By Mike Dennis /
While most Albertans kick back and relax over the holiday season, the elite hockey players in our province do anything but.
For Team Alberta Alumni, Jordan Eberle and Brandon Kozun, the 2010 World Junior Championship kicked off on Boxing Day in Saskatchewan. Despite Eberle’s 3rd period heroics in the Gold Medal game, where he scored two goals in the final three minutes to send the game into overtime, it proved to be too little too late as Canada fell to Team USA 6-5 in the extra frame.
Meanwhile on the 26th, Team Pacific was hopping aboard a plane bound for Timmins, Ontario preparing to compete in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. After losing 2-1 in a heartbreaker to the USA in its final preliminary game, Team Pacific found itself out of Gold Medal contention and playing for 5th place where they crushed Team Quebec 4-0.
“It’s not the finish we were looking for but we are proud of our team for playing hard,” said Justin Fesyk, coordinator, Team Alberta Male. “The whole tournament is an invaluable experience to both the players and staff.”
At the minor hockey level, teams are now tuning up for an opportunity to take part in the Investors Group Hockey Alberta Provincials. It’s one of Hockey Alberta’s most prestigious events that most teams work the entire year for a chance to take part. The event has the reputation of giving everybody involved an experience to remember.
“We are very fortunate to have such wonderful sponsors (Investors Group, Insurance Brokers of Alberta, Newcap Radio, Ramp Interactive and Elite Sportswear and Promotions). Their support allows us to put on memorable events with the intention of providing every player, coach, volunteer and official with a ‘best ever’ experience,” said Hockey Alberta President, Annie Orton.
Provincial Playdowns begin on January 22th, 2010.
For more information on Hockey Alberta programs and events please visit www.hockeyalberta.ca.
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