Monday, November 5, 2012

RUSSIANS SCORE SIX UNANSWERED, TOP CZECHS IN TOURNAMENT OPENER

Press Release

YARMOUTH, N.S. - Artyom Prokhorov and Saveli Ilin had two goals apiece to pace the offence as Russia opened the 2012 World Junior A Challenge with a 6-1 win over the Czech Republic on Monday afternoon.
It’s a reversal of fortunes for the Russians, who dropped a 4-3 decision to the Czechs in their opening game last year in Langley, B.C.

Nikita Setdikov and Igor Rudenkov had the other goals for Russia (1-0), which trailed 1-0 past the midway point of the game before scoring twice in 67 seconds in the second period and three times in 2:11 in the third to win its tournament opener for the first time since 2009.

Ilya Pavlyukov, Vyacheslav Leshchenko and Vladimir Tkachev added two assists apiece in the win, while goaltender Igor Shestyorkin made 26 saves to record the victory between the pipes.

Jakub Vrana scored the lone goal for the Czech Republic (0-1), scoring 13 minutes into the first period. It’s the second year in a row the Czechs have suffered a one-sided loss in their tournament opener – they dropped a 5-0 decision to Canada East in Langley.

Rene Svoboda took the loss after a 29-save performance. The Russians held a 35-27 advantage in shots on goal.

Russia is off Tuesday before wrapping up the preliminary round Wednesday afternoon (4 p.m. AT) against Canada West at the Mariners Centre, while the Czechs will face the Canadians in Tuesday’s matinee (4 p.m. AT).


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

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