World Junior hockey 2013: Team USA almost ready for Ufa

Canada and Russia face off in another high-profile World Junior Championship game, this time with both teams already having secured a berth in the next round.

The winner of the game earns a bye until the semi finals, while the loser must play in the Group B quarterfinals. The quarterfinal game will be against the winner of Monday’s contest between Slovakia and the USA.

Team USA and Slovakia face off on New Year’s Eve in a win-and-in battle, the winner staying alive in the 2013 World Junior Hockey Championship. The winner of the game will head to the quarterfinals for Group B while the loser heads to the relegation round.

Slovakia beat Germany in overtime Sunday to stay alive in the tournament, having already lost to Canada and taking Russia to overtime as well. The team has had to rely heavily on goaltender Adam Nagy, who has faced 75 shots in three games, and forward Marko Dano, who has five points in three games.

Slovakia and Germany both go for their first win of the 2013 World Juniors when the two teams meet on Sunday as round robin action continues.

Germany is 0-0-0-3 in the tournament thus far, being outscored 24-3 in losses to Canada, Russia and USA. Forward Leonhard Pfoder leads Germany with just two points in the the three games, while goaltenders Marvin Cupper and Elmar Trautmann have shared duties in net. Cupper has a .831 save percentage on 89 shots faced, while Trautmann has a 9.00 goals-against average in 60 mins of play.

The United States’ roster for the 2013 World Junior Championships was likely set, and they took on Finland in their second and final pre-tournament game in Helsinki. A lot of penalties taken and a mediocre performance by Team USA, however, may put the team into flux as the U.S. lost 5-1 to the Finns in their last big warmup before the tourney.

“While we respect the IIHF’s decision, we don’t feel the process is equitable,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “Moving forward, we’ll work with the IIHF and other federations to address the situation.”

With the loss of Noesen, Team USA is down to 14 forwards, nine defensemen and three goaltenders. These 26 players will head overseas to take part in pre-tournament games against Sweden and Finland Dec. 20 and Dec. 22, after which one forward and two defensemen will be cut from the team before Team USA takes the ice to start the tourney on Dec. 27 against Germany.