World Junior Hockey Challenge

The first game of the 2011 World Junior Hockey Challenge hit the rink at 4 pm and while it might have taken a while to get off the ground, the organizers did a great job.

Game one see’s the Czech Republic play against Canada East, who lost to the US at Delta’s Sungod Arena on two day’s previous, by a score of 3-1.

That game was hosted by North Delta MHA, and while it was set up on short notice, it worked out fine. Blair Beaton and group did a great job and of course special “thanks” to the volunteers who did an exceptional job!

The first event was held in Yorkton & Humbolt Saskatchewan in 2006 which saw Canada East play Canada West, which was won by the West 4-3.

Leading in the point category was Kyle Turris for Canada West with 5 goals, 6 assists for 11 points along with 4 PIM’s only two points ahead of Casey Pierro-Zabotel with 9 points.

The 2010 event was held in Penticton and had the US overtake Canada East by a narrow score of 6-4 and saw evean Rodrigues of Canada East lead all scorers with 3 goals, 4 assists for 7 points.

Canada East continued to dominate this game and managed to grab four goals, with Czech “tender” Marek Langhamer not getting much protection in or around his crease.

Canada East got the fifth marker of the game with a shot directed at the net, which was deflected off a Czech D-man and given to # 25 Gazzola at 13:25.

Canada East romped over the Czech Republic by a score of 5-0, which either show’s the talent of the Canadian squad or the lack of from the Czech.

As for individual records some are as listed below:

Most Goals in One Year (7) Siahei Drozd (Belarus, 2008)

Most Points in One Year (11) Kyle Turis (Canada West, 11)

Most Penalties Minutes in One Year (31) Kiryl Brykun (Belarus, 2008)

Most Goals in One Game (4) Kyle Turris (Canada West vs Russia, November 6th, 2006)

While the game at Sungod was played in front of a small size crowd, the official puck-drop was taken by Delta’s current Mayor Lois Jackson. I say current as the election is upcoming on the 19th.

This series is played all week at the Langley Events Center with games starting at 4 pm and 7:30 (week-day’s) and starting at noon on Saturday.

The final game is set for Sunday November 13th at 5 pm. Make plans on attending. It’s well worth the money.