WJC a must-see for any hockey enthusiast

By Chuck Grillo

 

The World Junior Championships is one of the finest tournaments played anytime, at any level, in any sport, anywhere in the world. 

 

I enjoy the TV hype across Canada and my wish is for a Unites States TV channel to recognize the need to get this product out to the American fans.  Any fan or parent of <i> any <i> athlete should want to witness this event, whether in person or on TV.

 

Corporations spend millions of dollars on endorsements for pro athletes.  The WJC, and others like it, would be a sound investment for any corporation looking for exposure in the business world.  What’s there not to like about supporting young athletes aspiring to turn professional?

 

USA Hockey took a huge step in developing young players by participating in the various smaller international tournaments in August, November and February, but the World Juniors over the holidays and the Under-18 Championships in April are on a whole different level.  The quality of play from what we’re used to watching during the regular season is dramatically enhanced.

 

The World Juniors is made up of the best hockey-playing teenagers in the world.  It’s a test of where players are today and a look into what might be in the future if players continue to improve.  Many of these young prodigies have a good chance of eventually making an NHL roster.


 

Many consider the U.S. a favorite because of its recent successes on the international stage, but I’ve yet to see a team win one game in a newspaper.  The hype prior to the tournament has nothing to do with who will win the tournament; all it does is sell newspapers, raise TV ratings and spark interest.

 

This tournament exposes even the best players if they lack intensity, take too many penalties or stray away from the team game.  Canada has proven this for years by having gifted players assume a specific role. It has the resources and it knows how to put a team together.  Canada’s No. 1 priority is dressing players who fit into the group and play as a team.  The U.S. is moving in that direction.

 

Canada is the favorite every year because it has the largest player pool.  It makes no difference where anyone was drafted; the only thing that matters is the expression of skills in a team setting, players who want to make a difference and those who compete with a “chip on their shoulder.”

 

Should the Americans believe they can win the gold?  I think so.  The Americans have had success in recent international play, so a winning attitude is definitely expected.  They've proven they can raise their game to the level required to succeed in this setting.

 

One thing we know for sure:  The experience gained by playing in this environment will enhance any player's chances of moving to the next levels.  Players in the right frame of mind use the World Junior Championships as a building block - another step towards a career in the game - all within a team concept.

 

 

"It does matter how you play the game and it does matter if you win or lose." 

 

We were not put on this earth to be mediocre or average. We were created to go beyond our job description and be a cut above. If we want to live a rewarding life, aim for excellence and do more than is required. This creates an enthusiasm for life and guarantees peace of mind and happiness.  Enjoy the World Junior Championship; blessed with athletes expected to be a cut above.

 

An amateur scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Chuck Grillo also owns and operates the highly-regarded Minnesota Hockey Camps with his wife, Clairene, and  sons, Dino (Indiana Ice) and Roby (San Jose Sharks).  For more information on the camps, visit www.mnhockeycamps.com or e-mail chuck@mnhockeycamps.com