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U.S. Edges Canada East, 3-2, in Final Jr. A Preliminary Game

By USAHockey.com, 12/16/14, 6:45PM MST

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Shane Gersich scores in final 2.5 seconds to give Team USA regulation win

KINDERSLEY, Saskatchewan — The U.S. Junior Select Team edged Canada East, 3-2, in its final preliminary game of the 2014 World Junior A Challenge. In the final 2.5 seconds of regulation play, Shane Gersich (Chaska, Minn./Omaha Lancers) tipped in a shot from the point to give the U.S. the win. With the victory, Team USA moved into first place in the tournament and clinched a spot in the semifinal round. 

 “Canada East played a fantastic game. They were tenacious, hard working and very competitive,” said Jay Varady, coach of the U.S. Junior Select Team. “But our group also did a great job. Late in the game, our leadership took control and didn’t panic, and we were able to capitalize on key scoring chances.”

In the opening period, the U.S. struck first at 11:24 while on the power play. Brock Boeser (Burnsville, Minn./Waterloo Black Hawks) cleanly won a faceoff back to Kyle Connor (Shelby Township, Mich./Youngstown Phantoms) at the right point. Connor rifled a shot and Boeser redirected it past Canadian goaltender Blade Mann-Dixon for the 1-0 lead.

Canada East converted on the man-advantage just over four minutes later to knot the score at one.

In a scoreless second stanza, neither team could capitalize on special teams opportunities, and the score remained tied until 15:07 of the third period when Canada East scored the go-ahead goal while on the power play.

But with 1:31 left in regulation, and the U.S. cycling the puck in the offensive zone, Christian Wolanin (Rochester, Mich./Muskegon Lumberjacks) passed the puck to Seamus Malone (Naperville, Ill./Dubuque Fighting Saints) at the top of the right circle and he one-timed the puck through traffic, tying the game at 2-2. 

Later, with seven seconds remaining on the clock, Team USA won an offensive battle along the boards that led to the game-winning goal. Wolanin got the puck, skated to the top of the slot for a shot and Gersich tipped it in with 2.5 seconds on the clock, giving Team USA the 3-2 victory. 

The U.S. outshot Canada East 46-28, including 23-4 in the final period. Goaltender Cale Morris (Larkspur, Colo./Chicago Steel) named U.S. player of the game for his 24-save performance. 

Team USA will return to action during the semifinal round of competition Thursday (Dec. 19). Puck drop be will at either 4:30 or 8:30 p.m. ET. Their opponent is yet to be determined. Check USAHockey.com for updates, and follow @USAHockeyScores for in-game updates.


Team USA Results For 2014 World Junior A Challenge

Date Opponent Round Result
Fri., Dec. 12 Canada West Pre-Tournament W, 6-3
Mon., Dec. 15 Switzerland Preliminary W, 7-0
Tue., Dec. 16 Canada East Preliminary W, 3-2
Thu., Dec. 18 Canada East Semifinal W, 7-1
Sat., Dec. 20 Denmark Championship Game W, 3-2/OT



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