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Danes look forward to loss against Canada

ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI, QMI Agency, Dec 28 2011

This one could get ugly.

If the Canadians are beating the likes of Finland and the Czech Republic 8-1 and 5-0, heaven knows what they’ll do to the Washington Generals of the world junior hockey championship tonight.

Funny, though, the lambs are actually looking forward to the slaughter.

Denmark, having lost 11-3 and 7-0 in two starts so far, know they’ll be destroyed when they meet the Canadians this evening in Edmonton, but they wouldn’t miss it for the world.

“All of us, we’ve all been talking about it, that this game is going to be amazing,” said forward Mads Eller. “Full to the roof with the crowd. It’s definitely something we looked forward to when we saw the schedule.”

Even if it’s more lopsided than a peg-legged pirate in a room full of beavers.

“Of course, it’s going to be the biggest experience of our lives, maybe it’s the only time we’re ever going to play this type of game,” said Eller. “For some of the players, for me maybe, this might be the biggest game we’re ever going to play.”

Head coach Todd Bjorkstrand told his players to simply go out and seize the day.

“He said it’s going to be a big game with a big crowd, go out and enjoy it,” said Eller. “Don’t be intimidated by Canada. Don’t fear them, go out and play with courage. Go out and do your best.”

The Danes have been adopted by the fans in Edmonton through the first two games. They’ve basically been the second favourite team of everyone here.

“It was pretty special, we didn’t see that coming against the US, when they came on the ice and were booed,” said Eller. “It gave us something extra that they cheered for us.”

“Obviously we’re not going to get it tonight,” forward Nicklas Jensen said of the crowd support. “But just being out there with the atmosphere, it’s going to be crazy. I know all the guys in our dressing room are going to be pumped.

“We want to give the Canadians a really tough game. We’re going into the game to win, but realistically we just want to compete and work harder than them every shift.”

If you’re Canada, how do you prepare your team for a game you might win 10- or 12-0?

“Details and habits, it’s all about details and habits,” said head coach Don Hay. “It’s about playing as a team and not getting too far ahead of yourself. Focusing on the things that make you a good team. When you get into pressure situations, those details and habits are really important and if you’re good at those they come naturally. If you have to think about them, sometimes it’s a little bit too late.”

LATE HITS… Mark Visentin gets the start in goal for Canada.

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Even if the game, on paper, appears one-sided, this is a pretty presumptuous title. And as we know, this is why we play sports… the game isn't played on paper! I hope the Danes surprise Canada and make it a good game… just to shut the reporter up(or copy person) – whoever penned this headline!

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."