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