Kashtanov’s shootout winner leads Russia to exhibition win over Pacific

Press Release

NORTH SYDNEY, N.S. – Ivan Kashtanov and Artur Tyanulin each scored in the shootout to lead Russia over Pacific 4-3 in a pre-tournament game ahead of the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Saturday night.

Braylon Shmyr (Calgary, Alta./Brandon, WHL) scored in the shootout for Pacific.

Adam Musil (Delta, B.C./Red Deer, WHL) and Giorgio Estephan (Edmonton, Alta./Lethbridge, WHL) led the Canadian offense with a goal and an assist each.

Pacific appeared in control early on, setting the pace and play for the first 12 minutes of the period. After Russia was whistled for two minors early on, the Pacific power play got a workout. Crisp, quick passes showed the new teammates were already gelling. 

However, it would be Russia – silver medallist from a year ago – striking first. Forward Danila Kvartalnov scored at 12:51 with a forehand blocker side on Pacific goalie Zach Sawchenko (Calgary, Alta./Moose Jaw, WHL).

Just over a minute-and-a-half later Pacific tied it up. Musil skated down the left wing and fired a wrist shot off the goalie’s glove and into the net. Three minutes later Estephan put Pacific ahead, picking up a loose puck by the side of the Russian net and scoring on a wraparound.

Tyanulin and Ivan Kashtanov scored just under three minutes apart early in the frame to give Russia a 3-2 lead after the second period.

Pacific got the equalizer just before the halfway point of the third period. Brad Morrison (Prince George, B.C./Prince George, WHL) fed a perfect pass to Nick Merkley (Calgary, Alta./Kelowna, WHL), who simply had to deflect the puck past the Russian tender.

Sawchenko stopped 39 shots for Pacific. His counterpart, Nikita Kolesnikov, made 25 saves for Russia.

Russia opens up their tournament on Sunday against the United States in Port Hawkesbury, N.S. (1 p.m. ET), while Pacific plays their opening preliminary round game against Quebec in North Sydney (6 p.m. ET).

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