Just before the Christmas break, I mentioned the annual Theriault Alumni Hockey Tournament in this column. After a two-year absence due to COVID not only was the tourney back, it was back with a bang. With one of the biggest, if not the biggest, turnouts, the tournament was once again a resounding success.
Like any large event, there would be no tournament without a dedicated, efficient group of volunteers making sure it ran smoothly.
The six-man organizing committee overseeing and organizing the tournament (with their graduation year) are:
- Marc Fleury, 1986
- Jonathan St-Pierre, 2000
- Nelson Langlais, 1995
- Shane Turcotte, 2008
- Cameron Caron, 2014
- Jean St-Jean, 1983
I spent a good amount of time at the Sportsplex during the event, and saw firsthand just how much work these six do (along with many other volunteers). By Thursday night most of them looked like they could use a month or more of sleep. But not once did they falter, and by Friday night's final games, they had managed to pull off another insanely successful event.
The champions of each division were:
- Steve Sullivan Division (youngest age group) 2019 grads
- Ken Roy Division (middle division) 2008 grads
- Ron Savard Division (oldest division) 1982-83,84,86,87,95 combo grads
The event not only provides for some good hockey, but it is a hub for meeting up with old friends, teammates, classmates, and a general aura of friendship and reminiscence.
Not only a hockey tournament but one of our city's biggest cultural events. And that facet can not be overlooked.
Good job Jean and crew! No, wait, excellent job!
For what has seemed like forever, Gord Miller and Ray Ferraro have been for me the top broadcast crew in any sport. Their World Junior play-by-play is simply iconic. This year, however, Ferraro stepped back to spend time with his family and is absent from the tournament. Although his replacement Mike Johnson is doing a fine job, it just doesn't feel or sound the same without Ferraro.
After watching Czechia open with a win over Canada my only concerns were that Canada seemed to be getting too cute with the puck and spent way too much time in the box with dumb penalties. Canada outshot Czechia 40-27 and after Milic entered the game in goal, Canada would not give up another goal. But with Canada taking 15 minutes in PIMS to Czechia's six they continually dug themselves a hole too deep to escape. Especially taking four third-period penalties while trying to close the gap.
After two easy wins, Canada next faced a tough opponent in Sweden. Canada got the big jump early and were in full control before two really bad penalties completely shifted the momentum. It's not always about whether or not you give up a powerplay goal. You give a team on the ropes new hope and a renewed determination. With Sweden now brimming with a fresh dose of confidence the game was much closer than it probably should have been.
Then came a scrappy Slovak team who had already handed the U.S. a loss in the preliminary round. Despite a huge gap in shots (Canada had 57 shots to Slovakia's 27) it looked like Canada was snake-bit trying to score on the brilliant Slovak netminder. But led by who else, Mr. Bedard, Canada grabbed a well-fought, gritty O/T win in their quarterfinal game. Now a nailbiter like this game has usually provided previous Canadian teams with an impetus to provide their best hockey in subsequent games. I'm hoping that is the case this time around.
Going into the semi with the U.S. Canada has to stay out of the box. Their penalty killing has not been world class and the U.S. power play will put Canada behind the eight ball provided with opportunity. Our tending appears solid with Milic, while the Americans have given up more than a few softies. Going into their sixth game of the tournament, Canada by now should have a better grasp on defensive zone coverage. It has been a weak point for them so far with too many high percentage chances allowed so far. But it seems they have tightened up a little more but will have to be even tighter against a good American side. The U.S. relies heavily on their top line, and can't match the depth of Canada's four lines. If Canada utilizes that depth and smothers the Americans top line (like the Slovaks did) they will play for gold. Just remember, we are not that far removed from losing to the Americans who basically used their top line and stellar goaltending to win the gold.
Keep an eye out for the Hockey News Rookie edition coming out this month. Ronnie Shuker has a piece regarding a historical event in Timmins hockey. Should be an excellent read.
What a tragic incident in Monday night's game between the Bills and Bengals. I watched in horror as the Bills’ Damar Hamlin collapsed and went into cardiac arrest following a tackle on the play. We all send prayers and good wishes Damar's way in hopes he recovers soon
Little shorter than the usual column this week as the flu seems to want to be my new best friend. The regular length column will return next week.
Later, Skater.
