Asunto: Campionatul Mondial de tineret 2012

Peste numai doua zile va incepe, in provincia canadiana Alberta (Edmonton, Calgary), o noua editie a campionatului mondial de tineret (U 20). Cele 10 echipe participante au fost impartite in doua grupe preliminare (Rusia, Suedia, Slovacia, Elvetia, Letonia, respectiv Canada, USA, Finlanda, Cehia, Germania), primele clasate calificandu-se direct in semifinale, locurile 2 si 3 disputand, in crucis, playoff-ul pentru accederea in semifinale, iar pozitiile 4 si 5 fiind directionate in playout-ul competitiei.
Iata cum se prezinta, pe site-ul Federatiei Internationale, loturile celor 10 team-uri nationale:

Grupa A (Calgary)


Rusia (actualizat pe 23 Dec.)

Portari:
Sergei Kostenko, Kuznetskie Medvedi (RUS/MHL)
Andrei Makarov, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
Andrei Vasilevski, Tolpar Ufa (RUS/MHL)

Fundasi:
Viktor Antipin, Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (RUS/MHL)
Zakhar Arzamastsev, Metallurg Novokuznetsk (RUS/KHL)
Ildar Isangulov, Tolpar Ufa (RUS/MHL)
Mikhail Naumenkov, Krasnaya Armia Moscow (RUS/MHL)
Nikita Nesterov, Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (RUS/MHL)
Igor Ozhiganov, Krasnaya Armia Moscow (RUS/MHL)
Artyom Sergeyev, Val d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL)
Grigori Zheldakov, Spartak Moscow (RUS/MHL)

Atacanti:
Danil Apalkov, Loko Yaroslavl (RUS/MHL)
Sergei Barbashev, CSKA Moscow (RUS/KHL)
Mikhail Grigorenko, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Nikita Gusev, Krasnaya Armia Moscow (RUS/MHL)
Alexander Khokhlachev, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Yaroslav Kosov, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (RUS/KHL)
Nikita Kucherov, CSKA Moscow (RUS/KHL)
Pavel Kulikov, Reaktor Nizhnekamsk (RUS/MHL)
Yevgeni Kuznetsov, Traktor Chelyabinsk (RUS/KHL)
Ivan Telegin, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Nail Yakupov, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Ignat Zemchenko, Severstal Cherepovets (RUS/KHL)

Antrenor principal: Valeri Bragin




Suedia (5 Dec.)

Portari::
Anton Forsberg, MODO Örnsköldsvik (SWE)
Johan Gustafsson, Luleå HF (SWE)
Johan Mattsson, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

Fundasi::
Mattias Bäckman, Linköpings HC (SWE)
Jonas Brodin, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE)
Fredrik Claesson, Djurgården Stockholm (SWE)
Petter Granberg, Skellefteå AIK (SWE)
Oscar Klefbom, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE)
John Klingberg, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN)
Patrik Nemeth, AIK Stockholm (SWE)

Atacanti:
Pontus Åberg, Djurgården Stockholm (SWE)
Sebastian Collberg, Frölunda Gothenburg (SWE)
Filip Forsberg, Leksands IF (SWE-2)
Max Friberg, Timrå IK (SWE)
William Karlsson, VIK Västerås (SWE-2)
Johan Larsson, Brynäs Gävle (SWE)
Joakim Nordström, AIK Stockholm (SWE)
Rickard Rakell, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Victor Rask, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Ludvig Rensfelt, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Johan Sundström, Frölunda Gothenburg (SWE)
Erik Thorell, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE)
Mika Zibanejad, Djurgården Stockholm (SWE)

Antrenor principal: Roger Rönnberg




Elvetia (23 Dec.)

Portari:
Luca Boltshauser, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE U20)
Lukas Meili, GCK Lions Zurich (SUI-2)
Tim Wolf, GCK Lions Zurich (SUI-2)

Fundasi:
Phil Baltisberger, GCK Lions Zurich (SUI-2)
Cédric Hächler, Malmö Redhawks (SWE U20)
Dean Kukan, Luleå Hockey (SWE U20)
Christian Marti, Kloten Flyers (SUI)
Dave Sutter, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Dario Trutmann, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Mike Vermeille, Genève-Servette (SUI U20)

Atacanti:
Reto Amstutz, SC Bern (SUI U20)
Sven Andrighetto, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
Sven Bärtschi, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Alessio Bertaggia, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Christoph Bertschy, SC Bern (SUI)
Gaëtan Haas, EHC Biel (SUI)
Gregory Hofmann, HC Ambrì-Piotta (SUI)
Lino Martschini, Petersborough Petes (OHL)
Tanner Richard, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Cédric Schneuwly, EV Zug (SUI U20)
Dario Simion, HC Lugano (SUI)
Joël Vermin, SC Bern (SUI)
Samuel Walser, Kloten Flyers (SUI)

Antrenor principal: Manuele Celio




Slovacia ( 15 Dec.)

Portari:
Dominik Riecicky, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Richard Sabol, HC 05 Banska Bystrica (SVK)
Juraj Simboch, HC Nitra (SVK)

Fundasi:
Michal Cajkovsky, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Peter Ceresnak, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Martin Gernat, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Adam Janosik, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Mario Kurali, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Martin Marincin, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Peter Trska, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)

Atacanti:
Matej Bene, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Milos Bubela, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Matus Chovan, HC Kosice (SVK)
Lukas Cingel, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
Martin Daloga, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Marko Dano, Dukla Trencin (SVK)
Vladimir Dolnik, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Matej Hindos, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Tomas Jurco, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Tomas Matousek, Orange 20 Puchov (SVK)
Richard Mraz, Tatranski Vlci Spisska Nova Ves (SVK/MHL)
Michal Toman, Traverse City North Stars (NAHL)
Marek Tvrdon, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Filip Vasko, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Antrenor principal: Ernest Bokros




Letonia (23 Dec.)

Portari:
Rihards Cimermanis, Juniors Riga (LAT/MHL-B)
Kristers Gudlevskis, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Elviss Merzlikins, HC Lugano (SUI U20)

Fundasi:
Kristers Freibergs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Krists Kalnins, AIK Härnösand (SWE-3)
Nikita Kolesnikovs, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
Kriss Lipsbergs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Kristaps Nimanis, Red Ducks Vaasa (FIN-3)
Arturs Salija, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Edgars Siksna, Liepajas Metalurgs (LAT/BLR)
Pauls Zvirbulis, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)

Atacanti:
Toms Andersons, SC Bern (SUI U20)
Teodors Blugers, Shattuck-St. Mary's School (USHS)
Maris Dilevka, Liepajas Metalurgs (LAT/BLR)
Zemgus Girgensons, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
Vitalijs Hvorostinins, Vaasan Sport (FIN U20)
Nikita Jevpalovs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Edgars Klavins, AIK Stockholm (SWE U20)
Arturs Kuzmenkovs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Roberts Lipsbergs, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Kristians Pelss, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Davis Straupe, HK Riga (LAT/MHL)
Juris Ziemins, Juniors Riga (LAT/MHL-B)

Antrenor principal: Eriks Miluns


Grupa B (Edmonton)



Canada (14 Dec.)


Portari:
Mark Visentin, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Scott Wedgewood, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)

Fundasi:
Nathan Beaulieu, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Brandon Gormley, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Dougie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Scott Harrington, London Knights (OHL)
Ryan Murray, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Jamie Oleksiak, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Mark Pysyk, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

Atacanti:
Michaël Bournival, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Brett Connolly, Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
Brendan Gallagher, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Freddie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Quinton Howden, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Boone Jenner, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Tanner Pearson, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Mark Scheifele, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College (WCHA)
Devante Smith-Pelly, Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
Mark Stone, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Ryan Strome, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Antrenor principal: Don Hay




Statele Unite ale Americii (22 Dec.)

Portari:
Jack Campbell, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
John Gibson, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Andy Iles, Cornell Univ. (ECACH)

Fundasi:
Adam Clendening, Boston Univ. (HEA)
Derek Forbort, Univ. of North Dakota (WCHA)
Kevin Gravel, St. Cloud State Univ. (WCHA)
Stephen Johns, Univ. of Notre Dame (CCHA)
Jon Merrill, Univ. of Michigan (CCHA)
Jarred Tinordi, London Knights (OHL)
Jacob Trouba, U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL)

Atacanti:
Josh Archibald, Univ. of Nebraska Omaha (WCHA)
Bill Arnold, Boston College (HEA)
Nick Bjugstad, Univ. of Minnesota (WCHA)
Connor Brickley, Univ. of Vermont (HEA)
Charlie Coyle, Boston Univ. (HEA)
Austin Czarnik, Miami Univ. (CCHA)
Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
J.T. Miller, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Kyle Rau, Univ. of Minnesota (WCHA)
Brandon Saad, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
T.J. Tynan, Univ. of Notre Dame (CCHA)
Austin Watson, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Jason Zucker, Univ. of Denver (WCHA)

Antrenor principal: Dean Blais



Finlanda (23 Dec.)


Portari:
Sami Aittokallio, Ilves Tampere (FIN)
Christopher Gibson, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
Richard Ullberg, SaiPa Lappeenranta (FIN)

Fundasi:
Jani Hakanpää, Espoo Blues (FIN)
Miro Hovinen, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN U20) / Kiekko Vantaa (FIN-2)
Olli Määttä, London Knights (OHL)
Konsta Mäkinen, LeKi Lempäälä (FIN-2)
Ville Pokka, Kärpät Oulu (FIN)
Simo-Pekka Riikola, KalPa Kuopio (FIN)
Rasmus Ristolainen, TPS Turku (FIN)

Atacanti:
Miro Aaltonen, Espoo Blues (FIN)
Joel Armia, Ässät Pori (FIN)
Aleksander Barkov, Tappara Tampere (FIN)
Joonas Donskoi, Kärpät Oulu (FIN)
Markus Granlund, HIFK Helsinki (FIN)
Mikael Granlund, HIFK Helsinki (FIN)
Roope Hämäläinen, Jukurit Mikkeli (FIN-2)
Markus Hännikäinen, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN)
Mikael Kuronen, Ilves Tampere (FIN)
Otto Paajanen, HPK Hämeenlinna (FIN)
Teemu Pulkkinen, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN)
Alexander Ruuttu, Jokerit Helsinki (FIN)
Miikka Salomäki, Kärpät Oulu (FIN)

Antrenor principal: Raimo Helminen




Cehia (23 Dec.)


Portari:
Libor Kasik, HC Olomouc (CZE-2)
Tomas Kral, Kärpät Oulu (FIN U20)
Petr Mrazek, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Fundasi:
Marek Hrbas, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
Bohumil Jank, Lev Poprad (SVK/KHL)
Daniel Krejci, HC Most (CZE-2)
Vojtech Mozik, BK Mlada Boleslav (CZE)
David Musil, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Jiri Riha, HC Benatky nad Jizerou (CZE-2)
Petr Zamorsky, HC Zlin (CZE)

Atacanti:
Jakub Culek, Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
Tomas Faksa, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Tomas Filippi, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
Tomas Hertl, Slavia Prague (CZE)
Petr Holik, HC Zlin (CZE)
Tomas Hyka, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Dmitrij Jaskin, Slavia Prague (CZE)
Tomas Nosek, HC Pardubice (CZE)
Daniel Pribyl, Sparta Prague (CZE)
Lukas Sedlak, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
Jiri Sekac, Lev Poprad (SVK/KHL)
Petr Straka, Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
Michal Svihalek, HC Ceske Budejovice (CZE U20)
Dominik Uher, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Antrenor principal: Miroslav Prerost




Danemarca (7 Dec.)


Portari:
Sebastian Feuk, Herlev Eagles
Dennis Jensen, EfB Esbjerg
Christian Larsen, Malmö Redhawks (SWE)

Fundasi:
Jannik Christensen, EfB Esbjerg
Tobias Hansen, Rødovre Mighty Bulls
Emil Kristensen, EfB Esbjerg
Patrick Madsen, Herning Blue Fox
Mark Müller Larsen, Frederikshavn White Hawks
Martin Rahbek, Herlev Eagles
Anders Thode, Frederikshavn White Hawks

Atacanti:
Mathias Bau Hansen, Rødovre Mighty Bulls
Rasmus Bjerrum, Frederikshavn White Hawks
Oliver Bjorkstrand, Herning Blue Fox
Patrick Bjorkstrand, Herning Blue Fox
Mads Eller, Frölunda Gothenburg (SWE)
Nicklas Jensen, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Nicki Kisum, Copenhagen Hockey
Joachim Linnet, Herning Blue Fox
Nicolai Meyer, Malmö Redhawks (SWE)
Jonas Sass, Herlev Eagles
Anders Schultz, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
Thomas Søndergaard, Frederikshavn White Hawks
Thomas Spelling, Herning Blue Fox

Antrenor principal: Todd Bjorkstrand

1. Campioana mondiala in exercitiu, Rusia, i-a mostenit din echipa de anul trecut numai pe antrenorul principal Valery Bragin si pe superstarul (sper sa nu exagerez!) lui Traktor Celyabinsk, Evgeny Kuznetsov. In rest, se remarca trei jucatori cu meciuri in picioare in sezonul regulat KHL (fundasul Arzamastsev de la Novokuznetsk si atacantiiKosov de la Magnitogorsk si Barbashev de la CSKA), contingentul de la Krasnya Armia, echipa de tineret a gruparii CSKA Moscova (Naumenkov, Ozhiganov, Gusev, Kucherov), dar si jucatorii de peste Ocean (portarul Makarov - WHL, fundasul Srgeev - QMJHL, atacantii Yakupov, Khokhlachiov, Telegin - toti OHL, Grigorenko - QMJHL).
Punctele tari ale reprezentativei de tineret a Rusiei sunt jocul de atac (sunt doua linii extrem de valoroase - Grigorenko, Kuznetsov, Yakupov + Gusev, Barbashev, Kcherov, care pot da peste cap orice aparare), stiinta antrenorului Bragin si numarul important de jucatori care evolueaza, intr-un foarte bun regim concurential, peste Ocean. In contrapartida, lipsa de experienta a portarilor si jocul in inferioritate al majoritatii fundasilor.
Din punctul meu de vedere, prea mult dependenta de Kuznetsov si cu multi jucatori de 19 ani (Grigorenko are abia 18!), Rusia nu poate spera sa prinda finala si, mai mult ca sigur, se va multumi cu un loc 3-5 la actuala editie a mondialelor de tineret.

2. Primul meci al competitiei, Canada - Finlanda, poate fi urmarit luni, 26 decembrie, incepand cu orele 22.30 pe Eurosport 2.

3. Canada a castigat la scor, 8-1 (2-0, 3-1, 3-0), disputa cu reprezentativa Finlandei si, prin joc si prin atitudine, se anunta drept principala favorita la aurul mondial.
- in primul rand, pentru etaleaza un remarcabil echilibru intre compartimente;
- in al doilea rand, pentru ca nu iroseste ocazii in momentele importante ale jocului;
- in al treilea rand pentru ca echipierii ei au arata o viteza in plus la combinatiile din treimea de atac fata de toate celelalte team-uri;
- in al patrulea rand, pentru ca Visentin este greu de invins pana si din fata portii;
- nu in ultimul rand, pentru ca experienta lui Connolly, siretenia lui Gallagher, abilitatea lui Swartz, clarviziunea lui Huberdeau sau oportunismul lui Stone nu sunt solubile nici in talentul lui Evgeny Kuznetsov, nici in inovatiile fratilor Granlund, nici in prestidigitatiile lui Coyle si nici in fazele mantelat de simpaticul Zibanejad!
Revenind la joc, sa notam golurile marcate de Stone (3), Gallagher, Huberdeau, Hamilton, Connolly, Strome, respectiv A.Ruutu.

4. Conform asteptarilor, Suedia a dispus fara probleme de Letonia, scor 9-4, dupa o partida in care balticii au oferit o replica notabila in primele 30 de minute. In a doua jumatate a jocului, suedezii au controlat autoritar partida, rezultatul reflectand numai in parte acest fapt. Au inscris: Friberg (4), Zibanejad (2), Collberg, Thorell, Nordstrom - Andersons, Jevpalovs, Lipsbergs, Girgensons.

5. Reprezentativa Statelor Unite a facut scor in fata Danemarcei, dar acest lucru nu mira pe niciun iubitor al hocheiului. Nord-americanii s-au impus cu 11-3, grosul reusitelor venind in a doua treime a partidei. Au punctat: Coyle (3), Zucker, Tinordi, Bjugstad, Rau, Arnold, Miller, Watson, Johns - Jensen, Jenson, Spelling.

6. Campioana mondiala in exercitiu, reprezentativa Rusiei, a invins, mai greu decat o arata scorul (3-0), incomoda reprezentativa a Tarii Cantoanelor. Golurile rusilor au fost izbutite de Khokhlachiov, Gusev si Grigorenko, dar cel mai bun de pe gheata a fost portarul Vasilevsky (la fel ca si Grigorenko, este eligibil si pentru competitiile U 18!!), care a realizat SO-ul. Superstarul Evgeny Kuznetsov nu a evoluat la nivcelul asteptarilor.

7. Programul zilei de 27 decembrie nu este unul foarte atractiv. SE disputa numai doua meciuri, Cehia - Danemarca si Slovacia - Letonia, iar reprezentativele din fosta Cehoslovacie cauta sa isi pregateasca jocul in vederea disputelor foarte grele ce le asteapta la mijocul saptamanii, cu Canada, respectiv Rusia.

8. Cehia a castigat fara probleme, 7-0, meciul cu Danemarca, dar nu este sigura de calificarea in playoff-ul competitiei. In fata celei mai slabe echipe din turneu, urmasii lui Jagr au inscris prin Hertl (2), Faksa, Holik, Filippi, Riha si rusul naturalizat Jashkin. Sa notam, de asemenea, SO-ul lui Mrazek.

9. Dupa o partida echilibrata, Slovacia a invins Letonia cu 3-1 si a luat o importanta optiune pentru mentinerea in grupa de elita a hocheiului mondial juvenil. Balticii au punctat primii prin Ziemins, slovacii au echilibrat tabela gratie lui Jurco (ambele reusite in a doua treime a jocului), iar in ultima repriza, compatriotii lui Chara au izbutit inca doua goluri prin Tvrdon si Toman.

10. In seria preliminara A a grupei de elita din cadrul mondialelor U 20 situatia se prezinta astfel:
1. Suedia 3 puncte (9-4);
2. Rusia 3 puncte (3-0);
3. Slovacia 3 puncte (3-1);
4. Elvetia 0 puncte (0-3);
5. Letonia 0 puncte (5-12).
Cu exceptia Letoniei, care a disputat doua partide, celelalte echipe au jucat cate o partida la acest mondial.
In seria preliminara B, ierarhia este urmatoarea:
1. Statele Unite 3 puncte (11-3);
2. Canada 3 puncte (8-1);
3. Cehia 3 puncte (7-0);
4. Finlanda 0 puncte (1-8);
5. Danemarca 0 puncte (3-18).
Danemarca a disputat doua partide, celelalte team-uri cate una.

11. In ziua a treia a competitiei, cele mai slabe echipe se odihnesc (Danemarca si Letonia), pe cale de consecinta vom avea parte de meciuri interesante. In seria A, Suedia va intalni Elvetia, iar Rusia va juca impotriva Slovaciei, in vreme ce in seria B Statele Unite va evolua impotriva Finlandei, iar Canada va disputa partida cu Cehia.

12. Canada a trecut, asa cum se asteptau toti specialistii, de Cehia, scor 5-0. Golurile invingatorilor au fost inscrise de Stone, Strome, Connolly si Scheifele (2), iar Wedgewood a realizat SO-ul.

13. Reprezentativa Rusiei a obtinut o victorie fara glorie in fata Slovaciei; slovacii au deschis scorul in ultimul minut al primei reprize prin Bubela, revenirea elevilor lui Bragin fiind asigurata de Ozhiganov, Naumenkov si Kucherov. Dupa cum se poate observa, toate golurile rusilor au fost marcate de jucatori de la Krasnya Armia (echipa de tineret a lui CSKA Moscova), in vreme ce hocheistii care evolueaza peste Ocean, dar si Evgeny Kuznetsov aui avut prestatii destul de slabe.

14. Finlanda a fost performera zilei la mondialele de tineret, victoria cu 4-1 impotriva americanilor tulburand ierarhia grupei preliminare. Nordicii s-au impus cu 4-1, golurile fiind marcate de Solomaki, Armia (2) si MIkael Granlund, respectiv Saad.