Quinn Schmidt
Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications student
CANTON, N.Y. — Canada continued its warpath through Group A of the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games ice hockey tournament on Sunday, taking down Japan 8-2 in dominant fashion. Through three games, Canada has put in 24 goals while only allowing five.
Unlike the team’s first two bouts, the Canadiens came out hot against Japan, scoring four goals in the first period. Austin Keating logged three points in the first with two goals and an assist while Austin McCormick and Brett Davis added one goal each.
“Japan had a great first period in their last game against the Czech Republic so we had that in mind,” said Canada Head Coach Gardner MacDougall. “Obviously, getting the lead is an important part of any hockey game so that was a key requirement for our group today.”
Canada did not take its foot off the gas pedal after the first period, adding two more goals courtesy of Zachary Lavigne and Brady Gilmour at 27 seconds and four minutes and 15 seconds into the second period, respectively. Canada forward Kyle Bollers put in another goal 1:33 into the third, but Japan never rolled over. Junya Owa and Yuki Kamada netted goals at 5:54 and 17:34 before a goal from Jonathan Yantsis put the game out of reach in the waning minutes.
“I am pleased with the competitiveness,” said Japan Head Coach Perry Pearn. “ We got better as the game went on and it’s a big step for players on our team to play against a team with as much experience as Canada.”
Overall, Canada’s offensive firepower overwhelmed Japan with 14 different Canadiens registering at least one point.
“Every single guy on this team is going hard and making a difference out there,” said Canada forward Liam Hawel. “We come in waves and dominate teams with our work ethic.”
The win keeps Canada undefeated in the group stage, with the team set on a collision course with the Czech Republic, which has also yet to drop a game yet in the tournament.
“Our focus is on our next game and that’s Latvia. The key to any tournament success is just being in the moment,” said MacDougall. “For our players, we always talk about the first shift. All your guaranteed is the first shift and you have to work for your next one.”
On the other hand, a young Japan team will be tested mentally now having to rebound after consecutive losses to the Czech Republic and Canada. Japan has been outscored 16 to 11 through three games, but can climb back to an even record with a win over Sweden on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at Roos House.
The Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games is an 11-day competition and educational festival that features 1,443 collegiate-athletes, ages 17-25, from 595 universities across 43 countries. The competition consists of 12 winter sports and 86 medal events contested throughout northern New York, including Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Wilmington, North Creek, Canton and Potsdam.
Fans can follow the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with @lakeplacid2023, @savewinter, #savewinter and #lakeplacid2023.
For complete schedules, results, photos, flash quotes and more information about the Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games or to purchase tickets, visit www.lakeplacid2023.com.
PHOTO COURTESY: Madeline Crooke
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