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Photo Credit: Hockey Canada 
By Shane Clausing
World junior a challegne

Canada West stays alive at World Junior A Challenge

Dec 12, 2019 | 10:19 AM

Canada West picked up their first win of the World Junior A Challenge after defeating Russia 1-0 in the shootout.

The game was just the third 1-0 result in the history of the tournament. It’s the first time a 1-0 result was ever decided post regulation time.

Regulation didn’t provide much. Overtime was all speed and skill, but Canada East goaltender Matthew Davis, and Russian goaltender Yegor Guskov were able to stay composed and force the game into the shootout.

Both goalies picked up shutouts in the game. Davis stopped 25 shots while Guskov turned away 31 shots.

In the five round shootout Carter Savoie and Massimo Rizzo were able to score for Canada, Matthew Davis turned away four out of five Russian shots to give Canada West their first win of the tournament.

“It was kind of frustrating losing the first two [games]. We have been playing well and we had some good glimpses of the hockey we know we can play. To come out here and get that first win is great for our team, and now we can continue working toward earning a spot in the semifinals,” said Canada West captain Massimo Rizzo.

Because the game went past regulation time Canada West only picks up two points and remains at the bottom of the standings. But their chances at a spot in the semi-finals remain alive.

Canada West will face what is essentially a must win against the Czech Republic Thursday night in order to stay alive. The Czech’s come into the game sitting in fourth place and three points in two games with one less game played. A win by the Czechs will eliminate Canada West from the tournament.

The United States were also in action as they continued to roll at the World Junior Challenge defeating Canada East 7-3.

U.S. forward Brendan Brisson led the way for the United States as he picked up four points in the game.

The United States will face Russia on Friday at 2:00 p.m. Canada East will take on the Czech’s at 7:00 p.m.

by Shane Clausing