CANADA 5 SLOVAKIA 1 – FINAL
Team Canada scored two goals in a 1:26 span late in the second period in
a 5-1 victory over Slovakia in the semi-finals of the World Junior
Championships.
Canada Quick Hits:
Nic Petan – 3g
Connor McDavid – 3a
Curtis Lazar – 3a
Anthony Duclair – 1g-1a
Zach Fucale – Turned away 14 of 15 shots
Team Canada Assistant Coach Dave Lowry:
“We came out and scored early, then we settled in. This was a type of
game that you have to be careful of as we had a lot of quality scoring chances,
but could not score because their (Slovakia) goalie played unreal. We were able
to capitalize late in the second period and stuck to our game plan.”
Joe Hicketts Quick Hits:
-
Midway through the second period with Canada leading
1-0, Hicketts stretched out a hand to break-up a Slovakia 2-on-1 rush.
-
Was
a +1 on the night
-
Saw
time on the second powerplay unit
-
Extensive time on the Penalty Kill with Darnell Nurse
(Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
-
Partnered with Dillon Heatherington of the Swift
Current Broncos (WHL)
Team Canada Assistant Coach Dave Lowry:
“Joe played well. Every day he gets better and he gives us what we
expect of him.”
Next Game:
Gold medal game tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time): Canada vs. Russia
Team Canada Assistant Coach Dave Lowry:
“We expect much of the same as what we saw of them (Russia) in the
SUBWAY Super Series. They are a highly skilled and experienced side who are
tough to play against.”
