Classic Canada vs US Game at Imperial Oil Place

Canada West wins exhibition match against USA in overtime

Post game reports brought to you by LSC Industrial

The World Jr A Challenge exhibition match between Canada West and USA was everything you’d expect from a high caliber tournament; such as the WJAC. The game had everything, fast-paced hockey, great in-the-boards battles, scuffles and hits, shots, goals, and extra time. The game winner going to #7 for Team Canada West, Cale Makar.

“Getting the first win with a new team is something really special and I think we’re going to build on that,” says Maker. “To get to play this one game, in this amazing building (Imperial Oil Place, Cold Lake), with unbelievable fans, to see all the Hockey Canada jerseys, it’s reminiscent of last year’s gold medal game, already.”

The first period set the tone for the game with Canada West taking advantage of a cross-checking penalty to the American’s Hank Crone.  Jordan Kawaguchi (#28) lit it up, off a feed from Carter Turnbull, at 2:44 in the game. USA’s Nick Swaney responded ten minutes later and Brannon McManus advanced the Americans out of the first 2-1.

Cale Makar came out on fire in the second, 0:12 into the period with a goal from Michael Regush. That was soon followed up by a power play goal from Canada’s Joseph Nardi; while American Mikey Anderson sat helplessly in the box off a crosschecking penalty. Canadian Jeff Stewart was in the box, for charging, when Team USA tied it up on McManus’ second goal of the game to make it a 3-3 game at the close of the second.

It was pancakes on a ferris wheel during the third period as the game flipped back and forth, starting with Team Canada West, Carter Turnbull with the go-ahead, followed by the tie from Team USA Hank Crone. It was Ryan Cox with a short-lived go-ahead at 9:57, that was followed up with a tie from Collin Adams.

Maker came out in the extra time with determination, only needing 20 seconds to fly one past Team USA and excite the Cold Lake crowd. “Team USA is a fast team, they work well in the corners,” Maker says his opponents really set the bar for the tournament, which opens Sunday in Bonnyville.

Team Canada West hits the ice Sunday night at 7:30 pm against Switzerland at the RJ Lalonde Arena. Prior to their game, Team Canada East will be taking on the Czech Republi at 3:30 pm. Catch live action, interviews, game coverage & more on LCN thanks to our friends at LSC Industrial.