The Canadian men’s hockey team started the Olympic tournament with a bang in Beijing with a 5-1 win over Germany on Thursday.
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Despite the absence of players from the National Hockey League, Canada does intend to fight for a medal, ideally gold. This victory was also a revenge while the Germans had beaten the Canadians in the semi-finals, four years ago, in Pyeongchang.
Former Montreal Canadiens forward Jordan Weal notably hit the target for the Maple Leaf representatives in the third period on Thursday. Defender Alex Grant had first put Canada on the score early in the game, then forwards Ben Street and Daniel Winnik struck twice within 32 seconds halfway through the opening frame.
Quebec defender Maxim Noreau scored in the second period while David Desharnais had previously picked up an assist on Winnik’s goal.
In goal, Ontario goalie Eddie Pasquale, who has been playing with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl for two seasons, yielded only once against Germany. Tobias Reider beat him in the middle frame.
Claude Julien back
In the good news department, it was announced that head coach Claude Julien will finally be able to lead the team at the Beijing Games. For the moment, Julien will have been an attentive spectator during the match against Germany.
Hockey Canada had however indicated at the end of January that the former pilot of the Canadian had to forfeit due to a fracture of the ribs suffered during the training camp held in Davos, Switzerland. However, he obtained permission to travel, hence his arrival in China.
“Claude kept spirits up and continued to support our team during his recovery. We are happy that he has recovered quickly from the injury and that he can return to us to continue our quest for the gold medal for Canada,” said general manager Shane Doan in a press release.
Jeremy Colliton, who took over as head coach on January 30, will return to his position as assistant when Julien returns.
- Canada’s second game in the men’s Olympic tournament is scheduled for Saturday against the United States (late Friday evening Quebec time).