Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Tyanulin leads Russia past Germany for first win

Press Release

PORT HAWKESBURY, N.S. – Artur Tyanulin scored two goals and added two assists as Russia defeated Germany 7-2 Tuesday afternoon at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Dmitry Zhukenov had a goal and two assists, while Denis Alekseev, Denis Tsukanov, Ivan Emets and Denis Gurianov had the other Russian markers.

Lois Spitzner and Philipp Halbauer scored for Germany.

The win improved Russia’s record to 1-1, while Germany dropped to 0-3 in Group B play.

The game was marred by a scary incident in the third period when Russian defenceman Timur Fatkullin checked German forward Tobias Eder in the head. Eder stayed down for more than four minutes but left the ice on his own and was checked out after the game. Fatkullin received a match penalty on the play.

Germany took a 1-0 lead after one period. Spitzner intercepted a poor Russian clearing attempt along the boards, skated toward the net and casually flipped a backhand short-side over goalie Nikita Kolesnikov’s shoulder. Those responsible for the arena’s music definitely approved, playing “Moves Like Jagger” as Spitzner skated back to the bench to accept congratulations from his teammates.

Russia came out more energized to start the second period. With an extra attacker on for a delayed penalty call, the team worked the puck around the offensive zone, with Tsukanov eventually knocking a rebound past goalie Cody Brenner.

After Germany pulled ahead again three minutes later off the stick of Halbauer, Russia scored three times in under five minutes to close out the second period with a 4-2 lead.

The Russians would add three more goals in the third period.

Germany wraps up its preliminary round against Atlantic in the first of two games New Year’s Day in Sydney (2 p.m. AT). Russia will be on the ice for the second game at Centre 200 against Ontario (7 p.m. AT).

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

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