World Juniors: Team Canada Names Eric Comrie Starter for Game Against USA

Hockey Canada has announced that Winnipeg Jets prospect and Tri-City Americans goaltender Eric Comrie will be the starter for the New Year's Eve showdown against the United States. Comrie played in Team Canada's 4-0 shutout win over Germany, recording 17 saves. Zach Fucale got the start in the other two games against Slovakia and Finland.

Comrie, an Edmonton, Alberta native, is a duel citizen, having played minor hockey for LA Selects. A second round selection in the 2013 NHL Draft, he has a 2.50 goals against average and a .921 save percentage in 24 games played this season in the WHL.

The United States will almost certainly counter with Boston College sophomore Thatcher Demko, who helped the Americans blank Slovakia, 3-0, on Monday afternoon. The U.S. hasn't given up a goal in nearly three games after allowing a quick goal in the first two minutes of the team's World Junior Championship opener to Finland. Demko allowed the one goal against the Fins. Backup Brandon Halverson started the game against the Germans, making 13 saves in the shutout.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.