NOKIA, Finland – Team Canada scored three goals in less than three minutes in the second period en route to a 5-2 victory over Team Germany in exhibition play in preparation of the World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Finland.

Yann Sauve (Rigaud, QC/Saint John, QMJHL) got Canada’s scoring started at 12:38 of the second when his point shot beat German goaltender Timo Pielmeier.

Ten seconds later, Zachary Torquato (Sault Ste. Marie, ON/Erie, OHL) jammed in a rebound to make it 2-0. Team Canada took a 3-0 lead at 15:12 on a goal by Olivier Fortier (Quebec City, QC/Rimouski, QMJHL).

Germany cut into the lead at 5:26 of the third period, when David Wolf’s shot beat Canada’s goaltender Braden Holtby (Marshall, SK/Saskatoon, WHL). At 14:11, Simon Fischhaber scored a power-play goal to get Germany back in the game.

But Canada wasn’t about to relinquish the lead.

At 16:50, Kyle Turris (New Westminster, BC/Burnaby, BCHL) made a great cross-ice pass to Jamie Arniel (Kingston, ON/Guelph, OHL) who one-timed the puck top shelf. Canada completed the game’s scoring at 17:51. Steven Stamkos (Unionville, ON/Sarnia, OHL) showed why he’s a top prospect for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft when he stepped into the slot and snapped a hard shot off the crossbar.

Team Canada’s players and staff leave Tampere for Rauma on Tuesday. The 2007 World Under-18 Championship is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, although Canada’s first game isn’t until Thursday against Germany.

Canada 5 - Germany 2 - Nokia, Finland