USA Beats Canada West in WJAC Powerhouse Fight

A goal in the final minute of action gave the United States the 2-1 win over Canada West, while securing second place in Group B in the process.

The first period was some fantastic action at both ends, but neither team would find the net until the 3:02 of the second. Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Cole Guttman buried a Graham Slaggert to the right of Zach Rose, giving USA the 1-0 lead.

35 seconds later, Canada answered back. Ross Armour would finish off a play started by Angus Crookshank, waiting long enough to let Armour stand all alone before the latter fired the puck into an open cage on the one-timer.

The goaltending was the story of the game, with a majority of the games in the tournament becoming close one-goal affairs. Jake Kucharski was lights out for the Americans, using his quick legs to cover each corner from the cross-ice passes Canada was able to achieve. At the other end, Zach Rose was nearly perfect, stopping some of the best players the tournament had to offer.

Canada West was desperate for a goal, but an unlucky bounce in the final second would give the Americans the win. With 32.7 seconds left in the game, Vegas Golden Knights prospect Jack Dugan would tip in a shot while standing behind Rose, giving the Americans the 2-1 lead and the victory in the end.

The United States will now meet up with Switzerland at 3:30 PM AST on Wednesday, while Canada West will challenge their good friends from their own country, Canada East, at 7:30 PM.  

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