#World U20 Ice Hockey | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sergeifyodorov · 9 months

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How does world juniors work and where would one watch?

This is my first season watching the nhl and I’m from nz so I suspect we wont be represented lol but I’m keen to learn more and watch some! Any recommendations on what ones to watch?

omg anon WELCOME and also ... a brief WORLD JUNIORS PRIMER for you all...

Puppy Bowl!

If you're from NZ I'm not sure you know about the Puppy Bowl -- a show run concurrent to the Super Bowl, but all the participants are puppies? It means absolutely nothing but it is adorable. The World Juniors are basically that, but also it is exactly as important as the Olympics what are you talking about. Their official name is the "IIHF U-20 World Championship," which is a pretty self-explanatory name -- it's a tournament for players 20 and under (I believe they have to be at least sixteen, but because young athletes mature physically a LOT in those four years, the vast majority are eighteen-nineteen-twenty). Tradition dictates it starts on Boxing Day, and it runs for about three weeks -- it starts with a round-robin, followed by a single-elimination tournament, a bronze-medal match, and a relegation match.

Players are selected by their national hockey administration -- for Canada, it's Hockey Canada, but all countries within the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) have their own. The intricacies of ~Sports Bureaucracy~ are really long and only a LITTLE relevant, but every country ices the best roster they can, which means players are often "loaned" from CHL teams, NCAA universities, European league teams, or, occasionally, the NHL. (Note: You can usually tell how good a World Junior team is by how many players have been drafted/signed by NHL teams: the Canadians, Swedes, and Americans are almost always entirely draftees or under-18s, while the other teams in the upper division might only have a handful, or even only one, drafted player.)(Second note: The quality of a team has less correlation than you might think to them winning a single-elimination tournament.)

Like I said earlier, it starts with a round-robin: there are ten teams in the main WJ (we'll get to this in a second), divided into two groups of five, who each play each other once. The worst-performing team of each group is sent to the relegation match post-tournament, and the eight other teams do a single-elimination match until one team wins gold.

Teams and Divisions

This year, the top ten teams are: Canada, the US, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Norway, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Latvia. Because of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia is banned from participating in IIHF tournaments, but when it's not it's always in the top ten (likely instead of Norway, Switzerland, or Latvia.) UNLIKE the NHL, the IIHF has multiple "divisions" of teams, and at the end of the tournament the bottom two teams play a match to avoid relegation from the official ~IIHF World U20 Championship~ to Division I, which is right under it. There is also a Division II and a Division III -- and after some sleuthing, there IS a New Zealand team in Div III!!!!!

Canada and Broadcasting

Unfortunately, the WJC is basically only popular in Canada -- essentially a Boxing Day tradition to watch the babies play and cheer for our teams' prospects, or, usually, just Team Canada. In fact, Hockey Canada has bid to host it basically every other year until 2030. Because of this (or maybe a bit of a chicken-egg situation), the WJC is... kind of hard to find online if you're outside of Canada? I know for a fact it's broadcast on TSN (one of our sports networks) without any regional blackouts, but I don't think there's anything available in NZ that will be streaming it, especially because it's not one of the IIHF top ten countries. If you're not already doing so, you'll probably have to sail the high seas for your fix. (If you don't know where to do this, you can slide into my DMs and I can send you a link!)

Who to watch?

There's basically two routes for this: one, pick the team you think is going to win, or two, go look up what prospects your NHL team has that are playing at the WJC and watch them (Note: neither the Avs nor the Oilers have any WJC prospects this year!) The IIHF website has the game schedule listed, including time-zone adjusted start times -- they're all staggered, so if you have a lot of free time you might be able to watch more than one!

Personally, as both a Canadian and a Leafs fan -- both WJC-chosen Leafs prospects are Team Canada players, including their captain Fraser Minten -- I would recommend Team Canada (unashamed homer bias here.) They're usually one of the favourites to win, and they're almost entirely either drafted or not yet eligible, so you can see either your prospects or you can look at Celebrini and hope (if your team is bad) that he's coming to you one day. The Americans are generally considered Thee tournament favourites, if you prefer your teams highly touted.

To me, the WJC has twofold appeal: one, junior hockey is, for lack of a better term, messier than high-level hockey? Pucks are more likely to bounce in silly ways, rushes can get crazy, and you can get both a super high amount of shots and a super high amount of goals. Hormonal teenagers playing super high-stakes hockey for the first times in their lives and they can get really, really into it! The passion a kid has scoring a medal-winning goal in front of a sold-out crowd is absolutely unrivalled by all but the Cup Finals. (OMGGGGG THIS IS YOUR FIRST HOCKEY SEASON TOO... ok don't let me start talking about nhl playoffs because THIS is the puppy bowl that is the super bowl. but worse! i mean better but it's worse (for your cardiovascular health.))

Two, that these guys are still so young, and that at least a few of them have long, illustrious, potentially-Hall-of-Fame NHL careers ahead of them. For a lot of young stars, the World Juniors is an important part of their Lore. Watching someone become something as an adult after you've seen him as a junior is... magical? World Junior hockey is diamond-in-the-rough hockey. There's no polish, but it's the rawness of the million-dollar stone that sells it.

#asks #also fun fact to note: mitch marner and auston matthews met in an elevator at world juniors.#wjc24 #wjc 2024

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tteokdoroki · 2 years

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Wait wait wait WAIT WHY ARENT THERE CRUMBS ABOUT HOCKEY TODOROKI?

dude dude stop omg

shouto todoroki isn’t particularly buff like the rest of his team, he’s athletic more so— fast, quiet. they never ever see him coming. most of the time they keep shou on the bench like he’s some sort of secret weapon, ready to tear the opposing team apart when his own are in a tight pinch.

hockey au todoroki is observant, he’s known to the ice hockey world to pick apart his opponent, fixating on their weakness— finding faults in their plays and playing his own little mind tricks on them until they fall apart beneath the blades on his skates.

hockey au todoroki doesn’t seem like he cares much for the sport, but he always shows up to practice on time even if bakugou yells at him for never missing a shot; he’s there for the team when someone gets injured or is quick to calm them down so no one gets a foul during brawls on the ice. no one knows about his plans for after college, shouto isn’t fussed but he hopes his friends and teammates and himself can go far in their college career— not to mention he’s been in a few spreads of sports U20 magazines… especially for how peaceful and graceful he looks in such a rough sport.

but hockey au todoroki rarely gets mad, in fact the only time he does is when he catches you getting yelled at by player on the team he just beat. you’re the girlfriend… from what he can tell; teary eyed but oh so pretty even when you cower because of your peace of shit boyfriend. shouto never takes part in the brawls— but the second he sees your ex raise his hand towards you in frustration, todoroki let’s his fist do the talking, a sick crack against this guy’s jaw echoing in the corridors between the changing rooms.

hockey au todoroki thanking fuck that A) coach aizawa isn’t around and B) kirishima taught him how to throw a punch just in case— though his fist hurts, the sheer height of the guy towering over your pathetic partner has them darting off back to their team with his tail between his legs.

“y-you should get that checked out,” you sniffle but manage a watery smile. “thank you… i’m sorry you had to see that.”

and hockey au shouto shakes his head, offering you his healthy hand. “i will if you come with me,” he says, not usually so forward. “i want to make sure he doesn’t come back for you.”

and who are you to say know to a hockey heartthrob.

#todoroki x reader #todoroki drabbles #hockey au #yeah he’s so sweet #tteokdoroki #📧. user anonymous #💌. you’ve got mail

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badhockeymom · 3 months

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if you have any more fun tidbits of info to translate from the teuvo/kime interview please do! i always enjoy hearing my favorite players talk about fun stuff rather than hockey all of the time, i just of course, don’t understand finnish 😂

Hi anon! This has been sitting in my inbox but now I got the time to translate a little more.

Teuvo has been twice on the U20 Junior Team Finland. Teuvo admits that his team didn't play too well in the U20 Junior World Championships in Russia in 2013, despite having players like Sasha Barkov, Olli Määttä and Artturi Lehkonen on the team.

Antti: Next year, you had the most points on Jnior Team Finland, scoring 15 goals in 7 games - no, points, not 15 goals.

Teuvo: (chuckling) 15 goals?

(Kimmo laughs in the background)

Antti: No, 15 goals in 7 games, for you - dream on. But in 7 games, 2 + 13, you were the most effective player on the team. The colossus from Turku, now Philly D-man Ristolainen, scored 3 goals in those games, the last against Sweden on OT, and you could say, so we won the World Championship.

Teuvo: Yes, I have great memories from that. The previous year, our roster looked great on paper, but the games didn't go our way, but the year we won, we didn't have as big names but we played together really well an got to surprised Sweden on their home ice, it was an amazing experience.

Other tidbits:

Teuvo says he's always been proud to represent Finland, but he's only been on the team for one men's worlds bc his teams have made the NHL playoffs so often. Says that Olympics would be a huge dream but isn't sure if he makes the team.

He was happy to be drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks (18th). "I had looked up to Patrick Kane, and it was great to get to see him up close."

Kimmo: Had you heard any rumours that you might be picked by some other team?

Teuvo: Not really, I had been told that I'd get picked top 10, but I doubted that, and I was right.

Antti: Did you dominate the interviews?

Teuvo: That may be the reason I dropped to 16th.

(Kimmo and Antti go through the names of the top picks of Teuvo's draft year: Nail Yakupov, Alex Galchenyuk, Tom Wilson, Tomas Hertl…)

Antti: After Teukka, because Chicago didn't need a goaltender, they let an interesting name slip by: Andrei Vasilevsky went to Tampa at #19. That's one good boy.

Kimmo: You can see there how hard it is for the teams to make the right choice, even when we speak about first round picks that are top tier talent. The teams don't always hit the mark.

Teuvo: I guess Chicago missed the mark too, when they sold me right away.

Teuvo was back and forth between the NHL and AHL in the season 2014/15, and hated staying in Rockford, calling his agent and begging to be sent anywhere else, like back home.

"Then someone was injured, and I got called up, they recovered and I went down for a week again. Then Kane was injured and I got up for the rest of the season. He came back in the playoffs, and Kime came into the team."

Antti: How did you two first meet on the Blackhawks?

Kimmo: I can tell because I don't think Teukka remembers. I was traded there, and you came to pick me up from my hotel and gave me a lift to my first practice. Do you remember?

Teuvo: Now that you say it, yes, I remember some.

Kimmo: There the young man drove in his car, and I got in next to the driver. We took off towards the practice rink. I tried to ask Teuvo all kinds of questions, but got short and quiet answers. Otherwise Teuvo was a confident young man, but the way he talked was all… "well, let's talk more some other time."

Teuvo: Maybe so.

Kimmo: But I remember that I was nervous going to that rink, even though I was 40 years old and had played a few games, I was nervous. There were great players, Stanley Cup winners in that locker room. The stairs - the entrance from the garage to the locker room was through a staircase - and the first picture that I saw on the wall when I opened the door to the stairs, was a wall high photo of Patrick Kane scoring the winning goal in 2010, and my back right there, my jersey with TIMONEN across my back, watching the puck go five-hole.

Teuvo: The reverse psychology worked, you got the cup.

#kimanttia #teuvo #kimmo timonen #Corrected draft number to 18 #chicago blackhawks

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thenhlteaissuperhot · 1 year

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What do you think about the Czech team at the Worlds so far?

It's miserable, pathetic, awful, embarrassing, and absolutely painful to watch. They don't deserve to get past the quarterfinals (which they probably won't considering how it so far looks), they really don't.

They don't play as a team, it's like a patchwork your grandmother did from fifty old rags, which doesn't work together no matter how many chances you try to give it.

The only person who actually scores is Dominik Kubalik and we all know that you can't rely on one player carrying the team on his back, that's not how this sport works.

Goaltending is probably the only positive thing, but not even that is completely perfect - Karel Vejmelka should have been in the net since the very beginning, not jump in after four or how many games cause you "wanted to save him for the hard competitors and give him rest". Bringing in three goaltenders and putting all of them in at least two games is stupid, absolutely stupid. If you really insist on bringing three goaltenders to a tournament, then do it when you want to incorporate a young goalie into the senior tournament atmosphere - two capable ones, one stable starter, one backup, and a third youngster who would just enjoy and get used to being there in the cabin with the other experienced guys.

Ever since we have Kari Jalonen as a head coach, they play awfully unappealing hockey, that lacks speed and idea. They pass the puck to one another over and over again, never actually shoot at the net and create chances. It's as if they were scared to actually play ice hockey. Last year, we had the bronze medal under Jalonen solely thanks to Pastrnak and Krejci coming, if they weren't there we would once again be out of the fight for medals soon than one would say the word "Jalonen".

Even the new general manager who is responsible for contacting and communicating with the players overseas is just painfully incompetent. He says - "I communicate with all the guys" - but then Jakub Lauko from the Bruins comes out for an interview and says that he didn't get any call or message, nor did Tomas Nosek or Pavel Zacha. Why can't they put Patrik Elias or even Jaromir Jagr, who both have massive respect in every player's eyes, into that position? People are surprised none of the NHL players came this year, but you can't blame them when the managers are this atrocious and have no respect whatsoever.

When Chytil and Sedlak were out of the tournament completely due to severe injuries and the team was looking for replacement, Jakub Lauko voiced his interest publically on Twitter and the response of the team management was - "Thank you for the spam of messages your tweet caused, we don't want you cause you weren't in any of the pre-tournament camps and games.". Mind you, then they proceeded to invite Radim Zohorna from the AHL who also wasn't present in any of the camps. At least make it make sense. If Lauko doesn't fit the image of the team you are trying to complete, then just say it, don't use excuses and reasons, which you end up breaking not even a few hours after.

This year, it was the perfect opportunity to incorporate the young guys from the successful U20 tournament but there isn't a single one of them. Not a single one. The problem of Czech hockey in a nutshell - they want more superstars but they never give an actual chance to gain experience and be in the spotlight to the young generation. Instead, they put in completely washed old guys from the Czech league and wonder why it doesn't work.

#iihf world championship #iihf worlds 2023 #czech hockey #nhl #nhl players #ice hockey #ice hockey player #ice hockey gossip

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valpixempire · 1 year

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damian clara, who last week became the first italian born-and-raised player to be drafted into the nhl.

in 2023, he played for italy in the world ice hockey championships at all 3 age groups (senior, u20, u18). at the third-tier u20 and u18 tournaments, he was named the best goalkeeper in the tournament; at senior level, playing in the second-tier, he won both his starts (vs south korea and lithuania).

#ice hockey #hockey #nhl draft 2023 #nhl #international hockey

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wjcicehockey · 2 years

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IIHF World Junior Championship 2022 Schedule Announced

Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) have released the schedule for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, which is set to take place Dec. 26, 2022-Jan. 5, 2023 in Moncton and Halifax.

Last month, it was announced that Scotiabank Centre in Halifax will host Group A, featuring Canada, Sweden, Czechia, Germany and Austria. Avenir Centre in Moncton will see the United States, Finland, Switzerland, Slovakia and Latvia compete in Group B.

Read More >> iihf ice hockey u20 world championship

How to watch 2022 World Juniors on TV, live-stream

TV channel (Canada): TSN

Live stream : TSN.ca, TSN app

TV channel: NHL Network

Live stream: https://u20icehockeylive.com/

The 2023 World Juniors will be an unforgettable celebration of hockey across the Maritimes, and we cannot wait to drop the puck on Boxing Day,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties with Hockey Canada. “From the opening-day matchups to the rivalry games on New Year’s Eve, this year’s schedule is extremely competitive and will showcase the best under-20 hockey players in the world in a return to the tournament’s traditional holiday format.

After winning a silver medal at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, Finland will open the 2023 event against Switzerland in Moncton at 11 a.m. ET/12 p.m. AT on Dec. 26, the first of 20 preliminary-round games split between the two host cities.

2023 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Dec. 26

Finland vs. Switzerland, Avenir Centre, 11 a.m. ET

Sweden vs. Austria, Scotiabank Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

Latvia vs. United States, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Czechia vs. Canada, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 27

Finland vs. Slovakia, Avenir Centre, 11 a.m. ET

Germany vs. Sweden, Scotiabank Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

Switzerland vs. Latvia, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Austria vs. Czechia, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 28

Slovakia vs. United States, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Canada vs. Germany, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 29

Latvia vs. Finland, Avenir Centre, 11 a.m. ET

Sweden vs. Czechia, Scotiabank Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

United States vs. Switzerland, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Austria vs. Canada, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 30

Slovakia vs. Latvia, Avenir Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

Germany vs. Austria, Scotiabank Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Dec. 31

Switzerland vs. Slovakia, Avenir Centre, 11 a.m. ET

Czechia vs. Germany, Scotiabank Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

United States vs. Finland, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Canada vs. Sweden, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Jan. 2

Relegation Round (Game 1), Scotiabank Centre, 9:30 a.m. ET

Quarterfinal 1, Avenir Centre, 11 a.m. ET

Quarterfinal 2, Scotiabank Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

Quarterfinal 3, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Quarterfinal 4, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Jan. 4 (Scotiabank Centre)

Relegation Round (Game 2), 11 a.m. ET

Semifinal 1, 2:30 p.m. ET

Semifinal 2, 6:30 p.m. ET

Jan. 5 (Scotiabank Centre)

Relegation Round (Game 3, if necessary), 11 a.m. ET

Third-place game, 2:30 p.m. ET

Championship game, 6:30 p.m. ET

#world juniors #hockey canada #World Juniors 2022 #WJC 2023 #IIHF #World Junior Championship #team canada #ice hockey #junior ice hockey

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ajairaonkkisu · 2 years

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[FULL SHOW]~Finland vs Slovakia live stream IIHF U20 Ice Hockey world Ch...

#youtube

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iihfworldjuniors2023live · 2 years

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World Junior Ice Hockey Championships Live Stream Online

Welcome to my yearly expectations and projections for the World Juniors Live.

Watch Live Here>> http://bit.ly/3hV9kar

The 2023 tournament is now close to the corner. Atlantic Canada is prepared to have. The bustling timetable of U20 camps, shows, and tournament s played by every one of the partaking European nations are as of now in progress. Hockey Canada and USA Hockey are planning for their December choice camps in Moncton, N.B., and Plymouth, Mich., separately.

Here are my program picks (counting lines, pairings, goalie progressive systems, additional items and finished products) for the four superpowers of Canada, Team USA, Sweden, and Finland, as well as my full expectations for the gathering stage and the award round. Russia stays restricted from IIHF rivalry.

Team Canada

My Canadian program here accepts that three NHL players — Bricklayer McTavish, Dylan Guenther, and Wyatt Johnston — won’t be made accessible. It does, nonetheless, incorporate Shane Wright and Brandt Clarke, both of whom have attempted to get into their particular NHL setups on a night-to-night premise (in some measure more than the three that I’ve discarded here have). I believe there’s a sensible opportunity both Wright and Clarke spend the full season in the NHL and are as yet loaned to Canada to assume driving parts (with Wright as a leader for the ‘C’ with this age bunch one final time subsequent to having recently worn it at both U18s and U17s).

On the off chance that Wright is accessible for Canada, I truly like him between his old Wear Plants Flyers colleague Brennan Othmann (a returnee who is a lock for a main nine remaining wing job) and Connor Bedard. I have Bedard at traditional rather than his regular community position basically in light of the fact that they will need every last bit of him Wright, and Logan Stankoven in the main six, Wright has never played the wing, and Stankoven was a beast for them down the center in the mid year tournament (where he drove in faceoff rate).

Flanking the dedicated Stankoven, I genuinely wanted to stack the Team’s purported second line with players who can coordinate his hard working attitude and play with the sort of nagging style that functions admirably around him. The speed rounds of Fantilli and Savoie would positively possess all the necessary qualities. Fantilli is an uncommon lock as a draft qualified and keeping in mind that Savoie’s great yet not extraordinary beginning to the season in Winnipeg will mean he must procure some work in their determination camp, I like his chances of working his direction onto that Team (particularly on the grounds that this Team Canada is more slender at traditional than left wing and he can easily assist on draws when required in addition to play in both unique Teams).

The third line I’ve assembled just to go along with Habs fans. I believe there’s an opportunity Riley Kidney, even as a returnee, is all the more a fourth-line/additional person once more, and I believe there’s an equivalent opportunity that returnee Joshua Roy gets a new line of work on one or the other wing inside the main six some place, yet I’d likewise simply very much want to see this triplet together and that would be a genuine rush for every one of them I’m certain. Beck isn’t a lock to make Team Canada as a 18-year-old yet he ought to be a leader after his play in Montreal and Mississauga to begin this season. He’s the very sort of up-beat, diligent, two-way focus that Team Canada normally desires in its base sixes at this occasion.

The fourth line has two natural countenances, with returnees Nathan Gaucher and Zack Ostapchuk probably made tentative arranges for there by Hockey Canada as of now. Gaucher’s solid in the faceoff circle and they’re both a great deal to deal with along the cycle and on the forecheck. I have Gaucher’s Quebec Remparts colleague Zachary Bolduc with them to balance that gathering (however he and Gaucher play on various lines with the Remparts). I believe Bolduc’s more probable a center six person given his ability level however, and I’d most likely trade him with Kidney in the event that I weren’t taking special care of the Habs swarm here. Bolduc-Beck-Roy could be an amazing third line.

My two additional items front and center are Halifax Mooseheads hotshot Jordan Dumais, who is on one of the greatest warmers in the QMJHL in an age and could play all over the setup as an expertise fellow or a diligent determined worker (he’d likewise assist with their conservative profundity if a player like Savoie doesn’t make it), and the physical, harsh scoring round of Reid Schaefer. Schaefer is the ideal fourth-line winger for a meet up tournament like the World Juniors and it’s not hard to envision him joining Gaucher and Ostapchuk to frame a phenomenal really taking a look at line.

Getting to those 14 advances required a few troublesome cuts. Eminently missing from this program are Zach Senior member (another player who they’ll unequivocally consider for a last six job), Beck’s Mississauga colleague Luca Del Bel Belluz, and Savoie’s Winnipeg partner Conor Geekie. I figure wingers Zachary L'Heureux and Ryan Winterton would be in the blend as base six up-and-comers had they not missed such a lot of opportunity to begin this year. L'Heureux, specifically, has performed very well at Team Canada’s under-20 camps over the most recent few years.

The choices on guard were somewhat more simple for me. I think returnees Ethan Del Mastro and Olen Zellweger check out as Canada’s most memorable matching, with the steadying, actual presence of Del Mastro permitting Zellweger to play his splendid, meandering style (however Zellweger’s a lefty, he played on the right side for Canada in the late spring and ought to play there once more). Clarke, assuming he’s made accessible, ought to be the No. 2 person on the right side behind Zellweger in the main four and I like Carson Lambos, the Team’s just other returnee on guard, to balance that gathering.

The third matching could go a couple ways, however I expect it will be comprised of College of Wisconsin righty Corson Ceulemans close by one of the lefties Kevin Korchinski, Nolan Allan and Denton Mateychuk. Assuming they believe that that matching should be more protective leaning, the 19-year-old Allan will have the advantage for the left side there. I’d favor Kevin Korchinski, however, and his amazing beginning in Seattle would surrender him the leg for me. Mateychuk’s down seems OK as an additional person this year who assumes a greater part in the 2024 Team in Gothenburg (however he might get a greater amount of an open door in the event that Clarke isn’t made accessible).

The goaltending position, as has frequently been the case universally across levels for Canada, will be the Team’s greatest question mark. I think Fiends goalie prospect Tyler Brennan is the number one for the 1A work, with undrafted Seattle Thunderbirds goalie Thomas Milic (who has been quite recently Acceptable for them following a magnificent season a year prior) as a reasonable 1B or No. 3 person for them. Sharks prospect Benjamin Gaudreau, regardless of unfortunate numbers to begin the year in Sarnia, will likely be in the blend given his history with Hockey Canada (he backstopped Canada to gold and was named the top goaltender at the 2021 U18 universes in Texas).

I do ponder, however, whether either of 19-year-old undrafted Q champions William Blackburn and William Rousseau could get a determination camp welcome. Team Canada has jumped at the chance to name their goalies from the get-go lately, but since none of the laid out names have snatched it right off the bat this season, the exhibitions of Rousseau in Quebec and Blackburn in Val-d'Or might warrant thought.

Team USA

This American Team will appear to be a great deal unique than the one that overwhelmed bunch play however was disturbed in the quarters this late spring in the wake of maturing out the vast majority of its center (Thomas Bordeleau, Carter Mazur, Matthew Knies, Matt Coronato, Brock Faber and co. are currently excessively old).

The greater part of the returnees they in all actuality do have returning assumed restricted parts in the mid year. Sean Behrens and Jack Peart traded all through the arrangement for one another on safeguard, and every one of Charlie Stramel, Red Savage, and Sasha Pastujov were utilized for the most part as profundity advances.

That will leave a ton on the shoulders of three vital returning players at three unique positions: first-line focus Logan Cooley, No. 1 defenseman Luke Hughes, and beginning goaltender Kaidan Mbereko.

I have Cooley rejoining with Jimmy Snuggerud and Shaper Gauthier, who played together as the primary line at the U.S. NTDP. There’s no sense playing with that science.

Savage and Stramel will both be back, with the previous likely wearing a letter the last option still probably making the Team a second time in spite of a sluggish beginning in a terrible Badgers Team. I considered opening them as the third and fourth-line focuses (in a specific order) however I like the possibility of them playing together on a hard-and-weighty fourth line that has two faceoff choices, with actual Congresspersons first-rounder Tyler Boucher as a characteristic fit on a line that is styled that way.

The center six is less unsurprising. I anticipate that Chaz Lucius should be loaned by the Manitoba Moosa/Winnipeg Planes to play as one of the two habitats there. I anticipate Pastujov and another Planes first-rounder, Rutger McGroarty (the skipper at the U.S. NTDP last year), to be two of the wingers in the center six, as well. That left two additional positions on the wing and one more community task to consider. I chose McGroarty’s Michigan colleague Dylan Duke and his around-the-net game, Sharks second-rounder Cameron Lund as a popular person and can play all over the setup at numerous positions, and U.S. NTDP star Will Smith.

Smith will be a fascinating one however this Team USA won’t have a lot of playmakers and I believe they will require somewhat more offense (folks like Gauthier, Lucius, Duke, McGroarty and Boucher will all complete plays, yet they truly have no puck-predominant advances past Cooley).

I have OHL driving scorer and Maple Leafs prospect Ty Voit as an additional here for that equivalent explanation: He can play with the puck on his stick and infuse some offense (however their profundity at left wing in the program I’ve drawn up here might neutralize him).

However USA Hockey doesn’t make a propensity for bringing three draft eligibles to this tournament , Ryan Leonard seems OK as an extra. He’s the sort of flash fitting you need accessible to embed into the setup on the off chance that the folks play a terrible game or somebody’s failing to meet expectations, in addition to he can play every one of the three forward positions when there’s no other option.

However, the strength of this Team USA ought to be on the blue line. I’m not persuaded Quinnipiac lead trainer Rand Pecknold, who will man the seat for the Americans, will play Path Hutson and Hughes, the two most capable players that anyone could hope to find to him, on a similar matching (they’re bound to be isolated). Yet, Hutson ought to be a lock to make the Team right now and I’d very much want to see those two gloss over of each other insofar as the advances realize that they need to swing and support them when they’re out there.

The cosmetics of the other four positions on protection will intrigue. Behrens and Peart ought to be back as returnees, and that will give their main six, four portable and exciting puck movers. Thus, I picked Behrens’ Denver partner Shai Buium and USA Hockey most loved Ryan Chelsley to balance them (as a righty, Chesley has handedness on his side).

That would leave Seamus Casey, who has been gigantic as a green bean at Michigan, and Ryan Ufko, a 19-year-old star sophomore at UMass on the outs. Assuming that is their eight, I anticipate that each of the eight should get looks. I will not be shocked if Ufko, another righty, is a major piece of the main six by the same token. So don’t add something extra to those pairings and additional items to an extreme. However, that is an incredible gathering.

As I suggested, the net will probably have a place with Mbereko. He was an unexpected treat for them this late spring and has played well to begin his green bean season at Colorado School. They will require him, as well, since Jaguars prospect Tyler Muszelik (who I have likely as the No. 2 on account of position over my No. 3) has battled at the College of New Hampshire.

My No. 3, the 17-year-old draft-qualified Three pointer Augustine, is opened there essentially on the grounds that he’s the most youthful of the bundle (however he might be the most capable goaltender of the pack, as well). He’s amazing and could shock as an underager to challenge for begins. USA Hockey has never appeared to be especially partial to Everett Silvertips goaltender Braden Holt, and undrafted goaltender Andrew Oke has never really acquired one of the positions with his play to begin the year in Saginaw, so they’re left on the outs here.

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hibernating-heart · 3 years

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Teräväinen has played a tournament that can only be described as a perfect one; world championship gold as a captain of his team and most points in the tournament with 2+12.

“I think i did okay. The team helped me a lot. It was a first time as a captain for me; maybe I should do it more,” Teräväinen commented with a laugh.

Part 1/2 in retro 2086 series

#the soft spot i have for u20 captain TT is insane #look at him #and the fact that both sebastian and teuvo's played AND won the u20 tournament in different years with number 20 #when it was neither of their number outside of WC #is the kind of soulmate shit that keeps me up at night #teuvo teräväinen #teuvo teravainen #carolina hurricanes #canes #ice hockey #nhl #finnish hockey #world championships #u20 #2086 #rambling woman #sorry this got broken for a while but hopefully now fixed :)

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formeniel · 4 years

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For fuck's sake these referees are so bad

#iihf u20 #ice hockey world championship #jääkiekko #leijonat #2021

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nei-ning · 6 years

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Earlier this morning /night (between 3am-6am) came Finland - USA U20 WC ice hockey tournament. Gold match. 2 first rounds were kind of boring but third one was amazing and exciting! I have to say Finland has been playing not so well in this tournament but the fact they won gold was super happy surprise!

I thank USA for being such challenging opponent! <3 Congratulations to all young players (gold, silver and bronze)! You played amazingly! :)

#text #ice hockey #U20 #world championship #I hate sport actually #but i LOVE ice hockey WC games #especially young men and adults #women not so much...#I think I never haven't watch women's game #I think it's because they are not allowed to tackle each other #which is lame and boring #tackling is one part of the game!

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thenhlteaissuperhot · 10 months

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I have just come across a Reddit post about the Czechs winning Karjala Cup (I hope I didn't butcher that name) and absolutely dominating there, even when faced playing against the Swedes and Finns. No offense, but haven't you been like really bad in the this year's Worlds? What the hell happened there?

No offense taken, we genuinely sucked at the last World Championship, it was literally agonizing to watch, especially when considering that a year before we won the bronze.

We have kicked out the entire coaching staff with Kari Jalonen at the head of it over the summer break because, for one, the federation wanted a Czech coach for the home tournament next year (one of the rare instances where the Czech patriotism popped up), and for second, Jalonen played extremely unattractive ice hockey, which wasn't really about scoring but so-called playing smart and safe, and a ton of people, not just fans and experts but also players didn't really like that so we basically took the entire coaching team from the U20 team, which was extremely successful at the Juniors (winning the silver medal), and threw them in there.

They have also taken in the turtleneck legend Tomas Plekanec as an Assistant right after he ended his player career like two or three weeks ago, and Ondrej Pavelec is coaching the goalies so they actually have a pretty solid amount of recent player experience within the coaching staff right now.

#ice hockey #czech ice hockey #karjala cup

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anastasiyaigorevnadobrodevskaya · 4 years

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Pride and prejudice - Vasiliy Alexandrovich Podkolzin

AN: There is way too little content for this Russian boy. Enjoy. (:

Word count: 5 023

A day like any other. Boredom, annoying questions by teachers, who think we have actually studied for their classes. The classes, which are according to my humble opinion, completely useless. Don’t let me forget to mention the stupid jokes during breaks and also classes. Hyperactive freaks, who had way too many cokes or cups of coffee for breakfast are dashing around bored students, who are dragging their feet behind them as if they were useless pylons in the narrow halls. Professors, who strode along the hallways give off the feeling of having all the time in the world. You know, the school classic.

I’ve just changed after my PE class and am currently waiting for my classmate Terka. There are two Tereza’s in our class so she’s Terka and I am Tete. But we both turn around when someone calls Terka, anyway.

I am leaning on the wall with my arms crossed, waiting for her to pick up her belongings. When she’s done we leave the locker room. I tap my pocket and realize that, in fact what I am looking for is not there. “Give me a second, I left my phone in there,” I say and jog back in to the locker room.

“Psh,” she sighs with a smile. At first I was the one waiting and now the tables have turned.

I find it in the same spot where I’ve left it. On a bench in the corner of the locker room. I grasp it a little bit more swiftly than I intended to. I shake my head at myself when I almost drop it. The second I exit the locker room I am met with a not so pleasant sight.

Standing right across from Terka is a tall brown-haired imbecile.

He has clearly said something that made her uncomfortable. I figure that out by her defensive posture and desperate glance in my direction. Her action alerts the idiot and his gaze falls upon me.

“Ah, there she is,” he turns towards me with his smirk and accent, which is much more beautiful than he actually deserves. He’s probably the most egoistic and annoying hockey player I know (and I know quite a few). Vasiliy Podkolzin. Never have I minded his existence. Well, until he decided to annoy me with it. I don’t get what is his deal, but not once in his life did he say a nice word about me. Since the beginning of school he’s had some kind of a problem with me, but to this day I have no idea what it is. To hell with that! But he is not going to jibe at my friend.

“Leave her alone,” I furrow my eyebrows at him and slide my phone in the pocket of my jeans. Exactly where it should’ve been before.

He snorts and slides his hands in the pockets of his grey sweatpants. Wow. Sweatpants in the school. Nice. A hockey player no doubt. I roll my eyes at the choice of his attire. “What exactly have I done?” he raises his eyebrow challengingly and tilts his head.

“I get that you have nothing better to do and are desperately trying to attract some kind of attention,” I start to which he merely raises his eyebrows again. “But leave her,” I gesture towards Terka, “alone.” I cross my arms over my chest. She just keeps switching her look between the two of us. Slight panic growing in her eyes. Poor thing, she is an introvert.

“Or what?” he shrugs and leans on a wall with a smirk I would more than like to wipe of his face with a hard slap.

I roll my eyes again. Seems it is a frequent reaction of mine to his presence. “Because by a conversation with intelligent people you could actually learn something,” I sass him and a smirk finds its way on my lips.

“Lucky me for talking to you then,” his smirk grows even wider and he acts like he’s the absolute winner.

And he is, I have no reply to that. Unless.. “Shouldn’t you be watching the game clips and learning that one does not deke on the blue line?” I smile kindly. I attend the U20 games regularly and unfortunately for him I remember his mistake in the weekend game very well. Which led to the odd man rush and a goal afterwards

I am pretty sure my remark hit a nerve. His smirk falters and he presses his pink lips to a thin line. No one enjoys getting their mistake rubbed in their face. Especially if it’s something you more than care about. “You won,” he rises his hands in surrender.

What? I recoil. I don’t remember this happening before. I look at him dumbfounded, but he just shrugs and seems genuine. I raise my brows and turn towards Terka. She is just as confused as I am. I tip my head in the direction of the classrooms. She nods and heads that direction. I follow her suit. While I am passing him he grabs my wrist and says quietly: “by the way. Nice article.”

I turn to look at him and see the vicious grimace on his face again. I scowl and try to look as disgusted as possible. I free myself from his grip on my wrist and say smugly: “so it actually can read.” How on Earth did he get to that?

His smirk grows even wider, content with my reaction to his comment. “But I am glad you can appreciate my individual puck handling skills marked by Russian school,” he mocks the exact words from my article. I swallow the lump in my throat. How did he know I wrote that? And why the hell could he quote my article!

“Play well or don’t play at all,” I put together a coherent sentence and say it in the most convincing tone I can muster at the moment. “Alexandrovich,” I add with disgust lacing my tone and resist the urge to spit in his face. I bump his shoulder instead. Which I actually fail and hurt myself rather than intimidating him.

“Can’t wait to read another article,” he states from behind me. I just throw him a stern look and flip him off. When we get out of his line of sight I rub my shoulder with a painful grimace and walk eagerly towards my homeroom.

▪

I place my belongings in my homeroom and mumble about using the restroom to Terka. I don’t miss the strange looks sent my way by my classmates, who have probably overheard the bickering with the stupid Russian in the hall. I walk over to the other side of the school, because almost no one uses these bathrooms.

With quick strides I make my way through the almost empty hall with my gaze fixed on the ground. I successfully manage to dodge the little to no students shuffling outside of their homerooms. Just before I reach the staircase I lift my gaze. Mistake. My eyes meet the stupid stare of the narcissist. He looks at me with that cocky smirk of his and continues an undoubtedly life-changing conversation with one of his classmates. I startle and flinch slightly, for not more than a millisecond and then I take off down the stairs.

I burst the bathroom door open and let them close with a loud bang. I lean on a wall and look up at the ceiling, his words playing over and over in my mind. That was a cheap shot. I shake my head and push myself of the wall. I walk in one of the stalls and take out my headphones and phone. I start the music and breathe out with my eyes closed.

That was shitty. I know it wasn’t fair throwing at him his Sunday’s mistake. But I didn’t expect that. How the hell did he know? How did he get to the article? No one was supposed to know it was me writing them. I know he’s noticed me at his games, but there’s no way he could’ve gotten to that. No one knows! Well, at least I thought so.

I emerge from the stall and lean on the sink. I wash my hands and splash my face with water. I take a look at my reflection in the mirror. Is seriously some hockey player full of himself going to throw you off? Absolutely not. I dry myself off and head back to the classroom.

„You okay? “ Terka asks.

„Of course, “I reply and take stuff for my next class out of my bag. „Listen, “I grab her attention after a moment of silence. „Does anyone know about my articles? “I ask with a small voice.

„I don’t think so. Why? “

„Just asking. “

▪

One week later.

Pushing your way through a bus in the morning is pretty interesting. Pushing your way through a bus with crutches and a backpack on your back is pretty funny. Please note the sarcasm, thank you. I almost fell flat on my face while exiting the bus. Keyword: almost.

What happened to me? I’ll answer this question with a different question. What is the probability of one falling on the ice and breaking their leg? Big enough to have a cast on mine.

I wait until most of the people pass and at an agonizingly slow pace I make my way to the school entrance. I have a bit of trouble with opening the sturdy door, but with the help of a couple of passing students I make my way inside. The bigger problem is the staircase leading to the second floor, where my classroom is located. I sigh and reach the first step. With one hand I grab the crutches and with the other I grip the railing. I walk three steps and come to a stop.

God this is torment. Well whatever. I hop to the next step. My small fingers barely get a grip on the crutches and I struggle to keep a hold on them. Just don’t drop them. Just don’t drop them. That’s the last thing I need right now.

„Need a hand with that? “A familiar voice tinted with Russian accent asks above me. I mentally curse and reluctantly look up.

Of course there’s standing Vasiliy. So it really can get worse? I ask myself. I look around. The poor amount of people present would rather get the ground to swallow them than help someone. Yes, it can. I sigh and nod.

He descends the stairs and takes the crutches out of my hands and carefully slides the bag of my shoulders. He dashes up, sets my belongings on the landing and comes back. I place my hand on his shoulder and give my things and then him a skeptical look. He doesn’t seem like he’s up to some dirty shit, but one does never know.

He adjusts my hand so it’s around his neck and wraps his big fingers around my slim wrist. He wraps his other hand around my waist and looks at me with the question written all over his (unfortunately handsome) face.

„If you take me up two steps, then walk away and leave my stuff there,“ I tilt my head in the direction of the landing, „I swear I’ll kick your ass.“ Slowly we start to take up the stairs and I am trying to keep my balance so both of us don’t roll down to the entrance.

He laughs and shakes his head: „I am not that big of an asshole. “

„I wouldn’t be too sure about that, “I point out honestly and glance at him out of the corner of my eye. He presses his (for a guy too red) lips in a firm line.

„What even happened to you? “He changes the topic and his grip on my wrist tightens slightly.

„Broken leg, “by a dumb answer I try to avoid the explanation.

„I can see that, “he roll his eyes.

„I fell on the ice, “I answer shortly. „I played hockey, “I add quietly after a while and wait for his witless remark or an insult.

„The shin? “He asks instead of mockery. Surprised I raise my eyebrows, but nod nevertheless.

We reach the upper floor and I lean on a wall by my arm. He jogs down to gather my stuff and hands me the crutches. „Thanks, “I smile weakly. He throws my bag over his shoulder and I look at him confused. „I can possibly manage the couple of meters there. “

„Are you implying that I can’t, “and the smirk is back. I’d rather take that than a kind smile. His friendliness frightens me. I mean, when it’s aimed at me. You get the point.

I roll my eyes, but against my better judgement a small smile finds its way onto my lips. He won’t give me the bag any time soon. Hence I follow him towards, the classroom.

„Where’s your spot? “ He asks when he walks into the classroom. I point at the desk right next to the door and he sets down my backpack on the desk. I don’t miss the weird looks of some of my classmates. The two of us fighting or not talking at all is the general knowledge. To be honest I am just as confused as they are. For the first time in three years we’re not getting at each other’s throat. What a rare moment.

„Bye, “he turns around and walks away.

„Hey Vasya, “he turns around with eyebrows raised in obvious surprise at the nickname. „Спасибо (Spasiba),“ I lift the corner of my lips. He nods and leaves quickly.

„What was that Tete? “One of my classmates asks.

„I have no idea, “I shake my head.

▪

Finally Friday. With my leg propped on a huge couch a game of hockey playing on the TV and a can of beer in my hand. Really an amazing Friday. Would be better without the cast, but I cannot change certain things.

Since I’ve been hobbling with the crutches it is as if I started to exist for the others. It attracts attention and I am not the ghost of our school anymore. People notice me and get out of my way in the halls. I wouldn’t complain if they weren’t looking at me as if I had the plague. But what’s weird is that Vasya is being nice to me. The worst thing is, that I absolutely don’t understand why.

After a while my phone lights up with a new message and I reluctantly reach for it. Right after I take a sip from my beer and criticise the hockey players on the TV for a mistake in the defensive zone. Dumbasses.

Василий(Vasiliy)

>Hi

I furrow my brows surprised, but reply nevertheless.

>Hi?

Василий

>You won’t be writing articles much now huh?

I roll my eyes at the question. Since when do I even have him on snap? Better question. Why do I even have him on snap?

>Eh, well I won’t be going to the games now.. Why are you interested?

Василий

>Aha

>Won’t you lose the readers?

And what is this question supposed to mean now? I frown.

>Vasya what is your point?

Василий

>Come to the game

>Do you even know how many steps are in the arena?

Василий

>I’ll help you

>You are beginning to scare me.

>What is up with you?

>Why am I supposed to go there?

Isn’t he supposed to be happy to get rid of me at least in the arena?

Василий

>I want to talk to you but not on the phone

>Ok?

Although, I have no idea what he wants from me, but the worst case scenario is me going for a walk and punching him in the face tomorrow.

Василий

>Are you coming?

>Yeah.

May I add that in the past three years he has texted me three times, at most? And I am pretty sure I didn’t add him on snapchat. If him helping me with my broken leg in the past week wasn’t weird, then this definitely is. What is going on here? At first he is helping me and now he is texting me to come to his game? If I recall correctly at his latest game he fought with me and tried to embarrass me in front of his teammates. What a douchebag.

▪

When I get to the arena guys are already warming up outside. I sigh and head for the entrance. The moment I get closer they notice me. Vasiliy runs up to me with a surprising smile on his features.

I let my gaze wander over his figure. Muscular tights poking out of dark shorts, a black t-shirt covering a toned chest and abdomen. Can’t miss the – probably – team cap worn backwards. He might be a narcissistic idiot, but he looks good. You have to give him that. When I look him up and down I clear my throat and wait for what he has to say.

“You came,” he says as if I weren’t standing right in front of him.

“Yeah. I said I would,” I shrug.

“Yeah,” he nods and throws his hand in the direction of the entrance. “Um, you can go and take a seat, but won’t you be cold?” he looks at me sceptical.

I am currently wearing black jeans and a short sleeved t-shirt decorated with a huge team logo. “Will you hold this for a second?” I hand him the crutches and he takes them with no hesitation. I lift my brow, but choose to not comment on it. I take the drawstring bag of my shoulders and pull out a dark hoodie. I show it to him with a smirk on my face and he looks at me impressed.

“You are going to be cold anyway if you’re going to sit there for two hours,” he points out.

I roll my eyes. “What do you even want from me?”

“Come inside, I’ll get you something,” he takes the hoodie out of my hands and hands me back the crutches, absolutely ignoring my previous question.

“Vasya stop.” He turns back around. “What is going on? Why am I here?” I ask exasperated.

He takes off his cap, runs his fingers over his hair and puts it back. An incredibly inappropriate comment and thought, but that was hot. “Can we talk after the game?”

“No,” I shake my head. You’re not getting out of this that easily. “We have been fighting since the first grade and you’ve never said a nice thing about me. I break my leg and you are a different person. You’re helping me and inviting me to your game. The least I deserve is an explanation,” I breathe out, desperate for an answer. “By the way, guys are missing you,” I tip my head in the direction of a circle of boys kicking a ball. A couple of them is looking in our direction.

He glances at them with a raised middle finger of his hand and trains his attention at me again. “Since the first moment I met you – three years ago – I have hated you,” he starts with a heavy sight.

“That is one way how to start a story,” I point out sarcastically and roll my eyes.

“Shut up,” he says and quickly continues and doesn’t give me the chance to add anything. “But when I saw you helplessly climbing up the stairs,” after his words I furrow my brows, “It was as if something flipped in me.”

“You mean someone flipped you off,” I correct him with a satisfied smirk.

“This is exactly why I hate you,” he looks at me with his characteristic stern look and I roll my eyes once again.

“Then why are you talking to me?”

He ignores my question – again – and continues. “I knew about you only the things I’d heard from someone and I assumed the rest. Call it prejudice if you want to,” he waves his hand, which is holding my hoodie.

I adjust my crutches and tilt my head to the side. I am listening to him with interest and amazement, that his chicken brain can produce so complicated sentences. “The problem is that the more I learned about you the more my illusion about you crumbled,” I look him up and down again and try to process what he is so determinedly explaining. Prejudice and a spoiled illusion? “I am trying to say that I’ve been an asshole and for absolutely no reason, it wasn’t fair. I am sorry Tete.”

Did he just call me Tete? Not once in my life did he call me that. It was whether Tereza or my last name. I look at him intensely for a second and wonder if he is saying the truth. “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” he nods.

“Okay,” I nod. “Apology accepted,” it is only fair to accept it. I’ve done exactly the same what he did.

“You addressed me as Tete. You’ve never done that before,” I point out after a while and he laughs. I swear his cheeks just got red!

“Yeah. And you called me Vasya,” he rubs the nape of his neck. “Almost no one calls me that here in Slovakia. Well, besides them,” he jabs his thumb in the direction of his teammates. That is probably true. Not many people know nicknames of Russian names. When I realize that my cheeks get pink and I train my gaze on his blue sneakers.

“Go out with me,” he throws in as if he wasn’t talking to a person, he just told that he hates them in their eyes.

“What?” my head snaps up and my eyes go wide.

He sighs and waves his hands dramatically. “Tete I like you if you didn’t get it already.”

I open my mouth to say something, but I can’t get out a single sound. I just stare at him dumbfounded. Suddenly I recover and shake my head. “You act like the biggest asshole around and just because you assumed?” I almost yell at him. He flinches and looks unhappy. “Do you realize how stupid you sound right now?”

“I am quite aware,” he nods. He is unbelievable! “Look. I get that you are angry, but give me a chance to fix it,” he looks at me hopeful. “Please.”

“Would you hold this please?” I hand him my crutch. He takes it willingly and I – with now a free hand – slap him with as much strength I can muster. My hand stings from the contact. But it was worth it! A strangled laugh comes from his teammates. I look over at the idiots.

“Shut the fuck up,” one smacks the head of the other one.

“Ouch! Are you fucking nuts? Why did you do that?” with every cell in my body I try not to laugh when the two of them start to bicker.

I look back at the Russian in front of me and furrow my brows. I snatch the crutch out of his hand and lean on it. He turns to look at me and rubs his reddening cheek.

“I admit,” he holds his hand to his cheek. “I deserved that.”

“Damn, you did,” I snarl. I turn around and head to the bus stop.

“Tete wait!” he runs up in front of me and tries to stop me with his raised hands.

I snatch the hoodie out of his hands and side-step him. I hear him sigh and out of the corner of my eye I see his defeated posture. I stop and train my attention at the sky. Please don’t make me regret this. I close my eyes and sigh heavily. “Fine,” I turn to look at him. He looks at me like a deer caught in the headlights.

“I also hated you only because of prejudice and stereotypes. To be honest you didn’t help it much,” I admit and he nods. “The stupidest out of all of this mess is that I like you too,” I roll my eyes, but can’t help the slight blush on my cheeks.

“Excuse me?” his eyes go wide.

“And what did you think? I don’t believe a guy with your ego hasn’t taken the notice of his looks. If only for a second you didn’t have your head up your ass, you would notice that we have a lot more in common than I am comfortable with.” He opens his mouth to protest, but he immediately closes them. He is probably thinking over my words.

“Apparently the both of us have made a mistake,” I state loudly. “Let’s try to bury the war axe,” I raise my eyebrows and outstretch my right hand.

He looks at my hand and then at me. Eventually he puts his large hand in mine and shakes it.

“So…” he starts and I raise my eyebrows expectantly. “Ah, сука(suka),” he says and grabs my small face in his hands. My eyes go wide and my heart starts to pound as if I just ran a mile. “Actually I’ve liked you for a long time,” he whispers. “I refused to admit it myself. It was easier to keep the hatred rather than try to make you mine,” he shakes his head. “The pride made me hate you,” he snorts at his own words.

I place my hand on his wrist and offer him a weak smile trying to slow down my heartrate again. “I think I know what you are talking about.” His proximity and touch is not helping my nervousness at all.

“Dear Lord, how much longer will I be there for?” comes from behind him.

“Kiss her already!” one of his teammates yells at him.

That finally sets him in motion and he presses his lips to mine. Not before he sends the finger his way. I hear clapping, shouting and wolf-whistling. Hockey players. He places his hand – the one used to respond to his teammate in sign language – on my waist and brings me closer. The action makes my crutch fall and it lands on the ground with a loud bang. He pulls back all smiley like a kid in a candy store.

“I should’ve done that a long time ago,” he moves the pad of his thumb over my bottom lip.

“Don’t be so full of yourself and go get ready for the game,” I roll my eyes, but with a smile on my face, which I am not trying to hide – this time.

“I’ll score for you,” he smirks with a wink.

“What if you don’t?” I tease and slip my hand down on his strong forearm.

“Are you doubting me?” he raises his eyebrows.

Instead of a verbal response I just shrug with a not interested purse of my lips.

He leans in and whispers to my ear. “Watch and learn.” I get goose bumps from his voice being so close.

He picks up the crutch from the ground and hands it to me with a quick wink. He takes off towards his teammates, all smiles. They greet him with an applause and couple of slaps on the back. I laugh and shake my head. Hockey players.

▪

In reality, he scored just like he had said he would.

A pass in front of the net and a he tipped it in. Right after the goal he looked at me and pointed in my direction. I couldn’t, but laugh at his childish romance.

“A goal scored by number 11. Vasiliy Podkolzin,” echoed in the almost empty arena. Let’s face it. A ridiculously small amount of people attends the junior games.

Vasya took the puck and set it aside. I didn’t get it. It wasn’t his milestone goal or anything. Or was it?

▪

“I told you,” is the first thing he says, the moment he emerges from the locker room.

I roll my eyes at his words.

“Not even a hug?” he looks at me offended with a pout. Like a kid.

I laugh and motion for him to come closer. My leg didn’t heal magically. I lean the crutches on the wall and wrap my arms around him, when he gets closer.

“It’s hard to believe that I hated you just a couple of hours ago,” I state and wrap my hands around his neck. “But now that I think about it. Shut up, don’t say whatever you wanted to say,” I silence him before he has the chance to doubt my ability to think. He just rolls his eyes, but lets me continue nonetheless. “One would expect, that people like us are best friends or something. We have in common quite a lot,” I shrug.

He laughs and brushes a strand of my hair behind my ear. “It was mutual,” he shrugs. I want to scold him, but I don’t have the chance because he kisses me. If we hadn’t been fighting we could’ve spent the past three years kissing. Why are people so stupid? “I’ve got you something,” he mumbles against my lips.

“And what is it?” I raise my brows and pull back.

He pulls a puck out of the pocket of his trademark sweatpants and places it in my hand. I look at him expectantly, but he doesn’t say anything. He just smiles. I examine the black piece of rubber in my small hand and break into the laughter. I look at him and hug him tightly.

“Are you going to write another article about me?” he couldn’t help himself, but chirp me.

“Shut up you idiot,” I mumble against his chest.

“And we are back to the insults,” he shakes his head. “But I am your idiot from now on,” he presses a kiss to my hair and brings me closer, if that is even possible.

On a white tape stuck around the puck is next to today’s date with a black sharpie written – probably by the coach – in a nasty handwriting “1ST GOAL IN RELATIONSHIP”.

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