Defending Champs Crowned

It took five day’s to get to this level and all the hype was clearly worth it. For those who never took in a game, you missed some exceptional hockey played by some of tomorrow’s “Pro’s”.

Prior to the start of the game, a tribute was paid to the Armed Forces around the World, as well as a moment of Silence was paid for our fallen solders.

The first minute of the game saw the US take a minor putting Canada East on the PP, only to be shut down.

Canada East threw pressure at the net, managing to grab two within the first eight minutes of the game.

The first was a long stretch pass through the middle to Devin Shore and the second was a close in shot top-shelf at 7:19 by #12 Patrick Megannety.

Next up for the US was a timeout which must have worked as the US got the first of the game at 12:52 on a goal-mouth pass tipped in by #19 Pigozzi from Patterson.

Canada East continued to press the net and added a third goal off the stick of Tyler Spink at 17:08, with the US in need of someone stepping up and taking charge. Question is – who will it be?

After the first period a media conference was held with Hockey Canada President Bob Nicholson. He was asked about the selection process which he stated “the players are selected by the Coaching staff through training camps held in various locations for both East and West.

He likes the way in which all levels and Provincial Branch have accepted the enforcement of the Head Shot rule”.

As for a relocation of the event, he shrugs this off as he likes to see two teams represent Canada”.

The second period was more of an offensive battle both way’s, with the shots after two 16-15 for Canada East.

The US came out strong and played solid with quality shots on net, only to be turned away by Ignagni who plays the angle extremely well.

Mike Riley of the US gave the puck away at 9:05 of the third to Devin Shore who made no mistake and buried the shot for the forth goal of the contest.

It was obviously the forth goal that took the wind out of the sails for the US as any drive to the net was turned aside.

Canada East upset the defending Champs by a 4-2 score and the game stars for each team was:

Team USA      # 6 Andy Welinski
Canada East    # 19 Devin Shore