WHL stars guide Canada to perfect World Juniors pre-tournament record
Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team wrapped up pre-tournament play ahead of the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship Friday, scoring an 8-1 victory over Switzerland at the FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton, Ont. thanks to WHL talent at both ends of the ice.
Dillon Dube (Calgary Flames) of the Kelowna Rockets and Tyler Steenbergen (Arizona Coyotes) of the Swift Current Broncos each scored a pair of goals, with Steenbergen notching the game-winner in the first period.
Dube added an assist to finish with three points in the game. Josh Mahura (Anaheim Ducks) of the Regina Pats, made it three WHL players with multi-point games, tallying a pair of assists.
Defencemen Jake Bean (Carolina Hurricanes) of the Calgary Hitmen and Kale Clague (Los Angeles Kings) of the Brandon Wheat Kings also scored in the victory. Sam Steel (Anaheim Ducks) of the Pats picked up an assist.
In net, Carter Hart (Philadelphia Flyers) of the Everett Silvertips made three saves over the first 20 minutes before being replaced by Colton Point for the rest of the game.
Canada scored twice in the first, four times in the second and twice more in the third.
The victory helped Canada improved to 2-0 in pre-tournament play after they defeated the Czech Republic 9-0 Wednesday at the Budweiser Gardens in London, Ont.
Hart stopped all 18 shots from the Czech Republic for the shutout in another victory influenced by WHL talent. Cal Foote (Tampa Bay Lightning) of the Kelowna Rockets and Bean scored for Canada while Clague added a pair of assists.
Brett Howden (Tampa Bay Lightning) of the Moose Jaw Warriors and Steel each picked up a single assist.
Canada opens the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship Tuesday, December 26 when they take on Finland in Buffalo, NY.
For more information on Hockey Canada, Canada’s National Junior Team, and the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship, visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter, as well as #WorldJuniors.
Extensive coverage of the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship is planned by TSN and RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada. Check local listings for details.
#CHL stars pave the way to perfect #WorldJuniors pre-tournament for @HC_Men.
Dube and Steenbergen score twice vs SUI in Hamilton.
RECAP: https://t.co/H59w7fMGk4 pic.twitter.com/PPlA64MkQ3
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) December 23, 2017
FINAL | Dillon Dubé and @T_Steener scored 2⃣ goals apiece, and 🇨🇦 topped 🇨🇭 8-1 to close out its pre-#WorldJuniors schedule. RECAP: https://t.co/RfU2Ompo8y pic.twitter.com/r8q5eggsxZ
— #WorldJuniors (@WorldJuniors) December 23, 2017
