Setting things straight

Fresh after backstopping Team Canada to the 2009 World Junior Championships gold medal and signing his first pro contract, Tampa Bay goalie prospect Dustin Tokarksi was welcomed to Hockey Bay earlier this week with a couple of meet-and-greets with Lighting fans.

During one of those sessions, during the first intermission of Monday's Dallas-Tampa Bay game, Tokarksi, wearing his WJC gold medal, signed autographs, including these three cards, for Lightning fans.

Some, however, didn't appreciate Tokarski's contribution to Canadian hockey lore. One Lightning "expert," showing off his limited hockey knowledge, foolishly chanted "USA! USA! USA!"

I couldn't help but point out, much to Tokarski's amusement, that fan's ignorance. "They finished fifth," I said, holding up five fingers as a visual reinforcement. "Canada won the gold."

Tokarski, well within earshot, approved. "That was pretty good," he said. "I'll have to remember that one."

Winning is nothing new to Tokarski. He tended net for the 2008 Memorial Cup champion Spokane Chiefs, earning the tourney's most valuable player honors.