Nagano Cup
February 11, 2003
Nagano , Japan

Canada closed the 2003 Nagano Cup with a 3-2 win over Japan's National Team. 

Canada opened the scoring in the first period, with team captain Steve Gosselin (Dosquet, QC) getting a powerplay goal, on assists from Mark Kaufmann (Vancouver, BC) and Joel Prpic (Sudbury, ON). Despite being outshot 13-3, Canada led 1-0 as the teams returned to their dressing rooms following the first period.  Mathieu Vachon (Saint-Joseph, QC) had a strong opening period in net for Canada.

The Saint-Georges (QC) Garaga, representing Canada as the 2002 Allan Cup Champions, made it 2-0 at 4:12 of the middle frame, as Chris Bright (Calgary, AB) beat Japan's goaltender Masahito Haruna.

But Japan scored twice before the end of the second period, to even the score at 2-2.  At 11:51, Nobuhiro Sugawara put Japan on the board and at 17:07, Koichi Yamazaki tied the game.

Canada's assistant captain Frédéric Vermette (St-Agapit-de-Lobinières, QC) was the hero for the visiting side, as he scored at 11 :50 of the third period, putting a Karl Fleury (Ste-Claire-de-Dorchester, QC) pass past Haruna with what proved to be the winning goal.  Canada defeats Japan 3-2.

In other Nagano Cup action, the Czech Republic captured first place with a 6-1 win over Finland.  With today's results, Canada's places second behind the Czech Republic, and ahead of Finland in third and Japan in fourth place.