 | |||
| Phillip Danault, courtesy Photi Sotiropoulos |
The World Junior Championships is always a big deal, especially
if you are a player looking to make the Canadian team.
Although it means being away from family and friends over the
holiday season, it is a sacrifice all players would be willing to make in order
to represent their country in a national tradition.
The 2013 edition of this event is going to take on an even
bigger meaning, not just to Canadians but also to any hockey fan throughout the
world.
Of course there have been European leagues, the AHL, NCAA and
other leagues to follow but there is still no NHL hockey being played. Many
fans of the game have been talking about the World Junior’s since the beginning
of the hockey season.
After all, with the ongoing lockout we are experiencing, this
tournament has been the one constant fans could look forward to. It also helps
that many NHL-caliber players will be suiting up for their countries.
Even though these talented players will make the hockey better,
it also makes it tougher on players who are on the fringe of making their
respective teams.