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Ok, here we go with the first of my hockey reports from the 20th Winter Olympics, taking place inTurin, Italy.  On the forum my personal tips were Canada, Czech Republic, Russia and one from Sweden and Finland for the semis. Let’s see what happens.

 

 

 

Canada opened their account with a runaway win against hosts Italy, eventually….  The North Americans scored early in the 1^st through Jarome Iginla at 5.33 and we sat back waiting for the deluge.  Nope, despite totally dominating, Italy defended resolutely and kept the score at 0-1 at the end of the 1^st.  Major shock just 43 seconds into the second as Scandella scored to equalise and send the home crowd wild.  The euphoria only lasted 72 seconds as Heatley put the Canadians back in the lead. The floodgates opened and further goals from Doan, Sakic, Richards and St Louis were countered by a goal from ex Ayr Scottish Eagle John Parco .  End of the second 6-2.  Only one other mark to count for Canada through Thornton as they ran out easy 7-2 winners.  One to note for you old Stormies - Joe Busillo captained the Italian side.

 

Finland started well in their first game and overwhelmed Switzerland 5-0 with goals from Jokinen, Peltonin, Numinen, Selane and Koivu . If they can keep their stars fit, the Finns could pick up a medal.

 

The tournament joint favourites Czech Republic had no problems defeating Germany, despite the latter taking the lead through Boos.  Goals from Kaberle, Streka, Jagr and Vyborny gave the Czechs an easy 2 points.

 

 

Sweden opened their account with a comfortable 7-2 win over Kazakhsatan, who had the outstanding Kolesnik in goal.  3 goals in the first period from Tjarnqvist, Alfredsson and Sedin put the Swedes in the comfort zone at the end of one.  Kazakhstan surprised the Swedes after only 17 seconds of the second period, when Koreshov scored to make it 3-1. This only seemed to annoy the men in yellow and they marked through Holmstrom, Axelsson, Sundin and a second for Sedin made it 7-1 after 40 mins.  Only 1 goal in a sedate 3^rd period and that went to Antipin to make the final score 7-2.

Second game in the group saw an absolutely superb game between Slovakia and Russia.  A topsy turvey game with end to end hockey finally saw Slovakia score the winner in the 57^th minute to beat the fancied Russians 4-3. 

Another great game to end the days activities as Latvia fought hard with the 103 year old Artus Irbe backstopping them to a 3-3 draw with USA.

 

Great start to the tournament with all the stars on show. Should be a cracking week of hockey.

 

Sorry ladies, can’t seem to find too much info on the women’s competition, however after 3 games in each group, Canada and the USA lead their respective leagues with 3 wins.

 

More tomorrow!

 

Tambo