2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge

ST. STEPHEN, N.B. – Matthew Maggio (Tecumseh, Ont./Ottawa, OHL) scored twice in a five-goal second period, helping Canada Red pull away in the middle frame and earn a 5-2 win over the United States in a pre-World Under-17 Hockey Challenge game Thursday night.

Payton Mount (Victoria, B.C./Seattle, WHL), Jacob Perreault (Hindsale, Ill./Sarnia, OHL) and Jake Murray (Oakville, Ont./Kingston, OHL) also found the back of the net for the Canadians, who struck for their first four goals in a span of just over eight minutes to turn a scoreless game into a sizable lead.

Eamon Powell and Daniyal Dzhaniyev had the goals for the Americans, who begin defence of their gold medal Sunday against the Czech Republic at Harbour Station in Saint John (12 p.m. AT). Red is the first Canadian team to see action, taking on Russia in its Group B opener Saturday night at the qplex in Quispamsis (7:30 p.m. AT).