O/T Thriller

The hype surrounds the hockey world in Vancouver and Victoria for the upcoming two weeks as future stars hit the ice.

Many have either played in this event prior to now or currently play in North America for various teams having aspirations of making it to the pro ranks.

Some will, while others will play at a level under the NHL level, but regardless of the league they are classified as a pro league in various countries.

While many European players are searching to play in North America others such as my Nephew Brandon Buck has ventured to play in Europe for the Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers in Nuremberg Germany.

As a youngster growing up in Delaware Ontario his sights were set on playing in the NHL, but first played Junior for the Guelph Storm in the OHL managing to have a “cup of  coffee” in the NHL eventually having his travels have taken him to Europe enjoying life with his Family.

Having this event come to Canada’s West Coast not only brings excitement to both area’s, it’s an exceptional way to promote tourism for the Province of BC to the world.

Arriving at the rink early was not important for the teams, but also the over 400+ media on hand covering the event from around the world.

Reporters from each Team’s Country are on hand and not just for print, but TV stations that are covering the event so as to help grow the sport in their respective country.

The Championship regardless of where it’s played has unique or different rules followed and enforced by the two-referee system.

Some of the rule changes or different rules focus on playing with no trapezoid for the goalies, skating through the goaltenders crease and the enforcement of the face-off violation rule.

Of course consistency plays a key role for all officials working any game and at this level the officials are continually supervised each and every game.

For officials being selected to work at this level ranks as a “feather in their cap” and can possibly help advance them to the pro level of the game.

The first game of any event at this level especially when the home team, Canada in this case isn’t playing in the first game, but rather the later game of the day has some questioning the attendance.

Traffic heading in to the game today, given the fact that we left early allowing us to not only arrive, but be on time for the pre-tournament media meeting.

The pre-game information was essential, but the game itself proved to be a goaltenders battle with both keeping the game scoreless until the Swiss managed to score on a PP in the second.

The Czech squad answered back tying the game at one, remaining like that forcing the ever dreaded three on three O/T period.

Following a three minute intermission it started where it left off with a quick tempo both having several chances early, but a mistake covering an open player allowed the Czech to notch the game winner 52 seconds into O/T.

The other division also started today in Victoria and Sportswave’s Laird Allan is on the road for a couple of games in the Capital City at Save On Foods Memorial Arena.

Sportswave will keep you covered on game results for the entire tournament in both Cities.

Enjoy the World Class Hockey!!!