U.S. looks to make amends against its northern rival
Americans dropped 3-2 decision against Team Canada last year
UFA, RUSSIA – Not much went right for the United States team at the 2012 world junior hockey championship.
When the U.S. dropped a 3-2 decision to Canada in the final game of the preliminary round in front of a boisterous Rexall Place crowd, the Americans were dropped to the relegation round with a record of 1-3 and eventually left the Alberta-based championship with a seventh-place finish.
Fast forward to Sunday and yet another matchup between the North American foes. Only this time, the U.S. are 1-1 in Pool B play and determined to return to the medal round. After meeting the 2-0 Canadians, the U.S. closes against Slovakia on New Year’s Eve.
“Canada is another of our biggest rivals and we just have to stay composed,” said American captain Jake McCabe. “We can’t take those bad penalties like we did in the first game (against Russia). These teams, with their talented power plays, will make you pay.”
The Americans defeated Germany 8-0, then lost 2-1 to Russia in the din of Ufa Arena.
“That game was very emotional. It was on their home soil and it was cool to be a part of that, I’ll admit that,” said McCabe. “It was almost like a European soccer game with their chants and flags waving. You could definitely tell they built off that energy. It’s tough to play in that atmosphere.
“Canada is going to be one heck of an opponent, too. They’re a talented team. We’re a very talented team. We have all the elements to win a gold medal here, so we’re excited.
“Finishing seventh was not USA hockey,” McCabe continued. “That’s unacceptable and, this year, we have high hopes. We have to come out in this next game and show that right away.”
McCabe, a Buffalo Sabres draft pick who plays with the University of Wisconsin Badgers, wasn’t on the U.S. team last year. There are just three returnees (defenceman Jacob Trouba, forward J.T Miller and goaltender John Gibson) and two notable 2013 draft prospects — defenceman Seth Jones of the Portland Winterhawks and forward Ryan Hartman of the Plymouth Whalers.
“There’s always a little something extra with Canada and the U.S.,” said Trouba. “It’s going to be good.”
Canada is 31-6-3 in games against the U.S., including the 6-5 overtime loss in the 2010 world junior final.
“I think it’s going to be a physical game with speed and grit — North American hockey — so we’re excited about that,” said Canadian coach Steve Spott.