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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

CANADA WEST THROUGH TO SEMIS

Canada West finished their round robin 2-0 at the World Junior A Challenge in Darmouth Nova Scotia, and as a result they have punched a ticket to the semi finals.

They opened the tournament Tuesday and blanked the Czechs 7-0. Coquitlam Express forward Alex Kerfoot opened the scoring for Canada West just 3:25 into the game on the powerplay. The goal would be the start of a three point game for Kerfoot who finished with two goals and an assist.

Penticton Vees forward Wade Murphy scored a pair of goals for Canada West. He would be named the player of the game for Canada West. Jonah Imoo of the Powell River Kings made 20 saves to post the shutout.

Wednesday's game vs. Russia was a battle for first place in Group A. Russia opened the tournament with a 6-1 win over the Czechs Monday.

The game was scoreless after 20 minutes of play. The best chance to open the scoring was a penalty shot for Kerfoot, but he was stopped on a deke as he went to the backhand. Kerfoot helped opened the scoring as he picked up an assist on Wade Murphy's powerplay goal. Russia quickly replied with a pair of goals in two minutes.

Kerfoot was instrumental in setting up the game tying goal as he made a great head fake then zipped a back door pass to Seb Lloyd who tied the game at two with just fifteen seconds remaining in the second period.

Aaron Hadley of the Vernon Vipers gave Canada West their second lead of the game two minutes into the third period. A powerplay goal by Sergei Stetsenko tied the game at three for Russia as they capitalized on a  5 on 3 advantage.

The game remained tied at three through 60 minutes of play. A pair of Penticton Vees teamed up to score the winner for Canada West. Wade Murphy passed the puck up to Troy Stether who walked in on the right wing and picked the top corner for the winning goal to give Canada West the 4-3 victory.

Jonah Imoo was much busier this time around as he made 37 saves on 40 shots in the Canada West crease. The Canadians only managed 19 shots in the game.

Canada West now has a day off and will play in a semi final Friday. 

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