We win!

Big win. Sure it's a pre-tournament game, but considering the shockingly weak teams in Canada's pool this year, it's important to get an idea of your level against a strong team like Sweden. Even if it doesn't count for the standings. Just a couple of final thoughts on the game. If Taylor Hall can't go, we'll probably seen Adam Henrique and Greg Nemisz move into more of a checking line role with Luke Adam joining them. Henrique and Nemisz didn't realy get anywhere near the scoresheet, but they were on the ice for the final minute of both the second and third periods. The rosters won't be finalized until Christmas Eve, so Canada can make a move if Hall can't go. Last year, Evander Kane was a late replacement because of injury and was a major factor in Canada's win. Patrice Cormier was probably my favourite player on last year's team (along with Angelo Esposito, Tyler Myers and Brett Sonne), and I was ecstatic when he was named captain. Looking at this year's squad, it may be Brandon McMillan. He got better as the game moved along, saving his best hockey for the second half of the game. Of course, he plays for Kelowna. So I think it's in my Hitmen contract that I can't cheer for him. Lastly, on Brandon Kozun, he looked really good out there. I watch him a whole lot here in Calgary, and I watched a lot of Brett Sonne last year. Kozun, like Sonne last year, is at the top of the WHL scoring charts heading into the tournament, and is one of Calgary's most important players. His game is far from perfect-- in fact, we usually leave the game cursing him until the post-game radio show reminds us he had three or four points-- but he seemed to really be competing tonight. When Sonne came back from the tournament last year, there were games he simply willed the Hitmen to victory, and it looks like Kozun may have some of that in him this year. Here's hoping.