2005 WORLD JR. HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP - Dec. 25 - Jan. 4, 2005

[BOREALIS]

Switzerland 5, Germany 0 ~ Jan. 1 /RELEGATION

Switzerland shuts down Germany 5-0 in first relegation match

Germans out of 2006 WJC

Posted on Sun, Jan. 02, 2005
By Kevin Fee
Herald Staff Writer


Coaches are always worried about how their team will perform in relegation play. Compounding the concern for Switzerland coach Jakob Kolliker was that his team was facing a rival.

But after some anxious moments the Swiss took control against Germany in the second period en route to a 5-0 victory Saturday in the World Junior Championship in Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Switzerland outscored Germany 3-0 in the second period on goals by Rafael Diaz, Marco Kaser and Beat Schuler.

Victor Stancescu scored the final two goals and was named the team's player of the game.

Switzerland goalie Michael Tobler finished with 19 saves for the shutout.

"It was a hard game for us," Kolliker said. "We know Germany very well. It was a little bit nervous."

Switzerland had a 46-19 edge in shots on goal. It also held Germany scoreless on six power-play chances.

Switzerland and Slovakia both have two points in the relegation round. If Slovakia defeats Belarus today, Switzerland will be guaranteed a top-eight finish in the tournament.

But Switzerland wants to finish seventh. It likely will need a victory against Slovakia on Monday to earn the spot.

"That's our goal," Kolliker said, "to be the best losers."

Either way, the Swiss are in good shape. They had scored 10 goals and allowed none in relegation. Their other victory was 5-0 over Belarus, as round robin games betweeen relegation teams carry over to the final standings.

"We want to win the final game against Slovakia," Stancescu said. "Seventh place would be a good result."

All top-eight finishers from this year's tournaemnt will qualify for next year's tournament in Vancouver, B.C. The ninth- and 10th-place teams will be replaced by Norway and Latvia.


Germany has been eliminated, meaning it must qualify in a Division I tournament next winter to get to the 2007 tournament in Sweden.

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/sports/special_packages/world_juniors/10547827.htm