A shaky first period by the Canadian Junior squad allowed their rivals from below the border to jump out to a 3-0 lead. But before the teams could go their dressing rooms for the first intermission the Canadians had roared back, scoring three goals to tie the game.
It was John Tavares who led the Canadians’ comeback and before the game was over the budding superstar, and probable first over-all selection in next summer’s amateur draft, had notched a hat trick (the final goal went into an empty net).
Although the final score 7-4 indicates a solid Canadian victory, this is far from reality. Canada’s final two goals were dumped into an empty net as the Americans had pulled their goalie for an extra attacker in a desperate attempt to score the equalizer and force overtime.
The game, although not a sudden-death affair, still had a lot of significance as the winner received a bye to the semi-finals on Saturday and loser had to play an extra game on Friday to advance to the semis.
Although Dustin Tokarski had a shaky first period he made some saves late in the game. Some of those stops will have hockey fans talking for a long time. The biggest save, and one for highlight reels for sure, occurred when U.S.A.’s Colin Wilson was left alone in front of the Canadian net for what must have seemed like an eternity.
As the American star tried to baffle the Canadian netminder with a series of moves, not one Canadian skater could be found in the vicinity. Finally, with Tokarski down, Wilson fired a hard shot towards the wide open Canadian net. But, equally as fast the Canadian goalie flashed the leather and made a fantastic catch to rob the Americans of a sure goal.
The save and others by the Watson Saskatchewan native no doubt had the Tampa Lightning brass drooling over the thoughts of this youngster playing for them in the next few years.
Note: On other occasions I have lamented the lack of good officiating in international hockey and last night’s game does not change my mind. Although there were questionable calls in both directions I thought (and I bet Team USA’s coaching staff agrees) that the Americans were the victims of some calls that probably had an impact on the final score.
On a final note: In a previous post I criticized Angelo Esposito for his lack toughness with the puck. Last night the youngster exhibited a much stronger work ethic and hockey toughness. Keep up it up Angelo you are capable of being a very good hockey player.
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