Super Showdown II

Paul Henderson, Phil Esposito and Vladislav Tretiak were just a few names that bring back memories of the 1972 Summit Series, but 35 years later, new faces will try and make their own hockey history.

John Tavares, Milan Lucic and Alexei Cherepanov are part of the headliners involved in the commemorating Under-20 tournament beginning on August 27 in Russia. Canada vs Russia. 8 Games. Round 2.

This Super Series is an attempt to re-live the magic of the past, while enriching this epic hockey battle between the two nations. It’s a great opportunity for both countries.

Canada fans, here’s your chance to witness the future. This is basically a preview of the upcoming 2008 World Junior Championship squad and the next faces of the National Hockey League.

A top line of Kyle Turris, Tavares and David Perron has the ability to blow the Russians out of the water. Tavares, ‘the Next Next One’, is probably the best prospect in the world and some are even saying that he’s better then Sidney Crosby. Here’s a good chance for him to show the world, and Canada, his worth. Turris was chosen third overall in the 2007 draft and this Burnaby native is being hailed as the next Joe Sakic. Now that’s a huge label to live up to. The first time I saw Perron play, I was amazed. A combination of speed and tremendous stickhandling has boosted this Lewiston forward’s value. I am so excited to see how this top line pans out and to witness the potential domination they can produce on the scoreboard.

The offense doesn’t stop there. Don’t forget the captain, Vancouver Giant’s Milan Lucic, and assistant captain London Knight’s Sam Gagner, who will bolster the second line. Gagner has already played for Team Canada at last year’s WJHC, whereas Lucic is fresh off a Memorial Cup victory. If you want to compare the ‘72 team to this one, Lucic = Esposito.

As always, shutting down the Russians is a big responsibility and the task falls on the shoulders of forwards Brad Marchand and the coach’s son, Brandon Sutter. Both players are excellent checkers and are not going to back down when it comes to dishing out hits. If you have a certain intrigue for pests, look no further then these two. The list of talent goes on throughout the team and doesn’t slow down amongst the blueliners. Karl Alzner, Thomas Hickey and Drew Doughty lead the pack as the defense prepares to make their mark in this tournamnent.

When it comes to goaltending, Canada has a strong trio. Jonathan Bernier, Leland Irving and Steve Mason are three top-notch puckstoppers of the CHL. All three have incredible resumes and will probably be the number one man on their future NHL teams. Trust me, they are a treat to watch.

Having glorified Team Canada like the patriotic journalist that I am, Team Russia should not be overlooked. Here are my top three Russians, who fans should be watching out for:

1) Alexei Cherepanov – If he makes it to the NHL, he has the ability to be listed alongside Russians such as Ovechkin, Kovalchuk and Malkin. This Super Series is a good showcase for Cherepanov to make NHL GMs kick themselves after passing on him in the draft.

2) Nikita Filatov – He is the highest ranked Russian for next season’s draft and this speedy forward is going to be coveted by many teams. But as usual, the Russia-NHL agreement might lower his value, as it did so to his fellow country-men.

3) Semen Varlamov – Picked up by Washington in the 2006 NHL Draft, this Soviet goaltender will fill in nicely after Kolzig retires. A great future awaits him in the NHL and he is gaining more and more international experience with the WJHC and now this series.

Same countries, different members. It might not be as important as the ‘72 tournament but that doesn’t stop these young players from playing their hearts out for their nation. Who will be the hero? Who will be the goat? What memories will come out of this? How much more fire will be lit under this great hockey rivalry?

So many questions with so many answers arriving in the next two weeks. It’s hockey coming early, enjoy it. This Super Series will no doubt turn out to be a classic.

Hosea C

C*ntroversy

I have a question. Who honestly followed Barry Bonds’ home run record chase for the right reasons? The right reasons being the beauty and love of the sport, and to witness and become part of the historical achievement in setting a new all-time home run record.

Yes, that’s what I thought. Not a lot of hands were raised. I’m sure this topic has been beaten to death, which I’m not surprised, but of course I have to throw my two cents in as well.

Trust me, I’m part of the jeering crowd, yelling “cheater” and holding signs with the * symbol on it, but as a sports fan in general, one has to appreciate this baseball feat. I know, there is nothing highly respectable of setting a record with a little help from an athlete’s favourite enemy, steroids, but let me give you something to ponder about.

Don’t you think that the pitchers, who Bonds faced in his career, has taken performance enhancing drugs, as opposed to those who faced Hank Aaron? In comparison, it kind of evens out.

But I guess that’s not the point and I’m a sinner for defending Barry.

Another question. Would reactions be different if Bonds wasn’t such an asshole? Pardon me for being so blunt but in all honesty, don’t you think that if Bonds had more class, he would at least have a few more supporters?

Poor attitude towards fans and media results in poor press. Any athlete should know this.

Although I don’t give a damn, I would have loved to be at that San Francisco game last week. But just for one reason: to have had the opportunity in catching the record setting ball and make some much needed cash. Yes, I know my chances would have been very slim but one can always dream.

Speaking of cash, isn’t it obvious as to why the MLB has not taken this steroids issue seriously? The league generated major revenue from all this publicity and from fans who buy tickets to games in order to a) watch and cheer for Bonds’ run or b) to boo, heckle, taunt, jeer, harass, and whatever else you want to call it. Even though it’s negative press, the league is still gaining attention and to them, that’s what it’s all about. As much as people criticise Bud Selig and friend’s inability to address the problem, they are still profitting from this controversy.

And sadly, that’s what it all comes down to. Money. What a shame.

Hosea C