2017 WU17 Hockey Challenge: Day 3 Recap
Canada White got into the win column on Tuesday while Russia, the United States and Finland were also victorious as the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge wrapped up Day 3. Here’s a look at the action.
CANADA WHITE 7 – CZECH REPUBLIC 2
Jakob Pelletier (Moncton Wildcats) scored twice and Graeme Clarke (Ottawa 67’s) picked up four assists as Team Canada White got into the win column at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, defeating the Czech Republic 7-2. Ethan Keppen (Flint Firebirds), Jake Lee (Seattle Thunderbirds), Joe Carroll (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) and Braden Schneider (Brandon Wheat Kings) also scored in the win while Taylor Gauthier (Prince George Cougars) made 25 saves. Keppen finished the game with a goal and two assists as Canada White outshot the Czechs 35-27. Team Canada White improves to 1-2-0 in the tournament while the Czech Republic falls to 0-3-0. Canada White will now take on Finland in Quarterfinal action on Thursday.
RUSSIA 5 – CANADA RED 3
Russia overcame a 3-1 deficit, charging back to defeat Team Canada Red 5-3 on Tuesday. Egor Spiridonov scored a pair of goals including the game winner midway through the second period as Russia improved to 2-1-0 at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Ryan Suzuki (Barrie Colts), Xavier Simoneau (Drummondville Voltigeurs) and Mitchell Russell (Owen Sound Attack) all scored first period goals for Canada Red and that’s all they’d be able to muster, falling to 2-1-0 in the tournament. Russia took the shooting column 43-34 as Cape Breton Screaming Eagles prospect Tommy Da Silva made 38 saves for Canada Red. Nick Wong (Oshawa Generals), Xavier Parent (Halifax Mooseheads), Dylan Cozens (Lethbridge Hurricanes) and Bowen Byram (Vancouver Giants) all had assists for Team Canada Red in the loss. Canada Red will now take on Canada Black in Quarterfinal action on Thursday.
UNITED STATES 5 – CANADA BLACK 4
Matthew Boldy, Alex Turcotte, Judd Caulfield and Cole Caufield all scored third period goals as the United States defeated Team Canada Black 5-4. Down 5-2 midway through the third, Canada Black goals from Tag Bertuzzi (Guelph Storm) and Dawson Mercer (Drummondville Voltigeurs) cut the American lead to one, but it wouldn’t be enough as Canada Black came up short, falling to 2-1-0. Bertuzzi had a goal and an assist in the loss while Kirby Dach (Saskatoon Blades) led all Canada players with a goal and two helpers. Sasha Mutala (Tri-City Americans) also scored for Canada Black while Nolan Maier (Saskatoon Blades) made 43 saves in goal. The 3-0-0 Americans outshot Canada Black 48-18. Canada Black will now take on Canada Red in Quarterfinal action on Thursday.
FINLAND 6 – SWEDEN 1
Finland won big in a battle of Scandinavian foes, defeating Sweden 6-1 after a four-goal third period. Patrik Puistola led the way with a goal and two assists for Finland while Henri Nikkanen scored twice and Mikko Petman had a goal and an assist. Finland outshot Sweden 42-33, improving to 2-1-0 while Sweden fell to 0-3-0.
For news, stats and scores from the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, visit hockeycanada.ca.