WETASKIWIN, Alberta – A pair of goals from Will Zellers (Maple Grove, Minn.) in the opening period helped lift the U.S. Junior Select Team to a 4-0 victory over Canada West in a pre-tournament contest prior to the 2024 World Junior A Championship. Reid Daavettila (Howell, Mich.) and Ryker Lee (Wilmette, Ill.) also added goals in the U.S. win at Co-Op Place on Saturday.
“It was nice to get going and play some hockey with our team,” said Matt Smaby (Minneapolis, Minn.), head coach of the U.S. Junior Select Team. “After three practices and this pre-tournament game, I like where we’re starting from. As this group continues to play together, we will become more connected with our team game. Tonight was a nice start, but I am looking forward to watching this group continue to grow together.”
Team USA opened the scoring just 41 seconds into the contest, as Zellers found the back of the net to give his team the early advantage. His first of the game was assisted by Jack Pechar (Niskayuna, N.Y.).
Daavettila added to the U.S. moments later, as he found the back of the net with 17:31 remaining in the first period. His tally was assisted by Ryan Rucinski (Broadview Heights, Ohio).
Game Photos
Zellers gave Team USA a 3-0 lead with a goal in the dying moments of the first. His second of the contest was scored with 1:13 left in the period and was set up by helpers from Rucinski and Jacob Rombach (Blaine, Minn.).
Lee found the back of the net near the midway mark of the second period, assisted by Luke Osburn (Plymouth, Mich.) and Sam Laurila (Moorhead, Minn.). Lee’s goal, scored with 11:57 remaining in the middle frame, boosted the U.S. lead to 4-0.
Netminders Caleb Heil (Victoria, Minn.) and Kam Hendrickson (Chanhassen, Minn.) stood tall in net for the U.S., as each played half of the contest, combining for 23 saves and a shutout.
The U.S. Junior Select Team opens the 2024 World Junior A Challenge on Monday against Canada East. Puck drop in Camrose, Alberta at Encana Arena is set for 3 p.m. MT/5 p.m. ET and a stream is available HERE. For more information on the World Junior A Challenge, click HERE.
NOTES: Team USA outshot Canada West, 40-23.
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