Canada East Loses A Tight One To USA

[CapitalsGM]

--Toronto, Ontario

The round robin of the NsHL World Cup of Hockey opened up today with 7 different countries facing off to open up the tournament. This matchup was thought to be one of the toughest matchups that Canada East would play in the tournament.

"We simply weren't prepared for this matchup. I think the guys thought they could rely on their skill," co-GM Cawker told reporters. "It's frustrating to lose such a tight game. The game could've gone either way. We also need our veterans to come up larger, it just wasn't enough."

Reporters said that co-GM Cawker was furious after his team lost this game and stormed out of the building. Word has it that he was frustrated with the play of Martin Brodeur, who definitely got outplayed by the goaltender of the defending Stanley Cup champions. The game was close, with a maximum differential of 2 shots per period between the two sides. Canada East outshot USA 31-28 and was more disciplined than the talented USA squad.

"The bottom line is we must beat Slovakia and Russia if we want to have ourselves an easier matchup in the quarterfinals. However, with that being said, in a tournament that gathers the best in the world, no matchup is an easy matchup and we have to come to play every single game. It isn't like a 82-game regular season where you can make mistakes. This tournament is 11 days and every play is important."

When asked if they will try new line combinations, co-GM Cawker said "I will talk to my co-GM Adriano Viterbo and we will decide. However, nothing is in concrete and anything can happen before tomorrow nights matchup against Slovakia."

Spencer Cawker
Canada East Co-GM

[torontogm]

"I don't see how Spencer can be upset at Marty's play. When your team can only net 1 goal, with that many superstars on it, your goalie shouldn't be put with the blame when he allows 2 goals. Look at Canada West. Giguere allowed 5 goals, but you can't really put the blame on the goalie when the team doesn't show either.

About the line combos, it is possible we that we may switch a couple players, but I'm not going to change my whole line-up because of one game.

You Philly fans should be happy though, I think Primeau will start. I also wanted each goalie to start a round robin game, but we'll see how talks go with Spencer. It would be a shame not to see each goalie play though, all three are capable of great things, their stats speak for theirselves.

As for Primeau I think a big, strong, presence upfront would have helped my team last night. I don't think we lacked anything, but if you can get better in an area, then you should go for it."

Adriano Viterbo
Canada East Co-GM

[CapitalsGM]

"I would like to apologize for my comments made about Martin Brodeur. In no means was I saying that he had a horrible night, I was simply just stating the facts, he got outplayed by the goaltender of the defending Stanley Cup champions," said GM Cawker.

"I would also like to clear up my comment made about the lines. Some lines will remain intact but I think we should try giving our lineup an older look, and if that means adding in Keith Primeau then me and my co-GM Adriano Viterbo will do that," he concluded.

Spencer Cawker
Co-GM Canada East

[torontogm]

Lets Go Canada East!

[coloradogm]

They kissed and made up