MILAN — Two straight elimination games. Two dramatic third-period tying goals. Two Manitobans playing pivotal roles with key assists.
Coincidence? We think not.
On Wednesday night against Czechia, it was Winnipegger Seth Jarvis who got in hard on the forecheck and helped set up Nick Suzuki for his massive goal with 3:27 left in regulation — a tally that forced overtime, where Mitch Marner scored the winner.
On Friday afternoon against Finland, it was Elkhorn’s Travis Sanheim threading a slick pass to blue-line partner Shea Theodore, whose blast from the point with 9:26 remaining set the stage for Nathan MacKinnon’s dramatic dagger in the final minute.
CAROLYN KASTER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Elkhorn’s Travis Sanheim (left) teed up Shea Theodore’s game-tying goal Friday against Finland.
All of that would be a neat enough story. But consider this: neither player would have been in the lineup at all if not for circumstances beyond their control.
Jarvis wasn’t included on the initial Canadian roster and arrived as a last-minute injury replacement for Brayden Point. He began the tournament as the 14th forward, earned his chance with teammates battling illness and injury, and hasn’t looked back.
“Yeah, it’s been the story of my whole career. Just waiting for my opportunity and try to take advantage of it,” Jarvis told the Free Press following this latest thriller.
“I think this tournament I’ve done a really good job of whatever ice time I get, whoever I’m on the ice with, just go out there and made the most of it. I’m proud of how I’m playing and I hope it continues.”
Jarvis was rewarded Friday by starting on the second line alongside MacKinnon and Bo Horvat, a clear indication of the trust head coach Jon Cooper has come to place in him.
“You can’t explain it, it’s just incredible. A ton of emotion, a ton of energy. It’s just a great, great feeling.”
“When I got to the rink. He said just play my game, bring my energy. Use my legs. That’s what I plan on doing the rest of the tournament,” said Jarvis.
As for Sanheim, he was widely viewed as Canada’s eighth defenceman and was a healthy scratch in the opening game. But when Jets blue-liner Josh Morrissey went down with an injury in the first period that night, opportunity came knocking.
The Philadelphia Flyers defenceman delivered his best performance of the tournament when it mattered most.
“Cooper had talked to me before the game and just said try to have some jump tonight, have an impact,” said Sanheim.
“He wanted the D up all night and I thought for the most part we did a much better job of that and that’s what created some of those chances. I’m here for a reason, one of my best abilities is my skating. Want to use it when I can.”
CAROLYN KASTER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Winnipegger’s Seth Jarvis (right) and Mark Stone celebrate Team Canada’s semifinal win Friday over Finland. Jarvis had an assist on Nick Suzuki’s equalizing goal in the quarterfinal against Czechia.
Jarvis and Sanheim often train together in the summer, along with fellow Manitoba Olympian Mark Stone. To say they’re happy for each other is an understatement.
“He’s been incredible. Since he’s gotten in he’s made the most of his opportunity. I’m pumped for him, and he’s been doing a great job,” Jarvis said of Sanheim.
Sanheim returned the praise.
“Just a great kid. Hard worker. Comes in with the right mindset, is willing to play any role on this team. Just a hard working guy that can really play anywhere in our lineup. He’s done a great job coming in and helping out with what we’ve needed,” he said.
Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter
The Warm-Up
Winnipeg Jets Game Days
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.
Sign up for The Warm-Up
While grateful for the chance, Sanheim admitted it was difficult knowing it came at the expense of Morrissey’s misfortune.
“A great teammate, a really great player. We miss him,” he said.
“He’s been so supportive of the rest of the group. I’m sure he’ll be in the locker room when I go back here. It’s unfortunate that he’s gone down with an injury. We definitely miss him and would love to have him back.”
Jarvis, Sanheim and the rest of their teammates are now guaranteed a medal thanks to a pair of epic comebacks. Whether it’s gold or silver will be decided Sunday (7:10 a.m. CT).
“Just a lot of confidence. We find ways to win. Last game down one, this game down two. Never flinched. Stuck to our game and it paid off,” said Jarvis.
“You can’t explain it, it’s just incredible. A ton of emotion, a ton of energy. It’s just a great, great feeling.”
winnipegfreepress.com/mikemcintyre
Mike McIntyre
Reporter
Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike.
Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
