Championship Atmosphere as the Games Begin

Team Russia Surpasses Team USA 9-6 in Ice Hockey

February 2, 2007

The 2007 Winter Deaflympics started off with a head-to-head match as Team Russia, winners of the bronze medal at the 2003 Sundsvall Deaflympics, took on the defending silver medalists, Team USA, at the Steiner Ice Arena in Salt Lake City.

Russia took a quick 2-0 lead within the first five minutes of the first period. Not to be discouraged and amid the exuberant response from the Russian fans who were wildly celebrating their lead; US number 23, Benjamin Johnson, sliced through the Russian defense with only the Russian goalie between him and a score that would cut the opponent’s lead in half. But Johnson didn’t get the chance to make his shot as he was taken down from behind, leading to a short but brutal brawl on the ice. Awarded a penalty shot, Johnson made the most out of his second chance hitting a screamer past the goalie and putting America on the board with their first goal at the 14:07 mark.

Team Russia scored again at 3-1 and would hold that lead for the next 10 minutes of the game. After several valiant attempts, Team USA found made a perfectly beautiful pass threading two Russian defenders. USA’s Jameson Crane then took it to the net for a tip goal at the 5:55 mark, cutting Russia’s lead to 3-2. For the next 27 minutes, both teams would push their defense to the limit with an awesome display of talent. Finally, Team Russia pushed through 3 goals in the second period making the lead 6-2 at the second intermission.

The Russian goal at the beginning of the third period seemed to be the proverbial nail in the coffin. But again, Team USA refused to back down and with some motivation from their visibly incensed coach during the second intermission, they played with a renewed sense of vigor. Team USA relentlessly attacked the goal and aggressively hustled for every possible rebound. Amazingly, USA scored four times within ten minutes cutting the apparent insurmountable lead to only one behind at 7-6. What seemed to be, at one point, a potential blowout quickly became a nail biter. The USA fans erupted with an uproar of cheers. The 3000 fans who came to see a great match would not leave disappointed. As the game continued, both sides volleyed back and forth and the clock continued its countdown. With just minutes left of the game, the Russians scored twice capping the game off at 9-6. The outcome of the game would likely be different had time been on their side. But regardless, Team USA played a very impressive hockey game.

Team USA’s next hockey match is against Team Sweden at 8 pm on Sunday, February 4, 2007, at the Steiner Ice Arena.