USA WIN PUTS PRESSURE ON TEAM WEST TO SCORE

By Keith Borkowsky

REGINA — The United States have held up its end of the bargain.

With a 5-1 win over Quebec in Monday’s round-robin contest, USA has forced Team West to do something they have yet to do at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge — earn a lopsided victory.

A three-goal third period gave the United States the all-important goal-differential cushion needed to reach the medal round.

Two goals from James van Riemsdyk led the charge including a power-play marker with 0.1 seconds left in the contest.

“We were fortunate to get that late goal. That could be a difference maker down the road, depending on what happens later on tonight,” USA coach Ron Rolston said.

The Americans opened the game playing with more desperation than the Quebecers, and were rewarded with an early goal. USA defenceman Colby Cohen fired a point shot that made it through traffic and past Quebec goalie Nicola Riopel 1:32 into the contest. Colin Wilson assisted.

Quebec responded with a late power-play marker at the 17:32 mark. Alexander Killorn took a cross-ice pass and tapped it behind USA goalie Brad Phillips, with Philippe Comet and Keven Guerette-Charland assisting.

Ryan Hayes gave USA a 2-1 lead 11:19 into the second period, coming off the point and firing a wrist shot that beat Riopel short side. Joseph Lavin chipped in his first goal of the tournament in the third period.

Quebec’s efforts were not as strong as they had been in past Pool A games, but that didn’t concern assistant captain Francis Filion heading into Tuesday’s semifinal round game.

 “I think we came in overconfident, and that brought us down to earth. We are going to come out strong tomorrow,” Filion said.

Ontario and West meet tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Regina. West need to win the game by five goals, or the final Pool A medal round spot goes to the United States.