HUGE COMEBACK HELPS QUEBEC TO 2-0 START

by Andrew Parker

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. – Luca Ciampini’s first of three goals kick started the comeback as Quebec earned a 6-4 win over Finland on Thursday night at the PCU Centre.

Despite going down a goal only 23 seconds into the game and falling into a 3-1 hole late in the second period, Quebec recovered to keep pace with the United States atop Group A; both teams are 2-0 after two days.

“You have to get those goals back right away,” said Quebec’s Dillon Fournier of falling behind early.

It was Fournier who tied the game for Quebec just 5:30 after Jusso Ikonen opened the scoring, although goals from Henri Ikonen and Rasmus Ristolainen put the Finns up 3-1 with the minutes ticking away in the middle frame.

But Quebec struck back soon after, with Ciampini and captain Charles Simard-Hudon both scoring only six seconds apart to send the game to the intermission tied 3-3.

Quebec carried the momentum into the third period, adding goals by William Carrier and Ciampini. Ville Pokka made it a one-goal game shortly after the Finns pulled goaltender Oskari Setänen, but Ciampini finished his hat trick into an empty net with 53 seconds left.

Henri Ikonen was awarded Player of the Game honours for Finland, which returns to play on Friday night when it meets Atlantic in Portage. Quebec will also play on New Year’s Eve, facing off against Germany in Winnipeg.