Colorado Avalanche and Swedish legend Peter Forsberg didnt mince words when it came to what he thought about Canadian referees working Sundays gold medal game between Sweden and Canada.
Vladimir Konstantinov Jersey . "What a f___ing joke!" the seven-time All-Star said to Swedish reporters, calling the selection of officials Kelly Sutherland, Brad Meier, Greg Devorski and Derek Amell "comedy at its highest level." Referees Sutherland and linesmen Devorski and Amell are Canadian, while referee Meier is an American who makes his home in Calgary. Not all Swedes are seemingly as upset as Forsberg. Veteran Swedish defenceman Niklas Kronwall of the Detroit Red Wings believes that both teams can benefit from North American officials. "We are used to having referees from USA and Canada in the NHL," said Kronwall. "We know their standards so I think its easier for us too if the referees are from there." Former Norris Trophy winner and Ottawa Senators standout Erik Karlsson agreed with his fellow blueliner. "I think most referees over there [in the National Hockey League] are Canadian, too," said Karlsson. "They probably support Montreal or Toronto, but they dont make any difference there. I couldnt care less about what the referees do. As you saw yesterday, we had two power plays, Finland had a lot, and we still won the game. Its nothing we can control and neither can Canada." IIHF officiating manager Konstantin Komissarov later confirmed the evaluation process for tournament officials and why that quartet was selected to work the final. "The main factor of the selection of these officials has most of all to do with their experience officiating in high-level competitions," said Komissarov on Saturday. "These include Stanley Cup playoffs, World Championship competitions, and Olympic competitions." Komissarov stressed that an officials nationality doesnt play into the process. "Their nationalities arent considered as factors nor should they be, we want the best officials working the medal games," he said. "We are fully confident that with their experience and professionalism these officials will do their job well and preserve the integrity of the game." The gold medal game between Canada and Sweden can be seen on TSN, streamed online and heard on TSN Radio on Sunday morning at 7am et/4am pt.
Jonas Gustavsson Jersey . The Texas Rangers quickly got even, and the right-hander felt like he was starting over when he got back on the mound.
Niklas Kronwall Jersey . Almost 18 months after Armstrongs seven Tour wins were wiped from the record, an independent panel created by the new International Cycling Union leadership has begun work to discover the extent of the sports past problems. MANCHESTER, England -- England defender Luke Shaw became the worlds most expensive teenage player on Friday and Manchester Uniteds second signing in 24 hours following its worst English Premier League campaign. The 18-year-old left back joined United from Southampton, reportedly for more than 27 million pounds ($46 million), straight after returning from his first World Cup with England. Southampton confirmed the deal made Shaw "the most expensive teenager ever," which would eclipse fees of around 26 million pounds ($44 million) that saw Wayne Rooney join Manchester United in 2004 and Marquinhos sign for Paris Saint-Germain last year. Shaw signed a four-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year if he continues to develop as one of the most exciting youngsters in football. "I want to continue to progress my career and joining United is the ideal place for me to do that," Shaw said in a statement. Louis van Gaal doesnt officially take charge at United until his World Cup campaign as Netherlands manager is over, but players are being signed ready for the Dutchmans arrival. United paid around $50 million for Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera the day before Shaws arrival. The record 20-time English champions are spending early in the summer transfer wiindow after dithering last year in the post-Alex Ferguson era led to an alarming, and costly, slump on the pitch.
Steve Yzerman Red Wings Jersey. David Moyes was fired just before the season ended with United going from 2013 champions to seventh-place finishers last month. Uniteds management has convinced Shaw to join them despite the lack of Champions League football next season. Having already made 67 first-team appearances at Southampton, Shaw will be hoping he isnt just the backup to 33-year-old Patrice Evra at left back. "Luke is a very talented young left back with great potential," assistant manager Ryan Giggs said. "He has developed immensely during his time at Southampton." Shaw usurped Ashley Cole as backup to Leighton Baines in the England World Cup squad, leading to the Chelsea veterans international retirement. Shaw, who made his international debut only in March, won his third cap in Tuesdays 0-0 draw with Costa Rica before Englands early exit from Brazil. Shaw is the latest departure from Southampton since the south-coast club achieved its highest-ever Premier League points tally to finish eighth in May. Manager Mauricio Pochettino left for Tottenham, striker Rickie Lambert joined Liverpool, and midfielder Adam Lallana is also set for a move to Anfield. ' ' '