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KREUZLINGEN, Switzerland (CP) - Stacey Roest and Dale McTavish scored while Corey Hirsch stopped all three penalty shots he faced as Canada secured a 3-2 shootout win over Switzerland on Tuesday at the Swiss Challenge. Andy Delmore and Jame Pollock scored in regulation as Canada took a 2-0 lead into the third period only to watch the Swiss storm back to force overtime. When OT settled
nothing, the teams went into a shootout where Hirsch slammed the door on the Swiss. "We're just happy to get the win," said coach Marc Habscheid. "That's the most important thing." The victory was important for Canada, which carries the two points into the standings of the upcoming Deutschland Cup in Hannover, Germany. Canada plays three games at that tournament, starting Thursday against the United States. "The will was there, we played hard, real inspired hockey," said Habscheid. "But the precision wasn't there like a team that's been together for a while." Only eight players who suited up for Canada on Tuesday will remain on the team for the Deutschland Cup, as Hockey Canada officials try to evaluate as many skaters playing in Europe as possible. With the uncertainty of NHL participation in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, Hockey Canada wants to have a firm grasp on the talents of Canadians playing professionally around the world. Canada is also evaluating players for the Spengler Cup, which takes place in Davos, Switzerland, Dec. 24-31. |
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