Chiefs lead U.S., Canada to victory
Bowman, Johnson, Wahl, Tokarski star
OTTAWA, Ontario – The three Spokane Chiefs playing for the United States led the Americans to an 8-2 win over Germany in the opening game of the 2008 World Junior Hockey Tournament on Friday.
The Chiefs’ Drayson Bowman scored twice and was named the Americans’ player of the game. Spokane native Tyler Johnson had a goal and Mitch Wahl had a pair of assists.
Canada also got off to a good start in front of Chiefs goalie Dustin Tokarski with an 8-1 win over the Czech Republic. Tokarski, who made 21 saves, lost his shutout bid with 2 minutes remaining when Jan Kana scored for the Czech Republic.
John Tavares had two goals and an assist for Canada, the four-time defending champion.
The U.S. faces the Czech Republic and Canada will play Kazakhstan on Sunday in their second games.
James van Riemsdyk also scored two goals for the U.S. Jordan Schroeder had a goal and two assists and Colin White a goal and an assist.
Matt Rust also scored and Thomas McCollum made 16 saves in goal.
The Americans peppered the German net with 46 shots. Timo Pielmeier, who plays in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, allowed five goals on 27 shots in the first two periods. Philipp Grubauer gave up two goals on 19 shots in the third period.
In other action, Russia defeated Latvia 4-1 and Sweden beat Finland 3-1.