Canada Tee's off in front of home crowd!

Canada Makes a Statement!

Coming off a disappointing finish in the 2006 Winter Olympics, Team Canada has one agenda on it's mind. And that is GOLD! Anything less would be a another disappointment Olympic outing especially this year because they are in front of their own.

After a scoreless first period team Canada would unleash their weapons. Starting off the onslaught was Jerome Iginla on the power play off a Sidney Crosby feed. Canada's next goal would come off a Chris Pronger blast from the point that Dany Heatley would redirect in for a 2-0 Canadian lead.

Norway's best chance to score a goal would be on a 5-3 power play opportunity where they did move the puck well and the few chances they had Roberto Luongo was there.

Soon after Canada would kill off the two minor power plays and wasted no time to strike again. Mike Richards would fake one way from behind the Norway goal then come back around and slam it home on his second attempt.

Canada was full speed ahead from there on taking a 3-0 lead into the locker room. As they dominated in the second they did the same in the third adding another five goals on their way to a 8-0 win in their opener.

Canada's lamp lighters were Jerome Iginla who was good for a hat-trick while Dany Heatley had two. Richards, Getzlaf and Perry would also put home a goal each in the win.

Roberto Luongo turned away all of Norway's 15 shots on goal getting the shut-out. Luongo got the starting nod as everyone thought it would be Marty Broduer, I think Canada's coaching staff made the right decision going with the younger Luongo who has been on his game of late for the Canucks. But it wouldn't of mattered who Canada placed between the pipes last night as the out come would of been the same.

Canada's speed, size and depth showed in this match as this team did exactly what they wanted to do in their first outing. Come out and dominate! Canada dominated in their opener and the Swiss team is up next who lost to the USA earlier in the day. Another game Canada should roll though as the big one from the preliminary round will be played on Sunday night.

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