DIENO’S FOUR POINTS, IMOO’S 20 SAVES HELP CANADA WEST BLANK CZECHS

Press Release

YARMOUTH, N.S. – Rhyse Dieno (Davidson, Sask./La Ronge, SJHL) had a goal and three assists to lead the way offensively as Canada West opened defence of its World Junior A Challenge gold medal with a resounding 7-0 win over the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

The Canadians’ margin of victory was the largest shutout win in tournament history, topping Canada East’s 5-0 blanking of the Czechs last year in Langley, B.C.

Wade Murphy (Victoria, B.C./Penticton, BCHL) and Alex Kerfoot (West Vancouver, B.C./Coquitlam, BCHL) added two goals apiece for Canada West (1-0), while Dylan Richard (Sherwood Park, Alta./Spruce Grove, AJHL) and Kurt Keats (Winnipeg, Man./Winnipeg, MJHL) also put their names on the scoresheet.

The Kerfoot-Dieno-Richard line starred for the Canadians, combining for four goals and 10 points.
Jonah Imoo (Surrey, B.C./Powell River, BCHL) made 20 saves for the shutout, the first-ever by a Canada West goaltender in the seven-year history of the World Junior A Challenge.
Stepan Lukes got the start in goal for the Czech Republic (0-1), allowing four goals on 12 shots before giving way to Rene Svoboda, who picked up Player of the Game honours with 18 saves in 40 minutes of action.

The Czechs winless preliminary round means they will play in a Thursday quarter-final, while Canada West will face Russia in Wednesday’s Group A finale (4 p.m. AT), with first place and a bye to the semifinals on the line. 


(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)