Eberle leads Canada to victory and looks poised for a big World Championship

While Team Canada wasn't at their best in beating Switzerland 2-1 in a pre-tournament tuneup for the 2012 World Hockey Championship, Edmonton Oilers star winger Jordan Eberle did what he always seems to do when he pulls on a Canada jersey...score big goals. The Oilers leading scorer managed to first tie the game up with 0.8 seconds remaining in regulation and then score the winner in the shootout, leading Canada to the win. The game marked the clubs first game action, as they prepare for their opening game on Friday morning against Slovakia.

With the Stanley Cup playoffs just starting up their second round of series, this tournament continues to be an after thought for many fans and players alike. While their roster is still littered with talented players, it is missing much of its "core" veteran presence. Having said that, this team is very young but also highly skilled. With a young nucleus upfront that includes Eberle along with his Oilers teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, New York Islanders John Tavares, Carolina Hurricanes Jeff Skinner and Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane, they look to be in good shape. Add to that the veterans like Anaheim Duck teammates Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, along with Chicago Blackhawks Patrick Sharp and it is clear Canada is far from being "short" on talent.

In fact, do not be surprised to see a player like Jordan Eberle have a bit of a coming out party in this year's championship. While he has just completed his second season in the NHL, this will be the Regina native's third trip to the post season tournament. With his proven track record as a big time producer for Team Canada, Eberle was invited to play at the Worlds before playing his first National Hockey League game. Hockey Canada and fans of the World Junior Championship know exactly what this kid is capable of under pressure and after two seasons of watching him play on a nightly basis, fans of the Edmonton Oilers are more then aware of the abilities that Mr.Eberle possess. Coming off an impressive 34 goal, 76 point campaign, I feel the time has come for the rest of the hockey world to take notice of how good Jordan Eberle is and take notice they shall.

Team Canada Roster 

Netminders

Devan Dubnyk
Matt Hackett
Cam Ward


Defencemen

Jay Bouwmeester
Duncan Keith
Marc Methot
Dion Phaneuf
Luke Schenn
P.K. Subban
Marc-Edouard Vlasic


Forwards

Jamie Benn
Alex Burrows
Jordan Eberle
Ryan Getzlaf
Evander Kane
Andrew Ladd
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Ryan O'Reilly
Corey Perry
Teddy Purcell
Patrick Sharp
Jeff Skinner
John Tavares