Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Team Canada West fall to United States at WJAC

Photo credit: Erica Perreaux / Hockey Canada Images

United States 5, Canada West 1 – Rath Eastlink Community Centre·       Mac Swanson scored twice and added an assist as the United States moved to a perfect 3-0.·       Joe Conner had a goal and two assists for the Americans.·       Layne Loomer (Lethbridge, AB/Blackfalds, AJHL) scored the lone goal for Canada West.·       Erick Roest (Lethbridge, AB/Sherwood Park, AJHL) made 22 saves for Canada.·       Hampton Slukynsky stopped 22 of the 23 shots he faced for the victory.Photo credit: Erica Perreaux / Hockey Canada ImagesNext games – December 15    Slovakia vs. Sweden – 3:30 p.m. AT    United States vs. Canada East – 7:30 p.m. ATQuotes:“We got the win, but I truly think our team game took a step back today. We’ve really focused on playing the right way all week and we got away from that. It was a good win, but I think it was a bit of a wakeup call and I know our guys can be better on Friday.”    United States head coach Matt Smaby on the effort.“Canada, USA… It doesn’t get any better than that right? I think the game was physical and chippy and we didn’t back down. We’re not scared to play that way. The boys are rolling now and we have a huge test in front of a full barn tomorrow (Friday) night vs Canada East and we’re excited for it.”    Swanson on the rivalry with Canada“I thought giving up a couple of goals early in the first period cost us a bit, but then we settled in. We made some mistakes in the defensive zone and with USA, if you give them an inch, they will take three feet and will make you pay. We know we can play with them, and it looks like we might get another chance later in the week, so I’m excited to see how we learn from this moving forward.”    Canada West head coach Scott Barney (Oshawa, ON/Humboldt, SJHL) on the loss