Canada defeats Germany 5-2 at WU18 Saturday
IMATRA, Finland – Canada scored three unanswered goals in the third period to break a 2-2 tie on Saturday on their way to a 5-2 victory over Germany at the 2014 IIHF U18 World Championship.
The win improves Canada’s record to 2-0 in Group A round-robin play.
Five different forwards scored goals for Canada including Ryan Gropp (Seattle Thunderbirds) who netted the game-winner at 14:24 of the third period.
Travis Konecny (Ottawa 67’s) and Jared McCann (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) also scored third period insurance markers.
Jake Virtanen (Calgary Hitmen) picked up two points for the second straight game this time assiting on the Gropp and McCann goals.
Canada opened the scoring with a goal by Daniel Audette (Sherbrooke Phoenix) at 6:27 of the first period.
Germany tied the score midway through the second period before Canada reclaimed the lead on a goal by Conner Bleackley (Red Deer Rebels). Germany would again score the equalizer knotting the score after 40 minutes before Canada pulled away in the final frame.
Julio Billia (Chicoutimi Sagueneens) made 21 saves to earn the win in goal.
Canada returns to the ice in Imatra on Sunday to face Slovakia (9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT).
Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team features 23 players from the Canadian Hockey League including 12 from the Western Hockey League, six from the Ontario Hockey League, and five from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.