2016 WU17 Hockey Challenge: Day 3 Recap

Day 3 of the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. featured four games on the schedule. Canada Red, Canada Black, the Czech Republic and Sweden came away winners headed into Quarter Final action on Thursday.

CZECH REPUBLIC 8 CANADA WHITE 2
Jakub Lauko buried a hat-trick as the Czech Republic silenced Team Canada White with an 8-2 win. The Czechs prevailed despite providing their Canadian opponent with eight power play opportunities, two of which they converted on. Dominik Arnost finished the game with two goals and an assist while Adam Gajarsky had a goal and a helper. Canada White goals came from Akil Thomas (Niagara IceDogs) and Samuel Houde (Chicoutimi Sagueneens). Canada White falls to 1-2-0 in the tournament and will face Team Canada Red (2-1-0) in Quarter Final action on Thursday.
GAME SUMMARY

CANADA RED 1 RUSSIA 0
Shawn Element’s (Baie-Comeau Drakkar) shorthanded game winner 4:17 into the third period pushed Team Canada Red over Russia 1-0 at the Essar Centre. The win puts an end to Russia’s undefeated run at the tournament. Josh Tarzwell (Lethbridge Hurricanes) picked up the lone assist on the goal while Kevin Mandolese (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles) turned aside all 23 shots he faced to record the shutout.

“Getting that goal, it meant everything to us. [Mandolese] is an awesome, awesome goalie,” Element said post-game. “He worked hard for us, made some good saves. It’s been an incredible experience so far, with the group of guys we have, we all have a great time together, especially on the ice – it’s really fun to play with them.”

Canada Red (2-1-0) squares off against Team Canada White (1-2-0) in Quarter Final action on Thursday.
GAME SUMMARY

SWEDEN 4 FINLAND 2
Samuel Fagemo had a goal and two assists as Sweden doubled up their Scandinavian neighbours from Finland 4-2 at the John Rhodes Community Centre. David Gustafsson and Markus Westfalt also scored for the Swedes while Miska Kukkonen and Karri Kapanen responded for Finland. Sweden (1-1-1) will face the United States (1-1-1) in Quarter Final action on Thursday while Finland (1-2-0) squares off against Team Canada Black (2-1-0).
GAME SUMMARY

CANADA BLACK 4 UNITED STATES 3
Allan McShane (Erie Otters) tipped home the game winning goal and set up two others as Team Canada Black claimed first place in Round Robin play with a 4-3 win over the United States. Defenceman Ty Smith (Spokane Chiefs) scored a pair of power play goals while forward Adam McMaster (North Bay Battalion) had a goal and two assists of his own. Goaltender Jacob Ingham (Mississauga Steelheads) made 22 saves to record the win as Canada Black was outshot 25-20. Jake Wise scored twice for the Americans before Joel Farabee added a third goal.

“It was good solid hockey, with three games in three nights,” said Canada Black coach Paul Boutilier (Saint John Sea Dogs). “That was a good team over there. They’ve got a lot of really, really, really good players – it was just a really good game. It’s been a busy week-and-a-half, and we’re going to regroup [Wednesday] and get some gas in the tank, and really enjoy the next phase of the tournament. It’s unbelievable hockey – we’re so proud to be a part of it – and the kids are giving it their all.”

Team Canada Black (2-1-0) squares off against Finland in Quarter Final play on Thursday while the United States faces Sweden.
GAME SUMMARY

For more information on the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, please visit hockeycanada.ca.