Denmark fights tooth and nail, downs Finland 4-1
Led by their NHLers Frans Nielsen and Peter Regin, and goaltender Frederik Andersen, Denmark delivered the first upset of the tournament, when they beat Finland 4-1.
Swiss edge Latvia
The other Group B game of the day saw Switzerland dispose of Latvia 3-1. Andreas Ambuhl scored just under three minutes into the game and Roman Josi added a goal 2:28 into the second period to get Switzerland out ahead to stay.
Canada beats Italy 5-1 win at hockey worlds
Canada defeated Italy 5-1 Saturday in its world hockey championship opener behind a goal and assist each from Steve Stamkos, Rene Bourque and Matt Duchene.
Corey Perry opened the scoring in the Group B game after 2:43 on an assist by Bourque of the Calgary Flames. Michele Strazzabosco tied it 10 minutes later before Kris Russell made it 2-1 with 48 seconds left in the first period.
Duchene of the Colorado Avalanche scored five minutes into the second period, and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Stamkos made it 4-1 five minutes later, assisted by Duchene and Kyle Cumiskey. Bourque completed the scoring with less than three minutes to play.
Germany won USA 2-1 in overtime
Germany’s national ice hockey team grabbed a shock overtime victory against the United States on Friday. Germany’s Felix Schuetz scored 21 seconds into the five-minute sudden death overtime period, propelling the hosts to an opening victory against the odds. In ice hockey, the first team to score in overtime automatically wins the game.
Over the course of the game, German goaltender Dennis Endras recorded 31 saves, helping Germany secure its first ice hockey world championship win against the US in 17 years. He was named the game’s Most Valuable Player for his efforts.
US team captain Jack Johnson praised Endras, but added that his team had plenty of time to make amends for the unexpected defeat.
Almost 350,000 Tickets gone
Almost 350,000 tickets for the 2010 IIHF World Championship are already gone. Request from participating countries beyond Germany has now set in strongly for both Cologne and Mannheim. Single game ticket prices start at € 9 for a game of the relegation round, € 19 for a game in the preliminary round and prices for the gold final range between € 84 and € 164. Some few tickets for games of Team Germany in Cologne have returnd to be available. The Gold Final is expected to sell-out soon too, so hurry up!
