shots on goal

USA 8 8 6 22
CAN 8 10 6 24

goaltenders

Steven Michalek, TEAM USA
Tyson Teichmann, CANADA

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• 2010 Ivan Hlinka Tournament: Canada Looks Golden After Semi-Final Win Over the Czech’s
• 2010 Ivan Hlinka Tournament: Nugent-Hopkins Leads the Way as Canada Improves to 2-0
• 2010 Ivan Hlinka Tournament: Canada’s Comeback Kid’s Hand Sweden a Loss in Tournament Opener
• 2010 Ivan Hlinka Tournament: Canada Remains Perfect as Defense Leads the Way Against Slovakia