ONTARIO GETS INTO POOL A PLAYOFF PICTURE WITH VICTORY

By Keith Borkowsky

REGINA — Ontario put themselves back in the Pool A medal round picture with a 7-1 win over Slovakia Sunday at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

With a 1-2 record, Ontario could end West’s medal round hopes Monday, when they meet in Regina at 7 p.m.

John Tavares, who scored twice and chipped in an assist, said Ontario’s seven goals are a big help to the club, if a goal-differential tiebreaker comes into play.

“We got big help earlier today (with West’s 1-1 draw with the Americans) and last night. So we are very much in this race. Scoring all those goals was big. Hopefully it helps us get to the next round,” Tavares said.

Sam Gagner scored his fourth goal of the week, and chipped in a pair of assists. Other Ontario goal scorers were: Bryan Cameron, Daniel Lombardi, Chris Terry and Dale Mitchell.

Slovakia’s lone goal came in the third period. Marek Mertel forced a turnover at his own blue line, won a solo foot race to the net and beat Ontario’s backup goalie Daryl Borden.

Mertel’s coach Tibor Danis said the goal was a highlight in what was otherwise a frustrating outing. The Slovaks have played every day since Dec. 28, and were fatigued by tonight’s match.

“We played four days in four nights. We had no energy left to play this game,” Danis said through an interpreter. “This is why we lost the game by as many goals as we did.”

Ontario plays Team West Monday in a key Pool A showdown in Regina at 7:30 p.m. Slovakia has completed its round-robin games, and plays in a placement game on Tuesday at a site to be determined.