USA Destories Latvia in the WJC Relegation Round

Wanting to show that it wasn't happy competing in this year's Relegation Round at the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships, Team USA showed no mercy against Latvia in their 1st of 2 Relegation Round Games with a 12-2 win over Latvia this afternoon at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. With this win, it secures the Americans Place at next year's World Junior Hockey Championships in Ufa, Russia.

They will finish up this year's WJC Tournament tomorrow at at 4:00 PM against Switzerland who thinks their victory against Denmark yesterday, they will be battling for pride and for 7th Place as the winner of the Relegation Round. However for Latvia & Denmark, it's a battle for survival as they will play at at 12:00 PM Tomorrow.

The winner will earn the final spot for next year's WJC Tournament, while the loser will finish in last place and will be relegated down to the WJC Division 1 Tournament with the likes of Norway, Austria & Slovenia next season in a location that is TBD.

As for tonight's Semifinals, 1st up is Sweden VS. Finland at 4:00 PM where Sweden ended up winning Group A with a 2-2-0-0 record with OT Wins over Sweden (4-3) & Switzerland (4-3), while also getting regulation wins over a plucky Latvia Team (9-4) and crushed Slovakia (9-1) with a 5 goal outburst in the 3rd period.

While Finland finished 2nd in Group B coming out to a bad start with an 8-1 loss to Canada in the Tournament's Opening Game. The Finns have comeback impressively with wins over the USA (4-1), Denmark (10-1) & the Czech Republic (4-0). Then in yesterday's Quarterfinal Game against Slovakia, it was the Finns winning a scoring fest with a 4 goal outburst in the 2nd period to win 8-5 over Slovakia.

The other Semifinal Game will come down to one of the world's oldest rivalries as Canada VS. Russia will duke it out in a rematch of last year's Championship Game where Russia pulled off an unlikely comeback from 3-0 down in the 3rd period to win 5-3 in last year's Gold Medal Game to win the WJC for the 1st time since 2003.

Canada had a perfect Group Stage with wins over the USA (3-2), Finland (8-3), Czech Republic (5-0) & Denmark (10-2) as they look to win the Nations first Gold Medal since 2009 when Canada won in Ottawa, Ontario.

Finally for Russia, a strong 3-0-1-0 record with an impressive +18 GD and a with one of the better Defense's in a very long time. It was wins over Switzerland (3-0), Latvia (14-0) & Slovakia (3-1). So far this year, their only loss came in their Group Stage Finale against Sweden 4-3 in OT. Then in yesterday's Quarterfinal, it was a tough battle against a Czech Republic team with arguably this year's best goalie Peter Marek who made 50+ saves in a 2-1 OT Loss against the Czech Republic.

The Russians are looking to win back-to-back Gold Medals since 2002 & 2003 as well. Also with the WJC Tournament in Ufa, Russia next season, back-to-back Gold Medals would really spark the Russian Fans to really support the Russian National Team next season.

So far this year, the Russians went 3-0-0-1 in the Group Stage with

USA 12  Latvia 2  (4-0, 7-1, 1-1)

Press Release by Andrew Podnieks of the IIHF Website

USA VS. Latvia Game Photos

From Calgary, Alberta: Austin Watson scored three goals in the first period and seven points in total to lead the United States to an easy but crucial 12-2 win over Latvia. The win ensures the U.S. will not be relegated to Division 1 for 2013 and will be in Ufa, Russia next Christmas.

Latvia's loss places a huge importance on tomorrow's game with Denmark. The winner joins the U.S. in Ufa with the rest of the Top Division Teams while the loser gets relegated.

"The biggest thing we wanted to prove is that we believe we shouldn't be in the Relegation Round," Watson said. "We wanted to come out and have a strong game. We showed that were capable of playing with the guys in the Medal Round. It was about playing for country, playing for the crest on our jersey, not worrying about what happened in the past. Just worrying about the present and the moment we're in."

The Americans finish their tournament with a game against Switzerland for 1st Place in the Relegation Round standings at stake.

"We're not where we want to be tonight, but we need to keep our heads up," added Nick Bjugstad. "We've had a rough outing, but we're playing for the sweater and it was great to have a good performance (Against Latvia). It was kind of good to show up this game from an offensive standpoint."

In addition to Watson's seven points, Nick Bjugstad had 3 goals and 5 points and Brandon Saad added four assists. The Americans doubled their opponents in SOG, 58-29.

Watson's three goals in the first were all set up by different teammates. On the opening tally, at 5:40, he redirected a Jared Tinordi point shot. On the 2nd, it was a nice fed from Jon Merrill to the side, and on the third it was Kyle Rau who found Watson in the slot.

Latvian starting goalie Kristers Gudlevskis was replaced early in the 2nd period after the fifth American Goal, but his replacement, Rihards Cimermanis fared worse, allowing six more goals in 19:04 of the 2nd. As a result Gudlevskis was back in for the 3rd period, allowing just one goal.

The first Latvian Goal came at 2:03 of the 2nd period on a shot by Zemgus Girgensons that beat Jack Campbell under the blocking arm. Their 2nd, near the end of the game, came when Teodors Blugers passed the puck in front of the U.S. Net only to have U.S. Defensemen Austin Czarnik redirect it passed his own goalie.

The huge win allowed the Americans to pad their stats, as it were. After scoring only five goals in their last three games, they piled on the goals even without even trying to hard, they were sent to the Relegation Round was an unlikely scenario, but the team bit the bullet and took it to the Latvians.

"We still have to beat Denmark, no matter what," Bulgers said. That's the big game, we need to refocus. We definitely need to play better on defense, man-to-man coverage, getting back. We had to many guys caught up in the rush and gave up too many odd-man rushes.

IHWC Relegation Round: USA Crushes Kazakhstan and France edges Italy

The IHWC Relegation Round got underway yesterday as the Americans are looking to make the best of a bad situation as the Americans got a 10-0 thrashing of the Kazakhs to open the Relegation Round. It's a tough blow for Kazakhstan as the Kazakhs will have it very tough to keep their spots for the 2011 IHWC Tournament as Italy and France still haven't won a game. But at least they have been able to keep their games close.



France won the first crunch game as the French forward Laurent Grasp used an early 3rd period goal to get the French their first win of the tournament and an early edge in the Relegation Round.



From the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: http://www.iihf.com/



From Alan Adams



USA 10 Kazakhstan 0 (4-0, 5-0, 1-0)



From Colonge, Germany: Team USA Scored 4 times in the first period to match its entire goal production to date and the Americans went on to rout Kazakhstan 10-0 in a Relegation Round Game at the 2010 IIHF World Hockey Championship on Saturday. The USA is trying to avoid an ignominious fall from the IIHF top pool to its second tier and the win - the first in four games for Team USA at the 2010 Worlds - will help accomplish that.



Team USA Plays France on Sunday while Kazakhstan takes on Italy the same day.



For a team that could not score in its three prelim round games, the goals came quick and often for the United States in its first ever World Championship Game against Kazakhstan, Matt Gilroy led the way with a three-goal performance.



"We were embarrassed to be in this situation and it was great to get some goals and see the forwards rewarded for their efforts." said Team USA Captain Jack Johnson.



"We were anxious to get going."



"It's good to get the goals, said Team USA Head Coach Scott Gordon. "For all the scoring struggles we have been having, its quite a relief for some of the guys."



T.J. Oshie scored on a wraparound at 0:55 of the first period on the First USA Shot of the game. Oshie was in the right place at the right time when defensemen Maxim Semenov misplayed on the loose puck and goaltender Alexei Kuznetsov was caught completely off guard when the American forward swept around the net and scored.



Kyle Okposo made it 2-0 just 18 seconds later, again thinks to a miscue by Kazakh defender behind the net. This time Oshie picked up the loose puck and Okposo snapped a centering pass into the net at 1:13.



Gilroy went end-to-end to make it 3-0 at 8:53. He deeeked Semenov just inside the Kazakh blueline to slip past him and then whipped a wrist shot that beat Kuznetsov cleanly on the low on the glove hand side. Gilory then made it 4-0 at 10:20 to complete the first period goal splurge for the Americans.



Kuznetsov was put on the bench at the start of the 2nd period but his replacement, Pavel Zhitkov, fared no better.



When Nick Foligno scored at 8:03 of the 2nd period, it was the USA's fifth goal of the game and that's one more goal then the Americans had during the prelim round in three straight games in the 16 team tournament. The rout continued not long after, with Ryan Potulny scored at 6:34 and Gilory completing the hat trick 10 seconds later. Brandon Dubinsky made it 8-0 at 18:44 and Tim Kennedy followed with a goal at 19:29.



Chris Kreider scored with 1:03 left in the game for the only goal of the 3rd period and to make it a perfect 10 on the afternoon.



"The Americans are the strongest team in the group. They should not be here," said Kazakhstan Head Coach Andrei Shayanov.



As for the Kazakhs, they had two good scoring chances in the 2nd period denied by goaltender Scott Clemmensen.



Clemmensen did the splits to kick out a wrist shot by Roman Starchenko with his right pads at the 3:38 mark of the 2nd period. Then two minutes later, Alexei Vorontsov's shot was blocked by Clemmensen, who was on the bench to start the 3rd period.



Ben Bishop finished the game in net for the Americans.





From Lucas Aykroyd



Italy 1 France 2 (0-1, 0-0, 1-1)



From Mannheim, Germany: Oui, ca va bien! France continued its recent domination of Italy on Saturday, prevailing 2-1 in a tight checking affair at the SAP Arena to kick off the Relegation Round. Laurent Gras scored the winner early in the third period.

The last time these two nations met in Relegation Round action, it was 2008, and the French sent Italy down with wins of 3-2 and 6-4 in a two game series in Quebec City. This time, the Relegation Round participants are playing a round-robin, with no points carried over from the Prelim Round.

With its first win of the 2010 Worlds, France now has a big three points as it vies for a fourth straight berth in the elite Division. Italy remains winless in four straight games.

Baptiste Amar also scored for the French. Michele Strazzabosco had the lone Italian goal.

"We fought hard and worked as a team," said Amar. "We know we're not technically the best team, but we work hard as a group, and we were rewarded today."

French goalie Fabrice Lhenry out-dulled Italy's Daniel Bellissimo for the victory. The Italians out-shot the French 29-22.

There's no rest for these teams. On Sunday, France will face the Americans, coming off a lopsided victory over Kazakhstan. That day, Italy will take on the Kazakhs in a must win game.

"This game is history," said Italy's head coach Nicola Fontanive. "We can't change history. We have to come out and win tomorrow."

France opened the scoring at 4:34 when Stephane Da Costa behind the goal line and snapped it high over Bellissimo.

A couple of minutes later, Lhery was alert to stop Giulio Scandella, who got a step on the French defense and fired a swift, low shot into the netminders pads. Lhery stayed sharp as the Italians out-shot France 9-5 in the first period.

In the 2nd period, the Italians kept pressuring for the equalizer on their first power play during a holding penalty to Nicholas Besch. But they could only generate flurries around the French net, including a nice right wing rush and backhanded move by Luca Ansoldi.

"We tried to use our speed and forecheck to create our chances." noted France's Amar. "We wanted to keep the puck on the out-shot and not get fancy."

With about seven minutes left in the middle frame, France nearly took a two-goal lead when Gras's shot squeezed through Bellissimo, but the Italian Defenders manged to sweep the puck away from the goal line before any damage was done.

The chances kept coming but neither side could capitalize. With less then four minutes before the buzzer, France's Anthonie Lussier stick-handled in on a breakaway, but lose control of the puck at the last instant. Coming back the other way, Italy's Giorgio de Bettin zinged one off Lehnry's crossbar.

An early third period power-play saw France go up 2-0 at 3:14 when Gras banged to the front of the net, whacking in the 2nd rebound from Kevin Hecquefeuille's point showing before flying in the air.

The Italins got a glouris opportunity to get on the board with a short 5-on-3 man advantage. Just as it turned to a 5-on-4, Strazzabosco's drive from the center point beat Lehnry five hole to make it a 2-1 game with 8:56 left.

Unfortunately, Strazzanbosco's took a late tripping penalty that hurt his team's chances of coming back. Gras had a great chance for his second on the night on a breakaway, but Bellissimo said no. Regardless, it was too late for Italy, which pulled its netminder for the extra attacker as well.

"Their goalie was the best player, but one goal wasn't enough," said Fontanive. "We were able to score more goals if we expect to win."

Altough this game was sparsely attended, fans in the stands generated their own atmosphere by paring up with tournament mascot Urmel for some of the most demonstrative dancing seen yet at this year's World Championship.

Relegation Round Standings

1. USA 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 10-0

2. France 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 2-1

3. Italy 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 1-2

4. Kazakhstan 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 0-10

Relegation Round Schedule

5/15: USA 10 Kazakhstan 0 (4-0, 5-0, 1-0)

5/15: Italy 1 France 2 (0-1, 0-0, 1-1)

5/16: France VS. USA

5/16: Italy VS. Kazakhstan

5/18: USA VS. Italy

5/18: Kazakhstan VS. France

IIHF U18 5th Place & Relegation Round: Switzerland Finishes 5th, Plus Belarus & Latvia Relegated

The Swiss ended this year's U18 World Championship with their best finish since 2001 when they spuriously got all the way to the Silver Medal. Paired with their 4th Place Finish in the WJC back around the Christmas Holidays, the Swiss are hoping to use this as a springboard towards developing a stronger Junior Program and League which where you could see them in more events of different kinds plus getting a chance to medal in the U18 & WJC Championships in the near future.

The Czech Republic finished 6th place as they had their moments including edging out Slovakia and pushing Finland all the way to a shootout where a win would have improved their chances of coming out with a Medal.

On the other end, despite strong fan supports and hopes of pulling a shock. Latvia and Belarus will be sent down to the 2011 IIHF U18 Division 1 Tournament after playing in what was a Placement Game where Latvia won 5-4 in a SO to come out with their only win of this year's U18 World Championship. Unfortunately for Belarus, they will have to live with the shocking fact of finishing last at this year's event without a single win this year.

Despite the NHL Stanley Cup & AHL Calder Cup Playoffs going on right now. The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships (IHWC) are just a few weeks away when they start on May 7 over in Colonge and Mannheim in Germany.

From the International Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

5th Place Game: Czech Republic 5 Switzerland 6 (0-1, 4-4, 1-1)

Czech Republic VS. Switzerland Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/CZE%20-%20SUI.html

In Minsk, Belarus: In a back-and-forth battle for 5th place, Switzerland came out on top with a 6-5 win against the Czech Republic. The Fifth-Place finish is Switzerland's best since 2001 when the team was the surprise Silver Medalist. The Sixth Place Finish for the Czech Republic is a repeat from last year's event.

There was no lack of action at the Palace of Sport Arena, especially in the 2nd period when the teams combined for 8 goals. Switzerland jumped out to a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period. The Swiss opened the 2nd period, jumping out to a 3-1 lead. The teams exchanged quick goals as Tomas Filippi brought the Czechs to within one, only to have his efforts erased less then a minute later when Dominic Lammer scored on an odd-man rush for the 4-2 goal.

The Offensive duel continued when the Czechs put in two goals coming a minute apart to tie the game at 4-4. Dominik Frk scored from point-blank range and Jrir Sekac took advantage of Swiss Goaltender Lukas Melil's poor position behind the net for the equalizer.

The high scoring period ended with a 5-4 Swiss Lead after Joel Vermin scored on a breakaway. He was tripped on his trip down the ice and landed in the net just behind the puck. Vermin struck again 3:08 into the third period with another crucial goal. The 6-4 marker gave the Swiss some breathing room needed they needed to weather a late comeback bid for the Czechs, who got a shorthanded goal in the last 34 seconds to bring the final to 6-5.


Relegation Round: Canada 4 Slovakia 2 (4-0, 0-1, 0-1)

Canada VS. Slovakia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/CAN%20-%20SVK.html

In Bobruisk, Belarus: Canada limped to a 7th place finish at this year's World U18 Championship with a 4-2 win over Slovakia. The win somewhat salvaged the Canadians Disappointing tournament as they finished atop the relegation round group.

Both Canada and Slovakia will return to next year's U18 World Championship, both likely hoping to improve on this year's finish.

Canada put in 4 goals in the 1st period and didn't do much else through the end of the game. generating no additional offense for the next 40 minutes. Luckily for the Canadians, Slovakia was only able to put in 2 goals in response, one coming in the 2nd period and one more in the 3rd period. Slovakia ended this year's U18 World Championship in 8th Place.


Relegation Round: Belarus 4 Latvia 5 (SO) (1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Belarus VS. Latvia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/LAT%20-%20BLR.html

In Bobruisk, Belarus: Latvia and Belarus were both looking for their first win at this year's U18 World Championship and it was Latvia that earned bragging rights with a 5-4 SO Victory.

The Lead changed hands four times with the game-tying goal coming from Latvia with 4:07 left in regulation. The Goal forced the overtime and eventual shutout, which Zemgus Girgensons won for Latvia.

The Victory means that Latvia takes ninth place, while Belarus finishes tenth in the ten team tournament.

Both teams knew they were relegated entering the game, but nevertheless played an entertaining and competitive 60 minutes. Belarus went up 1-0 on the power-play only to have the lead erased 31 seconds later by a Latvian Marker.

Latvia continued to build it's momentum in the 2nd period, moving ahead to a 3-1 lead, but Belarus closed the stanza strong with a goal in the last 5 minutes to close the gap to one goal.

It was Belarus turn to come out strong in the third period. They reclaimed the lead with two goals in the first 6:13 of action to take a 4-3 advantage. The fans in Bobruisk sensed that this could be the day for their team's first win and urged Belarus on, but in the waning moments of the Game, Latvia's Kristians Pelss put in the 4-4 goal to force OT and SO.


Here's the Tournament Placement from 5th through 10th. Plus the 2 Teams that won Promotion for the 2011 U18 World Championship.

5th Place: Switzerland

6th Place: Czech Republic

7th Place: Canada

8th Place: Slovakia

9th Place: Latvia

10th Place: Belarus

Promoted from Division 1A: Norway

Promoted from Division 1B: Germany

IIHF U18 Semifinals & Relegation Update: USA VS. Sweden For Gold

The Americans are back in the U18 Gold Medal Game for the 2nd straight year as the Americans had their 2nd straight shutout by outscoring the Swedes and the Czechs in the QFS & SFS by a combined score of 11-0.

This is Jack Campbell's 2nd straight shutout and 3rd overall going back to the Canada Game where the Americans won that game 5-0 as well. On the Offense side of the puck as Nick Shore had another 3 points in the Game (2G 1A) while other players like Nieto and Tinordi also scored to put the Fins out of the game as the Americans had a balanced attack throughout the game.

Sweden is back in the U18 Gold Medal Game for the first time since 1999 as the Swedes scored twice in the third period to turn what was a close hard fought game into a decisive affair. If Sweden can beat the USA, it will mark a huge milestone as the Swedes have been looking to dramatically improve the Swedish Junior Program after several close calls which have included a pair of WJC Silver Medals plus an U18 Bronze Medal back in 2008.

Can Sweden find a way to get through what's been a rock hard defense for the Americans as the Americans haven't given up a single goal in the Knockout Rounds? Or will the USA successfully defend the U18 World Championships and win their 3rd straight major Junior Gold Medal which includes the last U18 World Titles and the WJC Gold back in Jan.

With Canada's win over Latvia today, this will send Latvia and Belarus down to the U18 Division 1 Tournament for 2011 as both Canada & Slovakia are both 2-0 in the Relegation Round. Canada & Slovakia will play for 7th place, while Latvia & Belarus will play for pride in their final games tomorrow.

From the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

Semifinal #1: Finland 0 U.S.A. 5 (0-1, 0-2, 0-2)

Finland VS. U.S.A. Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/FIN%20-%20USA%20%28SF%29.html

In Minsk, Belarus: The United States have earned the chance to defend its U18 World Championship gold Medal after earning a 5-0 win against Finland in today's Semifinal. Nick Shore scored twice and Jack Campbell was in net for his 2nd straight shutout of the playoff round.

The Americans have skated in the Gold Medal Game 6 of the last 7 years and in total has 4 gold medals to their credit at the U18 Worlds, including last year's which came against Russia. For the Finns, the loss sends them to their 2nd straight Bronze Medal game, which they won last year against Canada.

Shore kicked off the scoring with the only goal of the 1st period to give the Americans an early 1-0 lead just over 5 minutes into action. The lead was doubled when Matt Nieto streaked down the wing and put in a backhander 6:19 into the 2nd period.

The Tempo continued to pick up as the game whore on and the game had a good flow and end to end action. The Americans went on the power play late in the 2nd period and spent the entire time camped out in front of the Finnish net, but couldn't get the 3-0 goal. But Adam Clendening made up for the lack of power play out-put when he in a perfect wrist shot just as time expired. It was such a close call that the goal could only be confirmed after a lengthy video review.

Despite getting out-shot more then two-to-one in the first 40 minutes, the Finns kept kept the Americans on edge with their fighting spirit. It was only when Nick Shore put in the 4-0 goal midway through the third period that the Finns were visibly deflated. Just over a minute later Jared Tinordi made the American Berth in the Gold Medal Game crystal clear with the 5-0 closing goal.

USA now awaits the winner of tonight's Russia VS. Sweden semi-final. The Last time Sweden skated in the Gold Medal Game at the U18 Worlds was in its inaugural year in 1999. At the other end of the spectrum, Russia is looking for it's 8th straight Gold Medal Game Appearance.


Semifinal #2: Sweden 3 Russia 1 (1-1, 0-0, 2-0)

Sweden VS. Russia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/SWE%20-%20RUS%20%28SF%29.html

In Minsk, Belarus: Sweden will skate in the gold Medal Game for the first time since 1999 after earning a 3-1 win against Russia in a hard fought semi-final.

It is only the 2nd ever trip to the Golden Game, and the country is still looking for it's first ever Gold Medal at this event. It is Russia's first appearance in the Bronze Medal Game since 2003.

It was a completely different game from the speedy, skilled first semifinal between the USA & Finland. Instead, the Large Swedes and Russian treated the full Palace of Sport to a physical duel.

Sweden came out hard in the first five minutes, peppering Russian Goalie Andrei Vasilevski. But it was the Russian who struck first on their first power play chance when Vladislav Kartayev forced the puck in past Swedish Goaltender Johan Gustafsson. Sweden responded with a power play goal of its own when Ludvig Rensfeldt tied the game at one mid-point.

The Swedes persistence finally paid off 8:32 into the third period when Adam Larsson and ripped in a shot from above the faceoff circle during a Swedish Power Play. Less then a minute later Mattias Granlund sealed the win with a deflected shot that bounced off virtually everything in sight before squeezing into the goal.

With the 3-1 lead, Sweden controlled the rest of the game as Russia had no chance to mount a counter attack and try for a comeback. A little melee with 3 seconds left showed the Russian Frustration at missing the Golden Game.

Sweden will take on the defending champion USA in the Gold Medal Game on Friday. Sweden beat the USA in the preliminary round, 4-2. Meanwhile Russia will skate for the Bronze Medal against Finland tomorrow. Tomorrow's only playoff game is the fifth place game between Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Relegation Round: Canada 5 Latvia 1 (2-0, 1-1, 2-0)

Canada VS. Latvia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/CAN%20-%20LAT.html

In Bobruisk, Belarus: Canada did what it had to do stay up in the Top Division at the World U18 Championship, earning a 5-1 win against Latvia.

With six points, both Canada & Slovakia will return to the top level for next year, while Latvia and Belarus will move down to Division 1 for next season. There is still one day left of action left in Bobruisk tomorrow as Canada will take on Slovakia, while Latvia will face the Belarus in what are now merely placement games.

It wasn't necessarily a convincing win for the Canadians as a quick two goals coming less then a minute apart as the offense they generated against the the out-matched Latvians in the first period. In the 2nd, the Canada Offense sputtered, putting just one additional goal at the 6:11 mark of the period to make it a comfortable, yet slim 3-0 advantage.

Latvia got on the board with 18 seconds left in the 2nd period with a power-play marker to cut the Canadian Lead to two at the break. Canada found a way to pull away with two final goals, included a 2nd marker from Jordan Weal to make it a 5-1 win.