Powell River Regals fall 9-2 to Belarus in Polese Cup

Canada entered their final game of the Polese Cup looking for their first win against the host Belarus National Team coached by former NHL player and coach Curt Fraser. Belarus took the game 9-2, but Canada had it a one goal game entering the third period. After alternating games with backup Scott Peters, goaltender Chad Vizzutti was once again the best player on the ice earning Goaltender of the Tournament honors. With the win Belarus wins the first Polese Cup. Although Canada finished the tournament without a win, these amateurs showed true Canadian heart and soul. Going to the wall each and every shift, blocking more shots than any other team in the tournament by a wide margin and earning the admiration and respect of the Belarusian fans.

First Period - Three minutes in Canada was awarded the first power play of the game but were unable to generate good scoring chances. Soon after Belarus worked with their first man advantage and were able to get plenty of pucks on goaltender Chad Vizzutti, who kept the game scoreless with a fantastic glove save, to a roar from an appreciative crowd. Belarus did finally beat Vizzutti with an even strength goal after a turnover in Canada's zone creating a 2 on 1. With Canada working on their second man advantage less than a minute later they evened the game at 1-1 with their first power play goal of the tournament on a John Coyle tip into the top of the net from a Kip Noble point shot. But Belarus was able to take the lead back 13 seconds later when a Belarusian shot attempt slide off his stick right to an unchecked teammate at the side of the net. Canada soon after had their third PP of the period but were unsuccessful. End of first period Belarus 2 Canada 1. Power plays Belarus 0-2 Canada 1-3.
 
Second Period - Penalties and power plays were the theme of the middle stanza as Canada had a chance to pull even with a man advantage but it was short lived with a John Coyle interference minor. Belarus then had a 5 on 3 and were able to get their 3rd goal of the game. Canada then found themselves down two men for the second time in the period as dean Shiels was sent off for delay of game for sending the puck over the glass in his own zone. But Canada's best penalty killer Vizzutti kept it a 2 goal game. Near the mid way point of the period Canada had their own 2 man advantage, but they too couldn't capitalize. Soon after Belarus had a breakaway, but yet again Vizzutti was there. After a 3 rd 5 on 3 for Belarus, Canada had their second two man advantage, but couldn't take advantage. Right after Belarus was back to full strength Canada's Mark Kolanos pulled his country to within one on a slap shot that hit the goaltender high and over his shoulder. Assists went to Lyle Tassone and Richard Seeley. End of second period Belarus 3 Canada 2. Power plays Belarus 1-6 Canada 0-5.

Third Period - Belarus restored their two goal lead early in the final frame as a pass to the front of the net hit a player in the leg to beat the goaltender. Belarus captain and ex Pittsburg Penquin Konstantin Koltsov scored their fifth goal, much to the dispute of Vizzutti who had control of the puck but had it batted off him and in. Canada's tank had then run dry and Belarus scored four more times to take the game 9-2 and win the Polese Cup.