The standard of play continues to impress all who witness the great spectacle of these Inline Hockey World Championships, and this week, it’s the turn of the Junior Men (u19).  Great names in the world of hockey have arrived at the finals after close fought battles and narrow margins of victory, resulting in a fine selection for this weekend's enjoyment.  The hopeful hosts Italy finished 2nd in their group B behind USA, and arrived to meet Slovakia in the Semifinal.  The Bratislava boys were on improving form, breaking out of group C in top place to book their spot for a chance at the top prizes.  As the hosts, and traditionally a creative and dynamic side, the promise was high for the Azzurri as they came out of the gate like a storm.  Two goals in quick succession from Meconi and Marini lit up the Pala Bolino arena like the party at carnivale.  This forced the stoic Slovaks to take an early timeout to shake their heads and regroup, before they were completely overwhelmed.  This seemed to stem the tide, but still defending desperately lost them a player to the box at 13:29.  But slowly the tide began to turn as they got their heads back in the game, and their strength and puck control began to tell.  In a flash they were back in the game with a goal from Martiska, which seemed to settle their nerves and consolidate their game.  Returning from the break at halftime, Slovakia pounced, and took control of the match in a controlled and direct manner, reminiscent of the ice game they likely are very familiar with.  2 goals from Simko, with a corker of a goal from Ozimak in between, flipped the script completely, and by the time 15 mins had been played in the 2nd, Slovakia led by 2 goals at 4-2.  Podhoranyi took a second penalty then, which allowed the Italians a brief look in to try and equalise, with the outstanding number 11 Velar making the play they needed desperately.  But the power and precision was just too much from the Central Europeans and with finishers from Krchnavy and Bercik, Slovakia signed their ticket to the final.  On the other side, all were watching an impressive American side leading from the front as they often do.  Dominating group B with a perfect record, and making easy work of a formidable local Darby in Mexico at 7-3, the Stars and Stripes were line dancing their way into number one position.  Meeting Spain, who impressed in their group C performance, without any hints of their full potential as yet, seemed to more stealthily arrive at this match.  But what a way to take on the highly touted favourites from across the pond, with an end to end, every second counting fight in the middle of the rink, both sides only just failing to finish due to some spectacular goalkeeping from both ends.  It was only until the last quarter of the match before the increasingly impressive Iberians nicked a chance off Budia, and finally added a result to the scoreboard.  The Americans were looking a bit despondent, and playing one player down on a penalty, when the utterly brilliant Corey Kosik smashed one in the net to equalise.  Inspired the Yanks went all out to try and revive their prospects, and looked like they may do it, when Markiegi used one of his last booster packs and punched one in for Spain, just leaving the Americans rocked, but not undeterred, and only time running out prevented them from coming back, leaving them with a reprieve in the Bronze, while the Maroon and Gold of team Espana would celebrate in style on their way to the final.  And what a final it was, with a classic clash of styles presenting itself as a masterclass in Inline Hockey techniques and Tactics.  The cool Slovaks, strong, controlled and technical in their play, against the flair, finesse and speed of the Spanish.  It was the Team in white and blue who took control early, and as they confidently moved the puck in their comfort zone, not vaguely reminiscent of an ice oriented style, the Spanish seemed to stay off them.  Giving the Slovaks enough room allowed them to capitalise on the assets they brought, and before 8 minutes had passed, they were 2-0 up, with goals from Sucic and Tomaskovic sending the Spanish into a tailspin.  Quick thinking from the coach to call a time-out and attempt to lift their game back to the sparkle they had shown before.  It helped, but not enough as the half went with Slovakia still leading by 2.  But whatever could not be said on the bench, must have been heeded in the locker room!  Spain came out a different side, and their sparkle returned, taking their chances to allow Pascual to score.  This changed the momentum entirely, and while I was watching from my feed in the Calgary Airport en route to the games, I sent a message to the Commentator, and World Skate Inline Technical Commissioner David Hammond: “Spain have got their Mojo back!”.  Boy did they ever, as the next goal from Markiegi equalised the score, and altered the flow of the game profoundly.  Another spectacular from Fernandez put the Spanish ahead, and our thoughts surely turned to believing that the Jr Men may follow their Jr Women’s colleagues into victory.  But something in my hockey-sense was tingling, in the way the Slovaks held their nerve, despite being set on their back wheels for the better part of the 2nd half.  My next message to Dave “think SVK could score again here” seemed prophetic, and with under a minute left, and having only just pulled their keeper to roll the dice one last time, Tomaskovic scored his 2nd goal, and the equaliser, sending us into an electric period of overtime.  Slovakia, with a return to their earlier composure, proved to be just too cool, and the golden goal was potted by the MVP winner, no 25 Maxim Simko.  Hero of the nation, he made history winning the gold for this promising team of the future dominant Slovakia.  There seems barely enough room left for any more drama and excitement, but hold on to your bearings as we launch into the epic and anticipated Senior Mens competition all next week.  Join me, Dave Hammond, Gianluca Tomasello and all the team in Roccaraso for live coverage and exclusive content.  The conclusion to these games could be one of the greats to remember!