Spengler Cup
December 26, 2003
Davos, SUI

by Paul Romanuk

We've seen the movie several times.  A group of Canadian hockey players, who don't normally play on the same team, are thrown onto the ice into a game after only a practice or two.   The movie starts off as a bit of a mystery, with players trying to figure out where they fit into the plot.  But the ending is usually a happy one for Canada - as it was in game number one of the Spengler Cup Tournament with Canada picking up a 3-2 win over Germany (represented by the Krefeld Penguins).  Going back to last year's championship, Canada is 6-0 in the last six games they've played at the Spengler Cup.

“Sure we got off to a bit of a tough start,” said Canadian coach Gary Green, “but our goaltending was great when we needed it and the guys got things going and played really well.”

Canada looked out of step in the first period but was saved by some spectacular goaltending from Toronto Maple Leafs' prospect Jamie Hodson.  His most spectacular save came when he stopped German forward Chris Herperger on back to back shots on the same breakaway.
“I just wanted to keep us in there in the first, until we got things going,” said Hodson.  “It's my second time at this tournament and I'd like to be one of the vets who can show some leadership.”

Herperger scored for Germany on a power play at 8:54 of the first period to put them up 1-0. 

Canada tied the game at 6:14 of the second period on a power play when Jean Guy Trudel  chipped in a shot from the edge of the crease behind German netminder Robert Muller.
 
Germany took the lead again at 14:34 of the second period on a power play goal from Robert Guillet, before Canada's Jason Pollock tied the score with 32 seconds remaining in the period.  Pollock's goal was also on the power play.

Canada's Yves Sarault, playing in his second Spengler Cup, scored the game winner at 2:07 of the third period when he redirected a beautiful pass from veteran defenceman Chris Belanger.

Canada has Saturday off before returning to action on Sunday against Finland (represented by Jokerit).