The 2018 IIHF World Junior Championships have officially begun in Buffalo, and with it it has brought some incredible highlights and moments. International competitions are usually full of poignant moments and tense situations, but this one featuring hockey players age 20 and under is often a standout tournament for its big moments.
2018 World Juniors: The best highlights from Day 1 in Buffalo
The tournament has already given us some show-stopping moments.
Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images
While the biggest question on many people’s mind is if the United States can repeat for World Junior gold and a chance at history, there are so many other threads to follow. Will Team Canada’s goaltending hold up? How will Russia fair now that this is their biggest international showing thanks to the Olympic ban?
This time of year, however, can get pretty busy, so if you don’t have time to catch every bit of World Junior hockey you don’t need to look any further! Here are the best, biggest, and brightest highlights from the first day of World Junior competition in Buffalo.
Russia gave us the first standout goal right out of the gate
It didn’t take long for the World Juniors to get funky. Marsel Sholokhov’s first period goal for Russia just 10 minutes into the game gave us a taste of what was to come. The Russians lost to the Czech Republic, 5-4, but this goal was a standout.
Canada benefits from a so-so call
The Canadians took down Finland, 4-2, but this opening goal from Boris Katchouk was a bit controversial. The puck only crossed the goal line after it was dislodged by Katchouk, but the referees ruled it a goal anyway.
Goalies are strange, wonderful people
Before Canada’s matchup, goaltender Carter Hart involved himself in a strange superstition of being the last player to leave the ice in warmups. Hart ended the night with 29 saves on 31 shots.
Hart did need some help, though
Canadian defenseman Cal Foote came to Hart’s rescue after batting this puck away with his hands at the goal line. The move saved a sure-fire goal, and one that would have moved Finland closer in the closing moments of the third period.
Casey Mittelstadt shows his hands
The United States cruised to an easy victory on Tuesday, as they bested Denmark, 9-0. The eighth overall pick from the 2017 draft showcased his talent with a real nice goal to put the Americans off to a strong start.
Canada fans got in the spirit early
The World Juniors truly are the best time of year, folks.
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