Nicholas Weberg’s view of the WJC

05 Jan 2011 | David Schlegel

The Norwegian U20 team is coming closer to the level of top class teams. Although they don’t reach the level of Canada or Sweden, Norway played equal with teams like the Czech Republic. However, after a one-year appearance in the Elite division Norway was relegated.

"We were relegated, but we won a game in the A-Pool", says Norwegian Nicholas Weberg.

"It was pretty clear that we are not a top class team and we are not going to play for the medals. I am happy we ended up 9th but on the other hand I am sad we are not going to play in Canada next year," says Nicholas Weberg, who scored an opening goal in a game against Germany.

"We worked hard to sustainably keep on the top level. On the other hand, before our victory over Germany here in Niagara Falls we haven’t won a game in the A-Pool for 20 years. We lost 18 games in a row on this level. From this perspective, it is a success," smiles Weberg and adds that last year Norway ended up 11th in the world, this year two positions higher. In their last game of the tournament, the Norwegians beat the Germans 3-1.

"I do not think our team is weaker than the team we had last year, which was promoted to the A-Pool. Last year we had a much taller team, our team here is the smallest in the tournament," adds the Norwegian.

Norway lost to Sweden 1-7 and 1-10 to Canada, but in other games they kept the pace. "We could not score, we created many chances, but did not convert them. Our shooting was a problem. I personally think we could have beat the Czech Republic at the start of the tournament. We also kept a close game against Russia for two periods," says Nicholas Weberg, who might play for the U20 team also next season.