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Traditionally
the former Czechoslovakia was always a hockey super
power. Czechoslovakia, not USA, Sweden or Finland,
usually posed the deepest threat to both Canada and
the Soviet Union prior to new political realities
established by the 1990s. Czechoslovakia was always
the proverbial thorn in the side for each nation.
They participated in some epic battles against each.
Times
have changed. Czechoslovakia is now two separate
countries - the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Both
are near super-power status, and both have had lots
of success on the international stage in the new millennium,
particularly the Czech Republic, and particularly at
the World Championship and World Junior Championship
levels.
While
both have as good a chance as anybody to win the
World Cup 2004, it is scary to imagine a combined
entry like in the old days.
Slovakia
is still the weaker sister of the two, but has made
great strides as evidenced by their 2002 World
Championship victory. They are blessed with
incredible skill and speed up front. This team can
score goals. Ziggy Palffy, Peter Bondra, Pavol
Dimetra, Miro Satan, Jozef Stumpel and Richard
Zednik have been world class players for years. Even
scarier is the new generation of Slovakian slingers
led by Marian Hossa, Marian Gaborik and Ladislav
Nagy. Michal Handzus provides a great two way
presence. The Slovakians are doing an incredible job
developing elite forwards.
It's
a good thing Slovakia can score goals, because
they'll need to try to outgun opponents at the World
Cup. The Slovakians have no proven NHL goaltender,
and only one top quality NHL defenseman. Norris
trophy finalist Zdeno Chara is one of the world's
best, but he has little help on the blueline.
The
Czechs, on the other hand, have a more balanced
team, and are more likely to capture the World Cup
trophy. If they do they'll add to a recent resume
which includes back-to-back-to-back World
Championships at the turn of the century.
They
have one of the world's best goalies and best kept
secrets in Nashville Predator puck stopper Tomas
Vokoun. Forget about Dominik Hasek, Vokoun will
likely be a big story in this year's World Cup.
They
might not have as much scoring depth as Slovakia,
but the Czechs can brag about arguably the best
player in the world Jaromir Jagr, along with high
scoring teammates Patrik Elias, Milan Hejduk and
Robert Lang. Expect Lang and Jagr to be reunited for
this tournament, possibly with former linemate
Martin Straka, to form what might be the
tournament's most dominant line. The remainder of
the forwards include a sprinkling of youth and
experience. Most are good two-way hockey players.
The
Czech's Achilles' Heel will also be their blueline.
They possess solid but no dominant defenders. Pavel
Kubina, Tomas Kaberle, Marek Zidlicky and Roman
Hamrlik will lead the way.
The
Czechs always play a sound team defensive game as
well, and should be considered a serious threat to
claim victory.
For
a moment, let's just pretend the political realities
never set in, and combine the two rosters. Here's a
look at the potential Team Czechoslovakia 2004:
Straka-Lang-Jagr
Bondra-Stumpel-Palffy
Hossa-Demitra-Hejduk
Elias-Nagy-Gaborik
Chara-Hamrlik
T. Kaberle-Kubina
Zidlicky-Visnovsky
Vokoun
Czechmanek
Prusek
That's
a pretty potent lineup that even Canada would have
trouble matching.
While
the political realities may prevent a super power of
that magnitude, don't be surprised if either the
Czech Republic or Slovakia use the World Cup to
establish themselves as a true hockey super power on
their own.
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