The United States made an emphatic statement in their final game at the National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, NY Saturday. The Americans, the defending Gold Medalists in the World Junior Championships, blasted Team Canada, 5-1, behind a spectacular performance from goaltender Jon Gillies.
University of Denver sophomore forward Quentin Shore also had a key role in the victory for the US. The Denver, Colo. native had two goals and an assist to lead the way offensively.
The United States scored twice in the first period to take a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of action. Miami University forward Riley Barber scored with assists going to Will Butcher and Connor Carrick. Less than a minute later, Boston College incoming freshman defenseman Ian McCoshen scored. His soon-to-be college rival, Boston University defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, and Shore were credited with the assists.
The Americans extended their lead to 3-0 after two periods thanks to a shorthanded tally from Shore. Minnesota freshman forward Hudson Fasching picked up the helper.
In the third period, the US would jump out to a 5-0 lead before allowing the Canadians to get on the board to finish off the scoring. Shore scored on the power play with Wisconsin forward Nic Kerdiles and QMJHL forward Adam Erne setting up the goal. Stefan Matteau scored the final USA goal with a little under seven minutes to play. Canada's Sam Reinhart broke the shutout for Gillies with six minutes to play. BC sophomore defenseman Michael Matheson, one of just two collegians on the Canada team, notched an assist.
Gillies, the Providence College standout and Calgary Flames draft pick, finished with 24 saves. His performance solidifies his position as the starting goaltender for the US heading to Sweden in December.
More from Western College Hockey Blog:
- USA Hockey: Jon Gillies Backstops United States Past Canada in Final Game of NJEC
- USA Falls Short in Gold Medal Game to Canada at Ivan Hlinka Tournament
- NJEC: USA downs Finland in shootout, looks forward to final day showdown against Canada
- US Select 18s Beat Czech Republic to Advance to Gold Medal Game at Ivan Hlinka Tournament
- Goaltender Billy Faust no longer with UVM hockey program
Jeff Cox is a hockey reporter for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.