Petan Scores and Pouliot Has 2 Assists as Canada Routs Germany 7-2

Nic Petan's goal may not have been the most important one for Team Canada at the U-20 World Juniors Championship in Maimo, Sweden, but it sure was a gritty one. With the score 6-2 and under 10 minutes to play in the 3rd period, 16 year old QMJHL (Erie Otters) phenom Connor McDavid's chance was turned away by German Goalie Marvin Cupper. Petan, however, was there for the rebound, even with large German forward: Leonhard Pfoderl cross checking him into the ice. Petan gently tapped it in past the right pad of Cupper, rounding out the scoring on the day.

Derrick Pouliot notched 2 assists for Canada and was the power play quarterback for Coach Brent Sutter's team. His first assist came less than a minute and a half after Germany tied the score at 2. His pass found hulking QMJHL (Val d'Or Foreurs) forward Anthony Mantha all alone on the back door, where he sniped it to take the lead that they would never give up. Pouliot also assisted on Canada's 6th goal (also scored by Mantha- his 3rd).

Pouliot led the rush up the ice multiple times with his speed and had an excellent, highlight reel chance that was turned away in the 2nd period. He leads the way for the mobile Defensemen on Canada, who really put Germany back on their heels and turned the game in Canada's favor. Possible Winterhawk: Matt Dumba also notched an assist as his rush up the ice from the back end led to (OHL) London Knights Forward: Josh Anderson's opening goal.

Taylor Leier did not factor in on the scoring, but was a +1 on the day.

Elsewhere, Russia destroyed Norway 11-0 and the USA shut out the Czech Republic 4-0.

Next Canada plays the Czech Republic on Saturday December 28th at 8:30 am. They will face a couple WHLers in Tri City American D-man Michal Plutnar and Medicine Hat Tigers Goalie Marek Langhammer.