(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

In case you missed this last week, the International Ice Hockey Federation ordered USA goalie Ryan Miller to remove “Miller Time” and “Matt Man” from his helmet for violation of IOC rule No. 51 that bars advertising, demonstrations and propaganda. Fellow USA goalie, Jonathan Quick’s helmet had “Support Our Troops” painted on his mask and was also ordered to remove his.

Miller acknowledged the rule with “Miller Time” but wasn’t happy about removing  “Matt Man” from his helmet which pays tribute to a cousin, Matt Schoals, who died of cancer.

Is the IOC going overboard with this rule? Although “Miller Time” is the slogan for Miller Beer, it is obvious that’s a catch phrase for the USA goalie and I seriously doubt that he is getting endorsements from it. There is no explanation of why “Matt Man” is a violation but I am sure they have a good reason….ya right!

As far as Jonathan Quick’s, “Support Our Troops”; the last time I checked, there wasn’t a team Bin Laden in the Olympics and since “Our Troops” are protecting half the world, the IOC should really worry about things that affect the performance of the athletes like steroids and stop being so petty. The irony is that Nike, Reebok, Coke and other major companies are plastered everywhere in Vancouver because they are “Corporate Sponsors”. Isn’t that a fancy name for advertising? Hmmmmm.

The Minutemen of UMass dropped their fifth consecutive game Saturday night at home against Merrimack, losing the season series in the process. UMass came into the Mullins Center after getting beat 4-1 at Merrimack the night before and came out flying. The dominated the first period, out shooting their opponents 13-5 in the first frame, but despite controlling the play, they headed into the first intermission at a scoreless tie.

In the second Merrimack was able to get some momentum and scored two goals, one coming from the Warriors having a player float around the UMass blueline despite the play being in their own zone. They were doing this all night and this one time, the long pass connected and both back checking Minutemen went to the puck carrier and he dished it off to Ryan Flanigan who was streaking in all alone and beat Dan Meyers on the blocker side. In the third, Merrimack’s Stephane DaCosta picked off a Will Ortiz pass at the UMass blueline and scored with a wrist shot that was labeled top shelf, putting the game out of reach.

The Merrimack Warriors played spoilers, beating UMass 3-0 on senior night. It was the last home game (pending a home playoff series) for goalie Dan Meyers, defenseman Martin Nolet and Justin Braun and forwards Brett Watson and Will Ortiz. Before the game, UMass honored them in front of the crowd and having their parents and other family member come onto the ice for photos. All five players will be missed dearly next year. Meyers was a very solid backup to Paul Dainton in his final two years and gave the players in front of him confidence when he was in net. Will Ortiz is tied for most career game winning goals and always brought intensity to the ice. Coach Cahoon often praised Brett Watson, one of the co-captains this year, for his effort as well as both off and on ice leadership. Martin Nolet was a very good defensemen at both ends of the ice and a crowd favorite, which often chanted “Nolet” instead of “Oley” like they do in Montreal. Justin Braun, the other co-captain, was the best defenseman on the team without doubt this year in every situation. The Minutemen will likely have to win their next three games, one at Boston College and two at Maine, in order to get a home playoff and get any consideration for the NCAA tournament because of this current losing streak.

1. Catholic Memorial (14-5-1)

2. Austin Prep (16-1-3)

3. Hingham (17-2-3)

4. Malden Catholic (13-3-4)

5. Needham (17-1-3)

6. Springfield Cathedral (15-2-5)

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7. Burlington (14-4-2)

8. Winchester (13-4-2)

9. Central Catholic (13-4-3)

10. Xaverian (12-5-3)

There will be 2 wild card games played on Monday at the Chelmsford Forum with Burlington vs Xaverian at 6pm and Winchester vs Central Catholic at 8pm. The two winners will get the #7 and #8 seeds in the Super 8 Tournament.

See all pairings here

photo courtesy of Don Treeger

The highly anticipated battle for second place in Hockey East between the UMass Minutemen and the Boston College Eagles was anything but a battle. The Minutemen played poorly and the Eagles took advantage taking a 7-1 win and demoralizing the sold out crown at the Mullins Center Friday night. The Eagles got two goals quickly before Casey Wellman rang a shot off the post, the Eagles counter-attacked scored soon afterwards on a questionable goal in which the scoring player was in the crease long before the puck arrive, but the referees did not decide to call it back after viewing the replay. The only real chance for UMass to try and claw back was at the end of the first period, down 4-0, they had a ninety second 5-on-3 powerplay, but could not manage to get anything past Eagles goalie John Muse. After going down 7-0 in the second, James Marcou scored the only UMass goal late in the third, but clearly it was way too little way to late. The Minutemen are going to have to have very strong finish to the season to make up for the debacle Friday night, including a game at Boston College, if they want to make it to the NCAA tournament.  Next weekend they will have a home and home with Northeastern University.

Table of Groups

Belarus-  Most of the roster is dominated by non- nhlers, but there are a couple of noticeable names in the group;  Ruslan Salei the seasoned defensemen from the Avalanche anchors their blue line, with the Kostitsyn brothers of the Canadiens highlighting their attack. What should be noted is that seven players on the team play on the same team in the Russian Kontinental League, known as the RKL. Hockey is a team sport, so it seems as if chemistry might not be a problem for Belarus so look for a possible upset of a favored team in their group, let’s say Sweden or Germany?

Canada- Where does one begin when describing this team? One word; loaded. This team is filled with all stars, elite players who can put pucks in the net, defend, hit, and seem to be children of hockey gods. Led by Olympic veterans Martin Brodeur and Jerome Iginla, they will have to provide leadership to younger players, such as Sidney Crosby who is in his first Olympics along with 14 other players on the team. Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer are among some of the blue liners for the Candians who on paper appear to be the strongest team in the field. However, as seen before talent does not always create victories, but then again it isn’t bad to have Patrice Bergeron centering your fourth line!

Czech Republic- The Czechs appear to be in pretty good shape for a good run at a medal. Jaromir Jagr is the only player remaining from the 1998 team that won gold. He nows plays in the RKL, and is forgotten by many here in the States and Canda, well he can still put pucks in the net. Some other notable players that should be mentioned are NHL-ers: Patrick Elias, Martin Havlat, David Krejci, and Tomas Kaberle. That is some world class talent so the Czech should not be overlooked.

Finland- The Fins may very well have the best goaltending in the entire tournament and that is saying something. Their goalies are Mikka Kiprusov, Niklas Bakstrom, and Andreji Nittymaki, three great goaltenders. The question is who to start? Well it is never a bad thing to have 2 or 3 premier goalies. Besides their great goaltending the Finnish have Olli Jokinen, Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, as well as Jere Lehtienen who is in his 5^th Olympic games. The Fins are coming into the tournament under the radar but could turn a few heads once it begins.

Germany- Not a whole lot is known about the German team stateside, but the Germans do have some noticeable talent on their team. Marco Sturm is who having a comeback season with the Bruins right now headlines a German attack, along with Marcel Goc, and a top AHL prospect in Philip Gogulia. The Blue Line will be defended by Dennis Seidenburg of the Panthers among others. In goal for the Germans is backup Sharks goaltender Thomas Greiss who has proven to be capable in the past.

Latvia-  Latvia is a team dominated by the Russian KHL league, the Dinamo Riga; 15 of their players are on the Latvian Olympic team. This team is going to know how to play as a unit and could pose problems. Some players you may have heard of are Karlis Skrastins of the Stars, and Oskars Bartulis of the Flyers. However, it just seems as their isn’t enough elite talent for Latvia to do to much damage, but like I have said before team chemistry outweighs talent.

Norway- Norway has only one player from the NHL, Ole Kristian Tollefsen of the Flyers. The rest of their players are from various leagues throughout Europe which is why Norway has to be considered a bit of a cupcake in the tournament. Only one player on the team has Olympic experience, and that is vital in a tournament such as this. Unless Norway can develop some sort of cohesiveness, it appears they will have an early exit in the 2012 Olympiad.

Russia- This team may very well bring a gold medal back to Mother Russia. The goaltending is outstanding, headlined by Evgeni Nabakov, the resurgent Ilya Bryzgalov, and Calder candidate Semyon Varlymov.  Alexander “the great” Ovechkin looks to set the nets on fire in Vancouver. Along with Capital teammate Alex Semin, and others such as Pavel Datsyuk, prolific scorer Ilya Kovalchuk, speedster Maxim Afinogenov, Victor Kozlov, Oh yeah, I forgot to mention they also have Playoff MVP Evgeni Malkin, ANOTHER one of the best players in the world. The only weak spot I see on this team is possibly their defense, but with puck moving players such as Sergei Gonchar and Andrei Markov. With all the goals that the Russians are going to put in the net, they may not need to play defense.

Slovakia- Well, Slovakia definitely has some talent. They have one of my favorite players and one of the best defensemen in the world in Zdeno Chara. Peter Budaj the backup goalie for the Avalanche and Jaroslav Halak the backup net minder for the Canadiens look to solidify the defense. Lubomir Visnovsky of the Oilers will provide leadership along with Chara. Slovakia seems fully capable of putting pucks in the net as well with Marian Gaborik leading the attack. He is feeling great and is leading the NHL in goals as of today. Pavol Demitra, Miroslav Satan, and Marian Hossa are also proven scorers and playmakers which makes Slovakia a team to be reckoned with.

Sweden-  The Swedes are going to have one of the best defenses in the tournament. In net is the world class talent Henrik Lundqvist of the Rangers. Playing defense is the likes of multliple Norris trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom, and Niklas Kronwall both of the Red Wings. The likes of Douglass Murray (Sharks), Johnny Oduya (Devils), Mattias Ohlund (Lightning) will solidify their defense. The offense will also be high powered. Nicklas Backstrom, Daniel Alfredsson, Petr Forsberg, the Sedin Brothers, and Henrik Zetterberg. The Swedes are definitely a team to be reckoned with.

Switzerland- Switzerland doesn’t seem to be a team that has a run in them to contend for a medal. Jonas Hiller is a quality goaltender but they don’t appear to have enough talent around him to contend. Most players on the team play in European leagues, however 10 players on the team competed in the 2006 Olympics so they might be better than they appear. However, even with experience I feel as if a medal is not in the cards for the Swiss.

United States of America- The US is loaded with young exciting players who have yet to experience the Olympic atmosphere. Goaltending is the biggest strength for the Americans with the likes of Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, and last years Vezina winner Tim Thomas. You cannot go wrong with any player here. The defense looks solid with the likes of Erik and Jack Johsnon, heavy hitter Mike Komisarek, Ryan Suter, and the wily Veteran Brian Rafalski. The attack is young but will be exciting with the likes of Phil Kessel, David Backes, Bobby Ryan, Zach Parise, Patrick Kane, and Joe Pavelski among others. This definitely has potential to put pucks in the nets, but the big question is will the young team handle the Olympic heat? Karma may be on the side of America, as their World Juniors team won the World Championship in January. Also Ryan Suter is the son of Bob Suter who was on the infamous 1980 mircale on Ice US hockey team.

Predictions- Final Four Teams- Canada, Russia, Slovakia, United States

US vs. Russia- Russia is going to be a bit to much for the young American team to handle. The US will get into an early hole and fight hard but won’t be able to come out with the win. Russia wins 4-2.

Canada vs. Slovakia- Canada is dominant on paper but it will be a close game. To much talent on one side is Slovakia’s downfall but they will fight valiantly and lose. Canada wins 5-3.

Bronze Medal- As much as I want America to win the gold, I feel like they are 4 years away from making a gold medal run. However I do feel that the US is going to win a medal, most likely a bronze. Look for America to play tough against all opponents and beat Slovakia to win Bronze.

Canada vs Russia- This is a popular pick, well because both teams have it all. They have talent that goes for days and both rosters have guys who seem like all they want to do is win. This truly will be a see saw game both teams answering the others call. However, I feel that Canada is going to win. They have home ice advantage and will use it to their advantage. Canada wins 6-5 in OT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The USA team was fast, skilled and used this to their advantage all tournament.

As usual the round robin did not feature too many competitive games, as Sweden walked over their pool, as did Canada and the USA did in theirs. The last round robin game in Pool A featured a Canada vs. USA match with the winner getting a bye to the semifinals on New Years Eve. Exactly one year before, the Canadians had rallied from a three-goal deficit to win one of the greatest games I have ever seen. This year lived up to the hype. With the USA leading by two entering the third, Canada stormed back once again. With five minutes left, Canadian defenseman Alex Pietrangelo scored while short handed to tie the game, and the tie would last into a shootout, where Canada shooters went 3-for-3 to take the win. However, the American squad powered back to face the Canadian in the gold medal game and payback was all they could think about. Once again, the Americans were leading by two late in the third when Canada would come back lead by Oiler draft pick Jordan Eberle to tie the game and send it to overtime. However the Americans were able to overcome this shocking comeback thanks to John Carlson’s goal at the 4:31 mark of the extra session that took the gold away from Canada for the first time in 5 years.

It is unfortunate that this tournament does not get any recognition in the United States because it truly is the best hockey to watch. Here are some of the highlights of the World Juniors:

-          Jordan Eberle: The tournament MVP and Canada’s leading scorer was more than clutch in his two tournament of his career. Last year he scored to tie the game with 5.4 seconds left against Russia in the semi-finals and this year he tied with one minute left in the gold medal game against the USA. This kid the real deal. You can take every cliche about being a clutch player and he personifies all of them. Watch out for him on the Edmonton Oilers when they return to the post season in a couple of years, the more pressure, the better he plays.

-          Draft Choices: No matter what team you cheer for in the NHL, you will have some player in this tournament to watch. Nearly every player has been drafted and it brings a lot more interest because you are watching your teams top prospects play the top prospects of all the other teams, and bring excitement to te future of the franchise they are on. This tournament has seen tons of NHL stars emerge, ranging from Wayne Gretzky to Jonathon Toews, Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, Joe Thronton, Peter Forsberg and many more.

-          The Battle for Number 1: More often than not, the top two ranked player for the upcoming draft play in this tournament and duke it out for show should be number one. This year it was Cam Fowler and Taylor Hall going at it, with Hall having an outstanding tournament and becoming the consensus pick among scouts and fans alike with his excessive speed and skill.

-          Excitement: Yes, some of the round robin games are not that fun to watch, like when Canada beat Switzerland 16-0. But, there is guaranteed to be some amazing games in the elimination round, including the battle of North America, which is always a classic, and combination featuring the big four: Canada, USA, Russia, and Sweden. There is also usually a Cinderella team like this years Switzerland that shocked the world when the beat Russia in overtime of the quarterfinals. Not to mention all the highlight reel goals and saves by the world best young players.

Overall, this tournament is absolutely amazing and does not get the attention it deserves in most of the hockey world, but hopefully that will change in the near future. The 2011 IIHF World Junior Tournament moves to Buffalo, New York.