Hockey's Consolation Prize

Quarterfinal games will be played Wednesday at the 2006 World Hockey Championship.

Given its unfortunate timing (conflicting with the Stanley Cup Playoffs) and its lack of star power (rosters are hastily assembled from European leagues and NHL losers), the annual World Championship is doomed to obscurity in North America. Even Canadians don't follow it much, unless their team makes the gold medal game. But it's apparently huge in Europe, and a key event in determining the world rankings.

The quarterfinal winners advance to the semifinals on Saturday. The gold medal game is Sunday.

Quarterfinals:
Sweden 6 - USA 0, Wed, May 17
Canada 4 - Slovakia 1, Wed, May 17
Czech Republic 4 - Russia 3 (OT), Thur, May 18
Finland 3 - Belarus 0, Thur, May 18