After a 3-2 overtime loss in Prince George on Monday night, Team WHL defeated Russia 4-1 in the second game of the Canadian Hockey League's Canada Russia Series.
The WHL victory came Tuesday night in Edmonton and was sparked by a big third period. In the final 20 minutes, Noah Juulsen of the Everett Silvertips, Austin Wagner of the Regina Pats and Tyler Benson of the Vancouver Giants (into an empty net) all scored goals.
Benson, a prospect of the Edmonton Oilers, had a three-point outing.
Team WHL's Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings) opened the scoring mid-way through the second period and Russia's Danila Kvartalnov answered back before the period was done.
Juulsen's go-ahead goal, which stood up as the winner, was a one-timer off a perfect pass from Kelowna Rockets forward Nick Merkley. Wagner notched the insurance marker just over a minute later when he was sent into the clear by Benson. Wagner snapped the puck over the glove of Russia goalie Anton Krasotkin, who shared goaltending duties with starter Vladislav Sukhachev.
Carter Hart of the Everett Silvertips went the distance in goal for Team WHL, which outshot Russia 38-34.
Prince George Cougars forwards Jansen Harkins and Brad Morrison both suited up for the WHL all-stars. Harkins, who had a goal in Monday's game, picked up the second assist on Juulsen's game-winner on Tuesday.
After the first two games of the six-game series, the CHL leads 4-2 in points.
The series continues tonight in North Bay, Ont., when the Ontario Hockey League stars get their first crack at Russia. The teams will also square off Monday, Nov. 14 in Hamilton. The series will wrap up with Nov. 15 and 17 games in Chicoutimi, Que., and Baie-Comeau, Que., where Russia will take on a select club from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
