Team USA forward Ryan Kesler has made a living playing on the edge. Friday in a pre-tournament game between Team USA and Team Canada Kesler pushed the limits again when he ran defenseman Shea Weber from behind. The play resulted in a major penalty and game misconduct. It also resulted in a few punches to the face from Jonathan Toews. The high intensity game featured numerous pushing matches and big hits, but this one left a mark, a mark that did not sit well with Team Canada.
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Saturday night was the pre-tournament rematch at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. It was revenge time for Team Canada, and they did not wait long to send the message. Thirty-seconds in John Tavares hammered Kesler hard into the end boards. This was followed up by a late hit from Joe Thornton late in the first period. This hit caught Kesler off guard because it was late. Thornton was issued a minor penalty on the play, but the damage was well worth it. The message had been sent and the intensity will ramp up even more when the tournament begins on Saturday.
RINK REPORT:
- Las Vegas franchise owner Bill Foley confirms that the team name will contain “Knights”.
- Kris Versteeg has signed on with the Edmonton Oilers for a tryout. The veteran forward had 38 points last season with the Carolina Hurricanes and Los Angeles Kings.
- Calgary Flames RFA Johnny Gaudreau stated that his contract negotiation will be put on hold until after the World Cup.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.