Canada Advances to U-18 Semi-Finals

Canada’s National Under 18 Team has advanced to the semi-finals at the 2002 Eight Nations Tournament with a 6-5 win over Switzerland on Thursday.

Switzerland, which proved to be Canada’s toughest competition so far, made things close, coming back from a three-goal deficit and outshooting Canada 33-26.

Switzerland opened the scoring at the 1:58 mark of the first period on a powerplay goal by Victor Stancescu. Dion Phaneuf (Red Deer, WHL/Edmonton, AB) tied the game at one at the 4:18 mark, beating Swiss goaltender Michael Brugger. Just over two minutes later, Phanuef’s second goal of the game gave Canada a 2-1. Switzerland added one more before the period finished, deadlocking the two teams at two heading into the second period.

Canada exploded for three goals in the first seven and a half minutes of the second period to take a 5-2 lead. Goal scorers were Brent Seabrook (Lethbridge, WHL/Delta, BC), Anthony Stewart (Kingston, OHL/Toronto, ON) and Nigel Dawes (Kootenay, WHL/Winnipeg, MB). Switzerland would add a penalty shot goal later in the period, making the score 5-3 with 20 minutes to play.

In the final frame, Corey Perry (London, OHL/Peterborough, ON) (pictured) gave Canada a 6-3 lead at the 0:42 mark. That lead would be short lived as Fabian Debrunner and Kevin Romy both scored for Switzerland, making it a one-goal game. Canada’s defence closed the doors from that point on, solidifying a 6-5 win.

Kelowna Rockets goaltender Josh Lepp (Dalmeny, SK) stopped 28 of 33 shots he faced to earn his second victory of the tournament.

Canada’s powerplay, which has been lethal throughout the tournament was red-hot again, going 4 for 9. With the man advantage, Canada is 13 for 29, operating at a remarkable 45%.

Canada finished first in Pool A and will face the second place finisher in Pool B (Czech Republic or Russia, who play each other later tonight) in a semi-final match-up Friday. The time and location of the game is still undetermined.

GAME SUMMARY

Can 6 SUI 5

1st Period

SUI, Victor Stancescu (Roman Wick) 1:58 PP

CAN, Dion Phaneuf (Nigel Dawes) 4:18

CAN, Dion Phaneuf (Nigel Dawes) 6:30

SUI, Yvan Benoit (Philippe Seydoux, Philippe Furrer) 11:46 PP

Penalties

Nathan Horton CAN (Holding / Retenu) 0:38; Nigel Dawes CAN (Charging / Assaut) 7:27; Braydon Coburn CAN (Interference / Obstruction) 10:11; Nathan Horton CAN (High-sticking / Baton eleve) 11:08; Ramon Schalch SUI (Elbowing / Donne du coude) 13:50; Kevin Romy SUI (Holding / Retenu) 19:55

2nd Period

CAN, Alexandre Picard (Colin Fraser, Corey Perry) 0:51 PP

CAN, Anthony Stewart (Mike Richards, Stephen Dixon) 5:14 PP

CAN, Nigel Dawes (Corey Perry) 7:36 PP

SUI, Kevin Romy 9:55 PS

Penalties

Alain Brunold SUI (Charging / Assaut) 0:44; Ramon Schalch SUI (Holding / Retenu) 3:42; Philippe Furrer SUI (Interference / Obstruction) 6:02; Dion Phaneuf CAN, Fabian Debrunner SUI (Roughing / Rudesse) 10:10; Francesco Collura SUI (Slashing / Coup de baton) 13:28; Philippe Seydoux SUI (Slashing / Coup de baton) 14:55; Jamie Tardif CAN (Charging / Assaut) 17:03; Victor Stancescu SUI (Holding / Retenu) 19:01

3rd Period

CAN, Corey Perry (Nathan Horton, Braydon Coburn) 0:42 PP

SUI, Fabian Debrunner (Alain Brunold) 1:56 PP

SUI, Kevin Romy (Philippe Furrer) 12:18

Penalties

Mike Richards CAN (Holding / Retenu) 1:26; Stefan Meyer CAN (Holding / Retenu) 8:33; Fabian Debrunner SUI (Holding / Retenu) 15:08; Brent Seabrook, (Roughing / Rudesse), Antonio Rizzello SUI (Elbowing / Donne du coude) 18:53

Score by Period

Team/ Équipe 1 2 3 OT Total

CAN 2 3 1 0 6

SUI 2 1 2 0 5

Shots By Period

Team/ Équipe 1 2 3 OT Total

CAN 8 10 8 0 26

SUI 17 4 12 0 33

Power Play

Team/ Équipe Total

CAN 4 / 9

SUI 3 / 8

Goaltenders

Player/ Joueur Shots/Lancers Saves/Arrets

CAN – Josh Lepp 33 28

SUI – Michael Brugger 26 20