2001-02 National Men's Under-18 Team

April 12, 2002
Priestany, Slovakia

Piestany, Slovakia- Canada?s National Under 18 Team evened it?s record at 1-1 at the 2002 IIHF World Under 18 Hockey Championship on Friday, with a convincing 9-1 win over Germany.

After 10 minutes of scoreless play to open the game, Canada opened the scoring on a terrific three-way passing play, as Michaël Lambert, of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, QC, cashed in at 9:58 with assists going to Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Dylan Stanley.

Louis-Philippe Martin, of St-Jérôme, QC, made it 2-0 after a great rush by Adam Henrich at 16:11.

Canada made it a three goal advantage in the second frame, shorthanded, as Rosario Ruggeri, of Montreal, QC, who came in late and converted a Bouchard pass past German netminder Patrick Koslow. Then Bouchard made it four at 10:04, before Germany responded on a powerplay. Daniel Pyka ruined Josh Harding?s bid for a shutout, with a one-timer from the slot.

Canada restored the four-goal lead late in the second, as Eric Staal fed James Sanford, of Alma, NB, who fired it over the goaltender?s shoulder and Canada took a 5-1 lead to the dressing room.

Canada added four in the third for the 9-1 victory. Goalscorers for Canada in the final period were Jon Filewich, of Sherwood Park, AB, with two, Sébastien Courcelles, of Rosemere, QC and John Boychuk, of Edmonton, AB.

Canada is taking part in it?s first ever World Under 18 Hockey Championship, and is made up of players born in 1984, presently not involved in the playoffs in either the CHL, university or Junior ?A? leagues. Canada?s next game comes on Sunday, April 14th as they face the host nation, Slovakia.

Game Summary