World Junior Hockey 2012/ Edmonton fans crushed by Team Canada loss

Russia celebrates their victory over Canada 6-5 in semi final  

action at the 2012 World Junior Championships

EDMONTON - Team Canada fans were still nursing bruised egos Wednesday after the Russians beat the Canadians 6-5 the night before to advance to Thursday’s gold medal game at the world juniors.

“The last few minutes of the game were probably one of the most exciting moments of hockey I’ve watched,” Edmonton fan John Bell said, after the Canadians scored four goals in the third period and almost tied the game.

“It was a tragic loss. The team played their hearts out, but just didn’t receive the bounces they needed to win”.

Geoff Krasowski said he was disappointed by the loss and the reality that the team won’t play for gold.

“Canada didn’t play like they wanted to win until the third period,” he said. “You can’t win a game by only showing up for the last 20 minutes.”

Lyle Best, the Edmonton chairman of the tournament, said Canada put up a good fight against a tough team and there is nothing more that could have been asked of the players.

“No one likes to see Team Canada lose,” he said.

“There is a lot of pressure on these kids to win gold every year, but it’s just not realistic.”

Canada plays Finland on Thursday in the bronze medal game in Calgary.