The Bliss Is Wearing Off

Well, it's back to business in Hockey Blog In Canada now that the bliss of another gold medal win is wearing off. I'll talk a little bit about that below, but the World Junior Championships is definitely one of the greatest hockey shows on the planet. It has all the hype of the Stanley Cup Final, and all the intensity of a Game Seven. Every mistake is put under a microscope, and every goal is as sweet as the last one. This is why I love being a hockey fan - there's nothing better than a fabulous hockey game between two skilled and talented teams, and that's precisely what the World Junior Championships deliver year after year. Saskatoon and Regina, Canada in 2010 can't come soon enough for this kid.

• Chris DiDomenico, one of Canada's gold medal winners, was the first to be moved in the annual Canadian Hockey League trading period as teams build for a Memorial Cup run. DiDomenico was traded from the QMJHL's Saint John Sea Dogs to the Drummondville Voltigeurs in exchange for goaltender Simon Giroux, winger Mathieu Gingras, a first-round pick in 2009 and a second-round pick in 2010. DiDomenico, a Maple Leafs' draft pick, has 11 goals and 23 assists in 26 games thus far this season, and should help the Voltigeurs with his offensive abilities. The Sea Dogs get some serious help in building for the future, and that will help their club.
• John Tavares, who was rumoured to be heading to the OHL's London Knights in a trade, is still a member of the Oshawa Generals. According to Oshawa's head coach and general manager Chris DePiero, there have been no offers that would prompt the Generals to move Tavares, but there is still time. The Windsor Spitfires are also rumoured to be in on the action. The Generals have until noon ET on Friday to make a move, or they will miss the deadline. Honestly, missing the deadline to keep Tavares isn't a bad move by any means.
• The Pittsburgh Penguins found the win column again tonight as they defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 3-1. A win is a win is a win for the Penguins right now as they look to break out the funk they are currently in. Oh, and that Crosby guy who everyone is complaining about in terms of not scoring? Powerplay goal in the second period. Malkin had another three-assist game.
• It sounds like Mats Sundin is ready to embark on his career once again as he will reportedly suit up against Edmonton tomorrow night. Can we finally put the "Sundin Watch" to rest? Please? In order to clear room for Sundin's debut in Edmonton, the Canucks returned forward Jannik Hansen to the AHL's Manitoba Moose.
• The Canadian U18 women's team continued to roll at the IIHF World Under-18 Women's Championships in Fussen, Germany. After blowing out Switzerland 16-1 yesterday, Canada followed up the rout with a 6-0 win over Finland. Marie-Philip Poulin of Beauceville, Quebec had a goal and two assists, while Cassie Seguin of Ingleside, Ontario recorded the shutout. Canada wraps up the preliminary round tomorrow against the Czech Republic, and has already assured themselves a spot in the Friday semi-final with their two wins.
• Hockey Canada has decided that it's their logo or bust at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Hockey Canada Bob Nicholson stated that the Canadian teams are "not putting on a COC crest" when they compete at the Olympic Games. He went one step further by stating that the teams "might walk out with a blank jersey" if nothing can be resolved. While I understand that the Hockey Canada logo is iconic, why not just use an older logo? They do at the Spengler Cup, and no one complains there. This seems to be fighting for the sake of fighting. It's the hockey that's important, isn't it?
• With the 2011 World Junior Championships being played in Buffalo, New York, there needs to be a major push from USA Hockey to get the American public into the World Junior Championships. I'm not sure how this will be done, but more people need to see these games. The Canada-USA game on New Year's Eve was phenomenal, and the Canada-Sweden final was incredible. Yes, it has a lot to do with Canada being in those games for me, but there has to a push to get everyone in the state of New York to attend the game, and for a push to get the American team's games on a major, non-specialized channel. The sooner this happens, the better for the game in the United States.

There are your updates for Tuesday. The update on the KHL standings is almost done, and will be posted this week. As for closer-to-home leagues, the NHL and AHL All-Star Games are nearing, and I'll be taking an in-depth look at both of those as they near.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!