Game Results

North American hockey officially got underway this weekend with the QMJHL dropping the puck on preseason action this Saturday. Lightning prospect defenseman Michael Ward was named the game's second star in a 5-4 loss to Acadie-Bathurst after posting a goal and an assist on the power play. Ward was selected by the Lightning in the 7th round of this summer's NHL Entry Draft.

Preseason games are finally underway throughout Europe with most teams participating in preseason tournaments and individual preseason games.

Last Tuesday, Andreas Holmqvist made his debut for his new club Frolunda on the team's first pairing in a 3-2 win over Djurgardens. Holmqvist assisted on the game's opening goal by Niklas Andersson. Frolunda is one of several teams from Sweden and Finland vying for the Nordic Trophy.

Johan Harju's club Lulea got underway last Friday in a 4-4 tie against Brynas. No box score was available from the game. Lulea dropped a 3-2 match to Sodertalje the following day. Again, no box score was available.

So, although details aren't readily available from overseas, it is clear that hockey season has indeed arrived.

Courtesy of Chad, Vladimir Mihalik smacks down a puny fly of an opponent.

Team Russia defeated Sweden 3-1 today to take home the bronze medal at the World Championships. Starter Alexander Eremenko made 32 stops on 33 shots faced for the win. Lightning prospect netminder Vasily Koshechkin again served the role of backup. The young goaltender finished the tournament 3-0 with a 2.67 GAA and .879 save percentage.

In the gold medal match, Canada defeated Finland 4-2. Columbus forward Rick Nash was named tournament MVP.

Russia was defeated 2-1 today in their semifinal matchup against Finland, meaning the Russians will now play Sweden on Sunday in the bronze medal match. Goaltender Alexander Eremenko allowed 2 goals on 19 shots in the game to take the loss. Eremenko, who is a long time veteran of the Russian national team in international teams, entered the tournament as backup to Lightning prospect Vasily Koshechkin but outplayed the young netminder to take his starting job for the medal round.