Right now is the best possible time of the year for Canadian hockey fans.
The World Junior team is preparing to kick off their tournament tonight against Denmark in Vancouver and across the Globe, a group of pros are in Switzerland competing in the Spengler Cup. Action is already underway and a former NHLer is quickly making his mark. Defenceman Kevin Bieksa, who was competing with the Anaheim Ducks just last season, is participating in his first game of the season today and absolutely drilled HC Davos’ Andres Ambuhl with a no-nonsense, clean hit to the shoulder.
What a hit! Fans were absolutely loving it.
Bieksa’s toughness is no secret to the hockey world. He proved to be one of the best fighters in the NHL during his 13-year tenure in the league. Can anyone recall last season when he took care of business with a Superman punch on Andy Andreoff?
At 37, Bieksa’s time playing pro puck is running out but the Spengler Cup could prove to be an audition of sorts for the NHL’s second half of the season. In the meantime, he’ll look to continue dominating on the back end while enjoying the beautiful views of Switzerland.