HALIFAX, NS – Dan Boyle led Team Canada with a goal and an assist as Canada’s Men’s World Championship team defeated USA 3-1 on Wednesday night, in Canada’s first of four pre-championship games.  Canada will play USA again on Friday in Quebec City, before traveling to Europe for two additional pre-championship games in Latvia and Prague.

Canada’s Rick Nash opened the scoring with Canada having six attackers on the ice during a delayed penalty call to USA’s Hall Gill, tipping a goalmouth pass from Dany Heatley behind Conklin at 5:28 of the first period.  Dan Boyle put Canada ahead 2-0 scoring from the high slot after taking a pass from Mike Fisher.

After a scoreless second period, USA’s Matt Cullen scored a power play goal at 12:30 of the third period when he lifted the puck up high from in close over Turco’s shoulder. Scott Walker closed out the scoring with 18 seconds remaining to give Canada a 3-1 victory.

Goaltending was strong for both teams on Wednesday night.

Canada’s Martin Brodeur started in goal for Canada and played half of the game, making 18 saves.  Brodeur received a standing ovation from the 8,471 Halifax fans in attendance as he left the game with 10:20 to go in the second period, as Canada split the goaltending duties in tonight’s game.  Marty Turco played the second half of the game for Canada, making 14 saves.  Ty Conklin played in goal for USA for the entire game, making 29 saves, including stopping Patrick Marleau on a breakaway at the start of the third period.

Tickets are still available for the CAN vs. USA game on Friday, April 22 in Quebec City.

QUEBEC CITY – CANADA VS. USA
Friday, April 22, 7:30 pm ET
Le Colisee Pepsi, Quebec City, QC

Tickets for Friday’s game in Quebec City can be purchased by calling (418) 691-7211 or by calling toll free at (800) 900-7469 or purchase tickets online atwww.billetech.com. Ticket prices range from $25 to $65 (taxes included).

Canada will open the 2005 World Championship on April 30th versus Latvia, broadcast LIVE on TSN and RDS, the official broadcaster of Hockey Canada, and on the radio via the FAN radio network (check local listings).