GOALTENDING TANDEM BACKSTOPS RUSSIA TO WIN OVER CANADA WEST

CHILLIWACK, B.C. – Andrei Vasilevski and Ivan Nalimov combined to make 52 saves, leading Russia to a 2-1 win over Canada West in 2011 World Junior A Challenge pre-tournament action on Saturday night.

The Canadians outshot Russia 52-21, including 23-10 in the first period, but could manage only one goal, a first-period power play marker off the stick of Wesley Myron (Victoria, B.C./Victoria, BCHL).

Myron’s goal pulled Canada West even at 1-1 after the Russians had taken an early lead with a power play goal of their own from Arseni Erokhin, who needed just six seconds of man advantage time to beat Canadian netminder Sean Maguire (Powell River, B.C./Powell River, BCHL).

Arseni Khatsei restored the Russian lead early in the second period with the eventual game winner on another power play, the last puck to beat any of the three goaltenders.

Both teams have an off day to start the 2011 World Junior A Challenge on Monday before opening their tournaments Tuesday. Russia faces the Czech Republic at 4 p.m. PT, followed by Canada West taking on Sweden at 7:30 p.m. MT.