Canada is down a few key players who are with their NHL teams, and not just the obvious one in Bedard. You also have Korchinski with the Hawks (taken with the pick we gave them for DeBrincat, which stings), Adam Fantilli with Columbus, Zach Benson in Buffalo, Shane Wright and Matthew Poitras in Boston. (Benson is only 18, which is wild. Shane Wright got an exemption and is playing for Seattle's AHL affiliate. Apparently he wasn't dying to go back to the tournament, which is somewhat understandable - been there, done that.)
As a result, I am told that the Americans are probably the slight favourites going in. Still, there have been plenty of years when Canada wasn't favoured and won, and a few where they were and lost. As Chris Berman says, that's why they play the games. I'll be tuned in as always...
I wonder how you get tickets for next years WJC in Ottawa. Or if they are already on sale?
They are on a pre-sale right now to Sens season ticket holders, and to Redblacks season ticket holders. The full package only, of course...