Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena

June 17, 2016

Canada 8 USA 2

With a sold out crowd, the Rod Laver Arena was transformed into an arena of ice. The crowd was loud and excited to see professional ice hockey once again Down Under and they were not disappointed. The Canadians were certainly favoured by the crowd as they were announced on to the ice. The first period started out action packed but was all about feeling each other team out. USA Team Captain John Scott, MVP of the 2016 NHL All Star Game, standing 6’8” 260 pounds (without skates) took on Canada’s Captain, 6’7” 253 pounds Nolan Yonkman in what was billed the "Clash of the Titans". Though the game ended 8-2 for Canada, it was not a true indication of the game and the effort. After a 2-1 score in the first period both goalies, Ben Scrivens for Canada and Parker Milner of the USA put on a show with over 40 shots fired at both nets. The game opened up in the second with 2 unanswered goals by Canada and then Canada registered four more in the third to ice away the victory, 8-2. It was quite evident that this series was going to be a well fought battle even with a somewhat lopsided score, everyone knew that the end result did not depict the level of compete.

Best players for the game were: 

Canada Ben Scrivens, David Broll - 2 goals, Brett Ponich - 3 assists, Kevin Noble - 1 goal 1 assist and Chad Nehring - 1 goal 2 assists

USA Christian Hanson - 2 assists, Bryce Salvador - 2 assists Tom Olczyk - 1 goal