KITCHENER, ON- The 2003 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Select team dropped the first of two meetings against the Canadian National Junior Team by a score of 2-0 at the Kinsmen Arena at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on Sunday.
Team Canada opened scoring in the first period when Jeff Tambellini unleashed a slapshot from the faceoff circle to the left of starting goaltender Cam Ward, defending the OUA net on loan from Team Canada. Receiving a pass in the OUA defensive zone, Tambellini let loose of a high shot that sailed above the shoulders of Ward at the 2:30 mark.
The Selects attempted to tie the game when left winger Mike Rice (Toronto, ON/Western Mustangs) received a pass behind the Team Canada net from linemate Richard Colwill (Arthur, ON/Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks). Rice managed to release a quick shot, but could not evade the pads of Team Canada starting goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.
Taking advantage of a Team Canada miscue deep in the offensive zone, left winger Jeff Richards (Kenora, ON/Lakehead Thunderwolves) corralled the puck in the corner and walked out to the right of Fleury and managed to release a backhand shot but could not beat the quickness of Fleury midway through the second period. Both teams made a goaltending change at 10:05 in the second, when Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers replaced Ward for the OUA Selects team, while Josh Harding substituted for Fleury.
With just 5:46 remaining in the period, a marker by Nigel Dawes gave Team Canada a 2-0 lead. Amidst confusion in front of the OUA net, Dawes managed to score his first of the game past Drouin-Deslauriers.Rice attempted to strike again in the second and took the initiative and went on a breakaway on Harding, but could not manage to get the OUA Selects on board. With Team Canada attempting to set up in the attacking zone, Rice intercepted a pass made by Mike Egener and skated down the length of the ice only to come up empty handed at the 14:52 mark.
After Corey Perry was called off for a hooking penalty at 16:15, defenseman Steve Chabbert (Sioux Lookout, ON/York Lions) had another opportunity and took advantage of the extra man situation and had a clear shot just outside the crease to the right of a crouched down Harding, but could not lift the puck over the goaltender.
With 40 seconds remaining in the game, The OUA Selects pulled Drouin-Deslauriers in favour of the extra attacker but could not push forth to get on the scoreboard.The combination of Ward and Drouin-Deslauriers combined to stop 46-of-48 shots, while counterparts Fleury and Harding stopped all 20 shots.
The Selects complete the two-game series tomorrow (Dec. 15) against the Canadian National Junior Team. Opening faceoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. at the Kinsmen Arena at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
GAME QUOTES
Head Coach Mark French
On the game
We played a good competitive game, we got going pretty well in the first period, but they made it up in the second and the third periods. We had a bit of trouble matching up later in the game. Overall, I thought we got it going pretty good from the guys.
Defenseman Nick Vukovic
On playing in hometown
Its really exciting, I have lots of family and friends around here, I grew up playing in this barn [Kinsmen Arena]. Playing against these guys (the Canadian National Junior Team), Ive got lots of respect for them, its definitely an honour.
Team captain Sean Murphy
On overall team effort
I though we came out strong early, honestly we were nervous, but we got into the game. We dropped down a little bit in the second, but we came back strong in the third. It was a good experience for all of the guys, now we know what to expect in the game tomorrow.