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Russia evens TCW record at 1-1

BONNYVILLE, Alta. (December 12, 2016) –  A pair of early third period goals by Russia helped them break open a tie game as they went on to defeat Canada West 5-3 Monday evening in Day 2 play at the World Junior A Challenge Bonnyville, Alta.

Russia came out quickly grabbing a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes thanks to efforts from Mikhail Bitsadze and Alexey Lipanov.

Canada West countered with markers from Carter Turnbull (Powell River Kings, BCHL) and Will Koop (Steinbach Pistons, MJHL) before the session was five minutes old to knot the affair at 2-2.

The power play allowed the Canadians to take the lead at 13:54 of the frame as Turnbull notched his second of the night.

Russia responded however with the tying tally with a minute and a half left thanks to Andrei Svechnikov.

Lipanov added another for his side 28 seconds into the final stanza as he picked up his fourth point of the contest while Ivan Chekhovich rounded out the scoring two minutes later.

Koop (Steinbach Pistons, MJHL) had a chance to pull the West back to within one after he was awarded a penalty shot with eight minutes left, but was denied on his attempt.

They also had a late two-man advantage, but could not solve Russian netminder Dimitrii Raiko the rest of the way.

Shots on goal in the contest favoured Canada West by a 34-31 count with Raiko picking up the win and Matthew Galajda (Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL) suffering the loss.

Canadian Junior Hockey League player of the game laurels went to Raiko and Turnbull.

Day 3 action at the WJAC goes Tuesday with Russia (1-0) taking on Switzerland (0-1) at 3:30 p.m. MT while Canada East (1-0) meets the U.S. (0-1), who were upset 1-0 by the Czech Republic at 7:30 p.m. MT.