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	TEAM LINE UPS
	EVENT SUMMARY

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Brayden Schenn notched one goal and four assists in Canada’s dominating 7-2 performance over the Czech Republic on Dec. 28 at the HSBC Arena.

Team Czech Republic scored less than one minute into the game as Antonin Honejsek rifled a shot on net from the top of the left circle to beat Olivier Roy on the far post. Honejsek led the Czech’s with a goal and an assist in last night’s contest and sits with two goals on three shots so far this tournament.

Canada countered the early attack with two power-play goals from Schenn and Jaden Schwartz in the second half of the first period for a 2-1 lead. Both of the Canadian’s goals were scored within thirty seconds of the power play opportunity with quick and effective passing.

With a one goal differential, both teams’ intensity increased to start the second period with faster skating and harder checks. Canadian Zack Kassian was called for checking to the head and neck area five minutes into the period and was handed a game misconduct. Team Canada’s penalty kill unit went to work defending the Czechs man-advantage for five minutes.

Roy made a key save as the Czech’s attacked Canada’s territory and forward Louis Leblanc worked the puck out at the blue-line to break away with linemate Brayden Schenn on a shorthanded rush. Schenn streaked down the right wing and made a quick pass to Leblanc who deked Czech goaltender Filip Novotny, increasing Canada’s lead to 3-1.

Head coach Dave Cameron noted, “There are two or three plays that determine the outcome of a game and that save that led to a goal was probably our turning point today.”

Captain Ryan Ellis and Erik Gudbranson both added a goal before the end of the second period.

The game grew increasingly aggressive throughout the third period and with that, Team Czech Republic became more and more frustrated. The Czechs took three separate penalties within five minutes of each other, including a slashing penalty from Novotny. Canada capitalized on the presented opportunity, notching two more power-play goals for a 7-1 lead and ten minutes of play remaining.

Canada was called for a tripping infraction and the Czechs made use of the man-advantage as Jakub Jerabek wired a shot on net past Roy for a 7-2 final.

Netminder Novotny turned aside 30 shots as Canada outshot Team Czech Republic 37-19.

With two games recorded in this year’s tournament, Schenn leads Team Canada offensively with  2 goals and 5 assists. Schenn’s two goals have stemmed from eight shots-on-goal and both have been power-play goals. Schenn comments on the importance of Canada’s power play unit, “We just want to keep getting better and the chemistry keeps getting better during the tournament.”

Coach Cameron adds, “Brayden Schenn was dominant.”

Canada (2-0) challenges Norway (0-2) tomorrow Dec. 29 for a 7:30 p.m. contest while the Czech Republic has a night off and is back in action against Sweden (1-0) on Thursday Dec. 30.