WJC Today - 12/28/11

SLOVAKIA 3 – LATVIA 1

Tomas Jurco became the third Saint John Sea Dog to score in this year’s World Junior Hockey Championship last night in Calgary. Jurco made a beautiful tip to open the scoring for Slovakia who would go on to defeat Lativia 3-1.

Jurco’s goal came at 15:28 of the second period on a power play. The skilled forward, wearing his usual No. 13, finished the contest with three shots and a +1 rating.

Michal Toman and Marek Tvrdon also scored for Slovakia. Juraj Simboch got the win in goal, making 25 saves.

The Calgary Sun had an article on Jurco yesterday. In his 2.5 seasons in North America, “the magician” has played in some big games.

"I have played a few big games here, including the Memorial Cup. That's a huge thing in Canada, too, so I think that's what made me stronger," Jurco said. "And that's why I'm not nervous now (during the world juniors), because I know I already played those games and all I have to do is just stay focused and keep playing my way."

There were only two games yesterday. The other saw the Czech Republic pound Denmak 7-0.

TODAY’S GAMES

After a quiet day yesterday, things get rolling again today at the world juniors with four games on the schedule. All four Sea Dogs representing their country will play today.

It all starts at 4:30pm AST when Charlie Coyle and the Americans take on take on Finland in a game that can be seen on TSN. Coyle had a hat trick in the USA’s opening game.

At 6:30pm, Sweden takes on Switzerland on TSN2.

Jonathan Huberdeau, Nathan Beaulieu, and Team Canada faceoff against the Czech Republic at 9pm. TSN’s pre-game show begins at 8:30pm. Huberdeau is coming off a five-point game on Monday against Finland. Beaulieu also had an assist in the game.

Lastly, Tomas Jurco and the Slovaks will have a big test at 11pm on TSN2 when they take on the Russians.

STATS

Just two days into the world juniors, the four Sea Dogs taking part – Huberdeau, Beaulieu, Jurco and Coyle – all have at least one-point and have combined to score five goals and five assists.

Huberdeau, meanwhile, currently sits first in tournament scoring with five points. Coyle is tied for second in goals with three.

LINKS

Here are your Wednesday world junior readings.

• Edmonton Sun – Huberdeau indispensable. "Points are not that important. You can get points and not play the greatest game, or you can have no points and play a good one. They don't always matter. I want to get better. I know I played a good game but it wasn't the best game. I need to keep working on the things I do."
• CBC – Huberdeau can feel Smith-Pelly’s pain. #doitfordevo
• National Post – Canada’s top line manufactures instant chemistry.
• Edmonton Journal – Soon-to-be teammates tear it up on opening night. Coyle said he’s heard Huberdeau is a great player, and he’s looking forward to play against him, but other than that he doesn’t know much about his soon-to-be teammate. He didn’t watch Huberdeau put up five points against Finland — he was taking a pre-game nap.
• Calgary Herald – Game Day: Canada vs Czech Republic.