This is a poorly written article by a journalist who probably wasn’t at the game. I was. USA beat France 9-4 in a fast paced game. The other game on the opening day was Canada vs. Israel, with the home team Israelis winning 2-1.
The author didn’t interview anybody, didn’t count the crowd at about 700 out of 1000 seats in the arena (so he obviously wasn’t there), and didn’t talk to anybody on the Israeli team including former NHL and Stanley Cup winning coach Jean Peron of Israel.
Israel is definitely in it to win, and the level of competition is very high (Canada and USA composed of top junior and NCAA players, Team France includes 2 players from their national team that beat Israel in the IIHF world champs two years ago).
Great hockey, lousy article. Gold medal game is this Friday, July 20.

Posted by Paul from Israel on 07/16/07 at 12:10 PM ET

Thanks Paul for the update.  Keep us posted if possible.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 07/16/07 at 12:13 PM ET

Final results: USA defeated Israel 2-1 for the gold medal. Canada defeated France 4-1 for the bronze.
This was a surprisingly balanced tournament with high calibre players. A pleasure to watch and proof to the IIHF that international tournaments can indeed be held in Israel, even on the Lebanese border.
Team USA was coached by former Leaf great John Anderson, Team Canada by junior coaching legend Sherry Bassin, and Team France by their same national team coach Dave Henderson.

Posted by Paul from israel on 07/21/07 at 12:46 PM ET

Thanks Paul. If you find a good story online, feel free to email the link to me and I will post it.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 07/21/07 at 12:50 PM ET