Canada 16, Latvia 0

Published by Toronto Mike on December 26, 2009 @ 18:46 in Hockey Canada

Canada HockeyWatching this afternoon's 16-0 Team Canada victory over Latvia, I had a déjà vu moment. At about this time last year, I sat down and watched Canada defeat Kazakhstan 15-0. In my recap of the game, I wrote "there's no glory in crushing a lesser-light".

I'm going to copy and paste that same sentiment here. This was our first meeting against Latvia and the result was never in doubt. It was men playing against boys as we dominated every aspect of the game, making for a pretty darn boring game.

Gabriel Bourque tied a team record with three goals and four assists. The game also tied the long-standing mark for biggest winning margin ever at the worlds for Canada, and set a new one for largest shutout victory, eclipsing that 15-0 defeat of Kazakhstan in last year's championships.

I understand goal differential in the preliminary round can be a key tie-breaker, so Canada can't let up when up 8-0 in the second period, but this doesn't seem right to me. It doesn't seem Canadian. It doesn't seem fair to Latvia.

Tauta cries miljons asaras.

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4 Responses to "Canada 16, Latvia 0"

Cambo
December 27, 2009 / 09:49

This argument comes up all the time. Somehow it's "un-Canadian" to kick some ass when you're out there. What would you have them do, Mike? Have them coast around the ice to kill time??? Those teams know full-well going into it they're likely going to get crushed, yet they compete. And I admire that.

Argie
December 27, 2009 / 11:15

This tournament is becoming pretty tired. Every year we all get patriotic and cheer on a bunch of guys no one has ever heard of with a few exceptions.

I'll save my excitement for the Olympics - the best players on the planet and once every 4 years.

And please, don't anyone mention the women's team.

David
December 27, 2009 / 11:32

I'd had my fill of the TSN Cup a long time ago - and I live in Toronto AND actually go to OHL games. Guess I'm in the minority on the Olympic thing, too. I took more of an interest when we had a true National team that spent years gearing up for it, rather than the current set up. I would have been most excited if Canada had qualified for South Africa next year.

Ryan
December 27, 2009 / 11:33

Given the age of the players in this tourney, and the goals counting, i would say it was well done and needed.

Doubt an Olympic Team Canada would rout someone 16-0 even if possible. Age brings wisdom.

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