Team Canada update

SASKATOON

Willie Desjardins will have one less blueliner to turn to tonight for Team Canada's round robin test against Slovakia.

Oshawa Generals defenceman Calvin de Haan suffered a suspected concussion Monday against Switzerland - the Canadian team is calling it an upper body injury - and won't be available as the unbeaten Canadians take on the 1-1 Slovaks. The youngster is a good puckmover, and now it will be up to Jared Cowan to move up in the Canadian lineup and take more minutes.

It's not clear whether de Haan will be available to play against the U.S. on New Year's Eve.

Maple Leaf prospect Nazem Kadri, meanwhile, is in some hot water for a throat-slashing gesture he made towards a Swiss player in Canada's 6-0 victory. Kadri admitted to the gesture, and Desjardins, the Canadian coach, wrote it off to the London Knights forward being frustrated with playing a poor game.

In Canada's opener against Latvia, Kadri took a minor and misconduct in the first period for what was deemed a head shot foul.

Latvia, meanwhile, fell to 0-3 today with a 12-1 loss to the United States. Latvia has been outscored 36-4 in three games.

Comments

[Skinny Jimmy]

The more Kadri plays, the less class he shows. I hope he starts to grow up soon.

[Yukoner]

Why don't any Canadian hockey teams wear the best sweater ever, the 1972 Summit Series sweater?

[Colin W]

That Latvia and some of the other weaker nations are allowed to compete at this level is a travesty. While I can appreciate that a win is a win, I find it embarrassing to sing the praises of the Canadian team when they are playing such weak opponents. It is not unlike an older kid taking candy from a small child. These teams are way out of their league and seem to be thrown into a tournament to make it appear "competitive" with X number of countries. While another gold medal would be nice, wake me up when our boys play a team worthy of being considered competent enough, i.e. on par talent/skill wise.