NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #31/NN_1992_31.iso/spool/rec/sport/hockey/23133

Internet Message Format | 1993-01-03 | 1.7 KB

Path: sparky!uunet!cs.utexas.edu!gateway
From: [e-mail] (Glenn Chin)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
Subject: Canada takes gold, Sweden silver
Date: 3 Jan 1993 16:51:01 -0600
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Canada defeated Japan 8-1 on Saturday to capture its third WJHC gold
medal in the last four years.  A victory for Canada in its final game against
the Czech and Slovak team on Monday would mark the third time in the
history of the WJHC that a team has gone undefeated and untied.  USSR
accomplished the feat twice:  in 1983 at Leningrad and in 1986 at
Hamilton, Ontario.

Sweden wrapped up the silver medal on Saturday by pounding its archrival
from Finland, 9-2.  Peter Forsberg had five points in the game.  Canada
was assured the gold despite the possibility of tying Sweden with a 6-1-0
W-L-T record because the first tie-breaker is head-to-head result.
I feel Sweden's victory over Canada in their exhibition game prior to
the tourney worked to Canada's advantage.  The "revenge factor" in sports
makes it difficult for one team to beat another comparable
team twice in less than a week, especially with teenagers, who lack a
measure of mental discipline.  IMO, Swedish goalie, Ronnqvist(sp?), allowed
two or three questionable goals in the crucial 5-4 loss.

After opening the tourney with two losses, the American team still has a chance
for bronze.  USA edged Germany 4-3 on Dec. 30, lost to Sweden 4-2 on Jan. 1, and
beat Russia 4-2 on Jan. 2.  On Monday, USA must beat Finland and Czech and
Slovakia must lose to Canada for USA to take bronze.  The loser of
the Germany-Japan game is relegated to Pool B next year.

Glenn