Team Canada Practice Gets Heated when Two Key Players Get in a Shoving Match

Mason McTavish and Kent Johnson, arguably Team Canada's top two players, were engaging in a routine face-off drill when things took a heated turn. Anytime two people take draws repeatedly against each other, either hatred or respect is born. It is merely part of the game, but it always happens in one form or another. The one-on-one nature of the face-off represents the duel at high noon of ice hockey. Even in practice at the World Juniors:

Canada has their toughest game of the tournament against a hungry Team Finland who, like themselves, come in to the match perfect so far. With that in mind, McTavish and Johnson are simply sharpening their claws for battle. Most coaches would rather see too much bite in their players than too little.

Puck drop for Canada v. Finland is set for 6pm EST. Winner finishes atop Group A and will earn a more favorable position for the quarterfinals scheduled for Wednesday.

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