WJAC Day 2 Recap

RUS wins over SUI 6-5 . USA wins of CANE 3-2

Post Game Coverage thanks to LSC Industrial 

Day 2 at the World Jr A Challenge was a victory of sorts for the Switzerland team, whom have yet to win a game in the tournament, but were able to take the Russians to overtime before falling short in extra time. The second game of the evening, in front of a packed house, played out as a typical rivalry match, that ended in an upset for the home crowd as the Americans took Team Canada East 3-2.

Game 1 Russia vs Switzerland 

The Switzerland team, #15 Justin Sigrist, opened the scoring at the RJ Lalonde arena to give the Swiss an early lead over the Russians. The celebration was short-lived, when five minutes later Robin Nyffeler went to the box for cross-checking and the Russians used the man advantage for #24, Klim Kostin, to place one in the back of the net. That was followed up by another Sigrist goal for Switzerland, to close the period 2-1 in favour of the Swiss.

In the second, the Russians again took advantage of the power play while Gianluca Burger was spending some alone time for interference,  Veniamin Baranov tied up the game for the Russians. Swiss’ Arnaud Ria responded, then Russia flipped it back with a goal from Andrei Svechnikov, which was flipped again when Nils Seiler made it a 4-3 game for the Swiss at the end of 40 minutes.

The Russians came out determined with two early goals, one at 54 seconds from Alexey Lipanov and a go-ahead at 3:59 from Andrei Svechnikov. The Swiss were able to respond, at 5:28, from Ramon Tanner, to play out regulation with a tie.

Ivan Chekhovich scored the game winning with just five minutes left in overtime to give the Russians their second win of the tournament. The Russians have the day off as Wednesday’s match up will determine whom they will meet next. The Swiss face the Americans at 3:30 pm Wednesday at the RJ Lalonde arena in Bonnyville.

Game 2 USA vs Team Canada East

Team Canada East took the home bench, and the home crowd’s heart, in the evening game at the World Jr A Challenge. It’s not too often in a game of this caliber that the deciding goal would be placed in the back of the net in the first twenty minutes of play, but that was the case on Tuesday, as Isaac Johnson got the game-winner for Team USA at 17:59 in the first.

The game opened with a snipe from USA’s Nick Swaney on the power play, which was followed up five minutes later with the sole Canadian goal of the game from Bobby Dow. Isaac Johnson then propelled the Americans into the second period with his game-winner.

I think they just buried on the opportunities. They didn’t get many more chances than we did, good scoring chances, but we just couldn’t capitalize. But it’s nice to get the rest [with the bye to the semifinals] and be able to watch the teams you’re going to play, see what they can do and what you’re going to have to do to beat them – Bobby Dow #21 Team Canada East

The second was scoreless as both teams fought hard in the corners and battle strong through the neutral zone. American goalie Dayton Rasmussen saw 13 shots to the Canadian Stefano Cantali 6 to keep the play really fast.

The third played out much like the second, keeping shots low, with little opportunity for scoring. Collin Adams of Team USA was able to find the back of the net at 15:31 to secure an American win.

I thought our guys played parts of the game really well. We generated a lot of offence the way we wanted to, but there were some times we did a lot of watching in the defensive zone. There are a few things we need to sharpen up on, but anytime you can finish first [in your group] in a tournament like this and get the day off, it’s really big. – Jason Clarke Head Coach Team Canada East

Team USA takes on the Swiss at 3:30 on Wednesday in the first of the qualifying rounds. Team Canada East hang their skates today and cheer on fellow countrymen, Team Canada West at the 7:30 game, as the Canadians take on the Czech Rebulic.

 

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