Here’s a firsthand look via Twitter at the preliminary round of the 2014 World Junior Championship that included upsets, superb special teams and exceptional hockey.
Canadian & Swedish Fans Create the Atmosphere
While the host nation had its fans fill Malmö Arena, Canadians traveled from far and wide to pack Malmö Isstadion. Together, the loyal fanbases brought plenty of energy and created an electric atmosphere.
As expected Sweden running away from Norway 5-0. Great atmosphere though #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/nNHJ7rgPJr
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 29, 2013
Crowd looks a bit different today with Canada in action #wjc pic.twitter.com/YWnCV5vfFa
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 28, 2013
Nice to actually have a crowd #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/YeLXFqRKYy
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 29, 2013
Despite being a continent away, Canadian fans came out in droves. A guy made his first trip to Europe for this #wjc pic.twitter.com/CT3ce9Wz0w
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 26, 2013
A Closer Look at the Stars
Here’s an inside look at some of the stars of the tournament thus far. Covering the event provided the opportunity to get up close and personal with the game.
Say hello to USA captain Riley Barber #wjc pic.twitter.com/RFA2rSirwy
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 26, 2013
Hanging out with Team Finland in Malmö Arena #wjc pic.twitter.com/4ufimFkkJX
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 27, 2013
Say hello to #Sabres prospect and Finland defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen #wjc pic.twitter.com/t09OuZtjOc
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 27, 2013
Anxiously waiting for the game? Have a look at Canadian D-man Aaron Ekblad #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/GQXgNEaZhU
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 31, 2013
USA loosening up before facing off against Germany #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/hFFLNGJOak
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 29, 2013
Thrilling Games & Upsets
The international game’s growing parity was on display at World Junior’s with thrilling upsets and stiff competition.
Upset city! Czech Republic defeats Canada #wjc pic.twitter.com/48VJlXSAPg
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 28, 2013
Could we have our 2nd upset of the day? Finland leads Russia 3-1 #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/TU7VEIgtZU
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 30, 2013
Canada ties it with 6 minutes left #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/q44zlAhBjr
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 30, 2013
Checked back in at Malmö Arena to catch the ens of NOR-SUI. Tied at 2 in the 3rd #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/ZhKQ85M1MI
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 30, 2013
The Power Play Reigns Supreme
And… that’s the 10th USA PPG in Malmö #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/4V4oA0esps
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 29, 2013
CZE answers right back with a PPG. Lead 4-3 #wjc pic.twitter.com/bJhYTtNdOr
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 28, 2013
Slovakia strikes again on PP. We’ve got a game 3-2 USA #wjc pic.twitter.com/rk3AVkPbUG
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 28, 2013
Finland strikes first on the PP. #wjc pic.twitter.com/duMqsVMPZx
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 27, 2013
Blood & Guts
Hockey is a tough game and, these young men have put it all on the line, battling pain and playing through injury.
Marek Langhammer down after collision #wjc pic.twitter.com/tddeUpFRQB
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 28, 2013
Kase appears to have loosened a tooth #wjc pic.twitter.com/OGuL04uyHa
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 28, 2013
Hudson Fasching grimacing after his last shift #wjc pic.twitter.com/kCH9aqKTup
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 26, 2013
Lunter is pain on the Slovak bench #wjc#wjc2014pic.twitter.com/STIdpGI4bN
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 30, 2013
And of Course, USA & Canada
The preliminary round culminated with the much anticipated USA-Canada game. The two combatants did not disappoint.
USA with pregame jitters? Don’t think so #wjc#WJC2014https://t.co/8KzWaQiYQl
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 31, 2013
No other place on earth I’d rather be right now #wjc#wjc2014https://t.co/A9WHK7ILqE
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 31, 2013
USA strikes first right as Canada was going on the PP #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/nL7rpE0Iwt
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 31, 2013
After hitting the post, Canada ties it at 1 #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/9oHuGymY5d
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 31, 2013
CAN takes the lead in the 3rd #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/KNN2lZ9IeC
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 31, 2013
CAN strikes on the PP. Lead 3-1 #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/h1TWXiGq9J
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 31, 2013
USA draws within 1. Setting up for a great finish #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/ctyB9LHD3j
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 31, 2013
Canada wins a thriller over USA 3-2 #wjc #wjc2014 pic.twitter.com/bhI32v9ctO
— Joseph Vito DeLuca (@joevitodeluca) December 31, 2013
Stayed tuned here and follow me on Twitter to stay up to date. I’ll be on the ground in Malmö for the duration of the tournament and continue to provide all of the latest news and analysis.