US ready to defend World Junior title

By foxsports
Published

The United States holds the title of being World Junior Hockey champions, and the Canadians want it back as the 10-nation tournament prepares to open in Buffalo this weekend.

It doesn't take much more to figure that out than to ask Team Canada coach Dave Cameron how much he's still stung by last year's overtime loss to the U.S. in the gold medal game.

''What do you think?'' Cameron bluntly said Friday as his team attended a pep rally in nearby Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The U.S. opens against Finland on Sunday, and has a chance to win consecutive titles for the first time in the tournament's 35-year history. Canada, Sweden and Russia are regarded the prime contenders as the world's top prospects gather for the 11-day event.