Chiefs’ Cisar A Hit At World Juniors

Spokane Chiefs leading scorer Marian Cisar had three goals and an assist as Slovakia defeated the United States 6-3 Thursday in group B at the start of the World Junior Hockey Championships.

In another game, Finland beat defending champion Canada 3-2 with a late goal from Niklas Hagman in group A. Czech Republic beat Sweden 2-1 in group A, and Russia outclassed Kazakhstan 12-1 in group B.

No less than 12 NHL general managers will attend the tournament, along with 90 scouts who represent all NHL clubs.

The top four nations of five in each group advance to the quarterfinals on New Year’s eve.

The final, and the game for bronze medals, are scheduled Jan. 3.

York, Jesse Boulerice and Brian Gionta had goals for the Team USA.