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Just like most hockey fans, I tuned into the first couple of days of the IIHF World Junior Championships.

But, I will admit, I didn’t stay glued to the television long.

While, I understand it is some of the best talent under the age of 20 in the world, some of the matchups need not be played.

USA taking on Denmark was close for the first period. In fact, people were stunned the United States only led 3-2 after the first period.

But, the United States showed why they are one of the favorites in the tournament as they went on to score seven more goals in routing Denmark, 10-3.

No offense to Denmark, but they don’t belong in the tournament. They were blown out again against the Czechs, 7-0, and they are not a very good team.

Latvia is another team that I believe doesn’t belong. Sweden had their way with them in a 9-4 win on the first night of the tournament. Slovakia managed to beat them on night two.

I understand you are looking to get as many players noticed and try and grow the sport, but at the same time it isn’t fair for teams like Latvia and Denmark to become sacrificial lambs just so you can get the bigger countries in the semifinals.

Everybody knows television execs want the United States and Canada in the finals. This is the third year in a row the USA and Canadians will play on New Year’s Eve and it will be the third time the ratings go through the roof.

I say get rid of some of these teams that don’t need to be there and make the tournament a more condensed format.

It was even stated that Denmark just hoped to get through the tournament without being relegated.

If that’s the case, just don’t have them there.

Who wants to spend their hard-earned money to watch a 10-3 game?

You could make a case that Latvia, Denmark and Switzerland need not be there. Slovakia is hit and miss. They have teams that can surprise at times, but other times fail to make a mark.

If you don’t get rid of teams then maybe put all the super powers in one group and the rest in another.

Either way something needs to be done. The competition is so one sided.

For many the tournament starts on Saturday when the USA and Canada play. Maybe some will tune in to watch USA and Finland.

But, if Finland plays like they did against Canada it’s going to be another boring day watching.