BUFFALO, N.Y. — Canadian coach Dave Cameron says he’s not a fan of trash talk but couldn’t resist a response to a perceived slight from Swedish coach Roger Ronnberg at the world junior hockey championship.
After Sweden downed Canada 6-5 in a shootout, Ronnberg raised some eyebrows when he said his team’s defence was tested more in earlier games against Russia and the Czech Republic than it was against the Canadians.
Cameron’s reaction?
“I’ll answer that in two parts, is that fair?” he said with a smile as he met with media Saturday morning. “The first part is, they beat us. He’s the king of the mountain right now and he can say what he wants.
”The second part is I wish part of this tournament was a shinny game between coaches, with no media.“
The two teams can still meet again in a medal match, but Cameron said he doesn’t anticipate taking shots at the Swedes if the outcome is reversed next time.
“This isn’t a time for games,“ he said. “They’re a very good team.
“He can say what he wants about his team. We’re not going to do that, or I hope we’re not going to do that. My message to my players is regardless of what happens in this tournament, stay humble. There’s more than one good team here. Let your work on the ice do all your talking.“