Team Canada 2012 WJC Jersey

This jersey belongs to Jonathan Ludwig of Toronto, Ontario.

Team Canada 2012 World Junior Championship Jersey.

“Nothing is more exciting to a hockey fan after enjoying Christmas day than realizing that it is boxing day tomorrow. As of course along with boxing day comes the beginning of the World Junior Championship, the most exciting time of year! I’m even more excited this year after unwrapping this beauty jersey from under the tree. I am debating getting a #14 Eberle on the back. Even though he is not on the team this year, he has been the most electrifying players on Team Canada in recent years.

Team Canada kicks off the round-robin tomorrow at 3:30 PM (EST) vs Finland, where Canada will begin its journey on home ice in Edmonton, Alberta. The tournament is split between games at the Rexall Place Arena, home of the Edmonton Oilers, and the Scotiabank Saddledome, home of the Calgary Flames. Canada is coming off of consecutive disappointing losses in the gold medal game of the tournament. Last year’s gold medal game was breakdown of epic proportions as Canada had a commanding 3-0 lead over Team Russia going into the third period. Everyone thought the gold medal was all but guaranteed with the third period lead, but the Russians would scored five unanswered goals to snatch the gold medal out from under Canada’s grasp.

The Canadians will be determined to redeem themselves this year. Although there are only four returning members from last years squad (Forwards Jaden Schwartz, Brett Connolly, Quinton Howden, and goalie Mark Visentin), the loss is remembered by all.

Look for captain and returning forward Jaden Schwartz to lead Canada’s high powered offence and Devante Smith-Pelly who was returned by the Anaheim Ducks for the tournament to bring a strong physical offensive game. One interesting pre tournament story is who should be the starting goalie. Mark Visentin was the starting goalie last year, but was very shaky in the third period of the gold medal game and the recent 5-3 exhibition loss to Team Sweden. Scott Wedgewood came into replace Visentin halfway through the game after the starter let in four goals on 17 shots. Wedgewood looked solid in saving all the shots he faced. My best bet would be that head coach Don Hay goes with his veteran in the first game as a vote of confidence to Visentin.

Merry Christmas to all and enjoy the World Junior Championship!”

Follow Luddy on Twitter @MPluddy7

Did Santa bring you a jersey for Christmas? Send pictures of your beauty jerseys to lew@mindpuck.ca or tweet @MPluddy7 to be featured on MindPuck’s Beauty Jersey of the Day!