Canada Russia Super Series

Leg Two – Western Canada

To showcase some of the elite junior talent in hockey, Canada’s role of host was both deserving and fanatical.  The cities of Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Red Deer and Vancouver showed why their vehement dedication to the game on numerous levels and aptitude in producing talent is so tremendous.

With the series clinched in an 8-1 rout in Winnipeg, both coaches still had obstacles to overcome.  Sergei Nemchinov had to find a way to give his players something to play for, despite the decision being a foregone conclusion.  Nemchinov did manage to light a fire under some.  Even still, the Russian body language evident on the benches was one of being overwhelmed and tired.  Canada was quite the opposite, with most of the players standing eagerly at the bench, absorbed in the action that was taking place.  Coach Sutter had the enviable position of keeping the motivation high and delegating responsibilities to those who may not have seen such ice time earlier in the series.

The Russian attack was sparse.  However, forward Ruslan Bashkirov, a late edition to the team was very noticeable on the ice, engineering a lot of action with his swift skating and deft puckhandling.  Alexander Ryabev has earned regard for next summer’s draft and line-mate Evgeni Dadonov is a crafty playmaker with plenty of quickness.  On defense, durable Yuri Alexandrov exhibited his rugged play and seemed to skate every other shift, earning the trust of Bruins’ fans everywhere.  There were some outstanding periods handed in by goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Vadim Zhelobnyuk, but the test was nearly impossible under the circumstances.

With a 4-4 tie the only discolouration on the team’s record during the series, Canada saw better competition from the Russians in the four games on home soil.  The commitment from Canadian players was greater and their skills were utilized expertly.  Milan Lucic, though suffering through a mental meltdown on a childish exchange with Vyatcheslav Voynov in the final period of the series, bruised his opponents and created room for his cohorts.  Brandon Sutter contributed in every aspect, Kyle Turris displayed magnificent finish and the finesse of tournament MVP Sam Gagner was absolutely brilliant.  The Russian goalies could not react in time to nearly every shot Josh Godfrey took from the point, resulting in chances galore.  The puck movement from the defense was watertight and the overall game of Burnaby’s Karl Alzer garners high praise.  The efforts in net for Canada were terrific for the most part and each goalie had to stay alert during times of inaction.  The accolades are countless.

In a frustrated late hit by Russian defenseman Maxim Chudinov on an icing play late in the final game Sunday, emotions boiled over.  Keaton Ellerby laid bare his intentions, immediately exacting revenge on a number of Russian players during the ensuing melee.  The Russian Captain, Alexandrov bravely came to his partner’s aid, but was subsequently thrashed by rearguard, Luke Schenn. 

With the authority Canada demonstrated in this series, it would be difficult not to strut.  The players should be very proud of them selves and face new challenges, just a few days later, in their efforts to impress NHL brass and team-mates in training camps or to lead their junior teams this season.  Canadians should keep in mind that Russia is a proud hockey power and the result of this showing will strengthen their resolve and focus the vast resources of their country.