Russia vs Czech

The first game on game two features Russia facing-off against the Czech Republic in hopes of rebounding from Monday’s loss.

Hockey Canada along with Langley Minor Hockey have worked together to have young players take to the ice for all opening ceremonies prior to any game, which for any youngster was sheer delight.

The between period feature see’s a mini-minor game between two house league teams, which for them is a sheer thrill.

The game had all the makings of great hockey, but the sad part of the event was the poor showing for those attending the game.

The sparse crowd does nothing to ignite the players to play, or at times even perform.

The squad from the Czech Republic are looking at rebounding and while they started strong, they allowed Russia to penetrate the “D” to tie the game at one.

Speed seemed to play a role in this game and for the most part, Russia came out somewhat flat allowing the Czech to get the first goal of the contest.

Russia rebounded, putting them back in the game to tie it at one. The Czech threw shot after shot at the “tender” managing to get two past the Russia “tender” and put them up 3-1.

The squad from Russia changed tenders to start the second and not only pulled within one, they managed to tie the game at 3.

The tempo in the second picked-up with both teams getting shot’s, but none were outstanding or will make the high-light reel for play of the week.

In conversation with some of the attending media members, it was interesting to note that the event has over 75 NHL Scouts on hand, all trying to find the “diamond in the rough”.

The back-bone to this game for the Czech had to be they young goaltender, Patrik Polivka who faced several close-in shots, forcing many shots wide or grabbing them with his trapper, which was well used, various times in this game.

The hit of the game was thrown by # 6 Valeri Vasiliev of Russia who laid out # 19 Prochazka of the Czech, but Vasiliev got the worse of it, landing on his shoulder.

With 15 seconds left in the game, the Czech Republic took a minor for tripping allowing Russia to call a timeout, and pull the tender putting them in a 6 on 4 situation.

Russia was out of fire-power and could not get any quality shots on goal to tie the game sending it to overtime.

Game stars for Russia was # 10Yakimov and star for the Czech Republic was # 17 Matus.

Shots were in favour of the Czech who outshoot Russia 43-31