1. Portimonense

10. I am suspect of saying this but I have some belief that Czechia will be a surprise dark horse team in the IIHF tournament. Considering the team's efforts in bringing players to represent them (including yours truly, unsurprisingly), I think that there is a good chance that they will improve in recent performances and present a decent showing, one that most people would not give them the time of the day of getting.

Even if they do not get that amazing performance right out of the gate, they still have plenty of time with a young group of players on the wings that could become a big deal if nurtured just right. I guess it is up to the players to foster themselves just right but I imagine there will be some sort of unity in that team to improve and conquer things in the right time. Would not say it is a bet but... we shall see.

12. If I must say, I do not happen to be shocked that New England won it. I mean, they won by like... four games to two? Good on Winnipeg for making it rather competitive all things considered but that was more or less it. Doubt there was much you could do to change it besides doing better than they have done... even then, that would probably have only brought minimal improvement. The thing was set in stone, you see? Still, congrats to them, I guess. I dunno, I didn't watch the series since it's summer down here and anyone who's shared a locker room with me knows that Brazilian summer is basically a lottery between crazy heat or heavy storms. Sorry about that.