International Ice Hockey Federation World Under 20 Championship – 2010 World Junior Hockey Championship
For many people in Canada, the Christmas season is more than St. Nick and family gatherings. It is also the International Ice Hockey Federation World Under 20 Championship, colloquially known as the World Junior Hockey Championship (WJHC), which generally starts on December 26 and lasts till a few days after the New Year. Ten of the world’s top hockey playing nations send a team composed of hockey players no older than 19. Of the ten nations, Canada has taken a serious interest in this tournament and it shows in the results.
Team Canada has won this tournament more than any other country. Once again Canada is hosting the event with Regina and Saskatoon as co-hosts. And once again Canada is favoured to win despite having only 6 returnees from last year’s record tying team. If the current edition of Team Canada does win this year’s (2010) championship, it’ll break the record of 5 consecutive championships jointly held by Canadian teams between 1993 – 1997 and 2005 – 2009.
The WJHC showcases not only each nation’s top young hockey talent but gives the fans a glimpse of future NHL stars. The majority of these players eventually turn professional and advance to the NHL, the world’s top professional league. As a matter of fact, many became stars and core members of the NHL teams.
A quick glance at Canada’s 2005 WJHC team will reveal that as many as 8 members from that team may be representing Canada during the 2010 Winter Olympics as members of Team Canada.
Also, after watching Canada’s opening game against Latvia most, if not all, fans must feel the IIHF needs to take a serious look at its tie-breaking format. The second criteria is goal differential. The absolute number of goals a team scored during the tournament could directly influence the team’s final standing. Consequently, the top teams will continue with the offense onslaught even well after the outcome has been decided. This practice of running up the score is scorned by players and coaches in every sport and at every level. So why is it acceptable in international hockey, especially involving teenagers?
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