2011 World Championships in Slovakia

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Well, it is that time of year again and thanks to our wonderful government I will not be attending every game as I did in Germany last year. However, I have subscribed to the TV webcasts and will bring you a daily report as I have done for the last 5 years.

Here is a preview of the competition and my thoughts on who will make it past the first round. A bit difficult for some of the predictions as the final roster have not been released yet, pending NHL play off results.

Group A

• Russia (World Rank: 1)
• Slovakia (8)
• Germany (9)
• Slovenia (19)

Russia appear to have an easy route to the next round and warmed up last weekend with wins over Sweden (4-2) and Finland (4-2). They lost out to the Czech Republic 6-3 but must be happy with their preparations. The red machine are again littered with talent and even without their NHL stars who will join the team as soon as they can, they have a formidable first line of Morozov, Kaygorodov and Zaripov and top class goalies in Koshechkin and Nabukov.

Slovakia, the hosts, should make it through the group and old hands Miroslav Satan and Marcel Hossa will yet again grace the world stage. I think they will have too much for Slovenia and Germany, although the latter might pull off a surprise result or two.

Germany had a great tournament at home last year and will be looking to improve on their 9th ranking. Dennis Endras is a more than capable goalie and the likely first line of Deitrich, Tripp and Muller will cause problems. They are strong in defence with Denis Reul of Mannheim looking like he will cross the pond again very soon, as he has had a standout season with the Eagles and the national team.

Slovenia look like the whipping boys of this group but the evergreen Rodman brothers will ice again and they are both good for a few goals a tournament along with Tomaz Razingar.

So, my predictions for Group A... Russia, Slovakia, Germany to go through with Slovenia to the relegation round.

Group B

• Canada (2)
• Switzerland (7)
• Belarus (10)
• France (15)

Canada are favourites to go through in this group but they will have a tough game against Switzerland, who defied the odds last year to have a superb tournament and are looking to continue their good championship form. Canada have their young guns appearing again with Alex Pieterangelo, a surname well known to us in Manchester, who seems to be settled in the team and Rick Nash, Jason Spezza, Jordan Eberle and John Tavares should have enough to see Canada past the first round but may have problems after that.

I loved watching the Swiss play last season and they should provide plenty of entertainment again . Thibaut Monnet, Thomas Deruns were standouts last season and are again in attendance.

Belarus recently lost 3-0 to Switzerland in a pre tournament game and it is difficult to see them getting anything from the top two seeds. Key game for them will be the match up with France. Man to watch in the Belarus side is yet again Andrei Mezin in goal.

France will be keying on the Belarus match up too, as it is just as hard to see them getting anything from Canada and Switzerland. They will be relying heavily on Christobal Huet in goal to keep scores respectable and Kevin Hecquefeuille to chip in with the odd goal. A couple of others to watch out for are Stephane Da Costa and Luc Tardif.

Canada and Switzerland to go through easily although the Swiss could top this group. Belarus should beat France to send them to the relegation round once again.

Group C

• Sweden (3)
• USA (6)
• Norway (11)
• Austria (14)

Sweden have had an horrendous run up to the tournament, losing to Russia and local rivals Finland. They did recover in the last game against the Czech Republic. One never knows which Tre Krone will turn up. Their A game is definitely good enough to win the group. Of course preparations go ahead without any of their NHL stars so it is difficult to give a proper assessment. A stand out player from last year was Paajarvi-Svennsson and he got himself on the scoresheet last week.

USA have not had any games in Europe so far and with the roster not yet published, I have no idea who they are bringing. I would expect the young guns to be given a run out as USA, like Canada, do not take this competition seriously till the knockout stages, and even then only when it is in their own back yard. I think no matter who they bring over, they will easily qualify for the second round.

Norway could give USA and Sweden a tough game, but as in the other groups, the key game will be between the third and 4th seeds. Norway have the finesse to beat Austria but they may well fall foul of the over physical play of the Austrians. Morten Ask will again lead by example with Fredriksen and Kristiansen looking to get the goals they need.

Austria have the goods in the locker room to spring the odd surprise and they do bring a tough physical presence to the tournament. Not sure they have enough to beat Sweden or USA though. Fabian Weinhandl is again in goal with regulars Unterluggauer and Lakos on defence. Setzinger and Weizer are their top forwards.

Again, I cannot see past the top seeds in this group, with Norway being just too good for Austria.

Group D

• Finland (4)
• Czech Republic (5)
• Latvia (12)
• Denmark(13)

Ahhhhh my favourite team Finland. Yes, the team that forgot to turn up when it mattered last year. Top seeds in the group but could be surprised by the Czech Republic. The Finns are full of talent but their heads sometimes go AWOL when they are playing. Petri Vehanen should be between the sticks with old favourites Ruutu, Koivu and Aaltonen on the first line. Kapanen is an able back up and with the NHLers still to come, they again may flatter to deceive and annoy the heck out of their fans.

Czech Republic are always a joy to watch and a danger to any team around. A top line of Voracek, Marek and Rolinek is as good as any in the competition. Back that up with Jagr, Cervenka and Prucha on the second line and they have the most potent offence in the tournament. I am going to stick my neck out here and tip this lot to go all the way and win it again.

Latvia are an absolute enigma. One minute world beaters, the next a rec team. Masalskis in goal is a very capable nettie and the Redlihs brothers on defence are well experienced. Up front a third Redlihs alongside Cipulis with Berzins on the second line, will annoy defences. They should scrape through with a win against Denmark but my sympathy goes to anybody sharing a hotel with their mad fans. No sleep for 10 days last year severely affected my thought process and alcohol intake.

Denmark are the bottom seeds in this group. Sorry to say it but they will be in the relegation round this year. They just do not look as if they have enough strength in any department to surprise any of their group opponents. I think they are doomed to the relegation round and will even find that tough.

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So there we go, my thoughts a few days before the tournament starts. Keep an eye on the Phoenix website for daily updates throughout the tournament.

Happy hockey watching, a lot of games to get through between now and the final game in Bratislava on May 15th.

Tambo

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