Canada 8 Switzerland 1
FARGO, N.D. — Canada had plenty to work on heading into the world under-18 hockey championship.
It looks like the power play is functioning just fine.
Ethan Werek and Joey Hishon each scored twice, and the Canadians once again took advantage of an opponent’s lack of discipline in an 8-1 win over Switzerland on Saturday.
Werek, who plays for the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs, and Hishon, of the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack, combined to score three of Canada’s five man-advantage goals against the Swiss.
Canada had four goals in five power-play chances in its tournament-opening 11-2 rout of Germany on Thursday.
Canadian head coach Mike Johnston applauded his team’s special teams.
“We focused on (special teams) from day one of our camp and it’s something our guys feel comfortable with,” said Johnston, the head coach of the WHL’s Portland Winter Hawks.
“We had a good start tonight and their goaltender was solid in the first period,” he added.
“We built momentum as the game went along and our finishers had their chance and put them away.”
Ryan O’Reilly of the OHL’s Erie Otters, Landon Ferraro of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels, John McFarland of the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves and Zach Kassian of the OHL’s Peterborough Petes had the other goals for Canada (2-0), while Michael Zador of the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds earned the win in goal.
Nino Niederreiter had the lone goal for Switzerland (0-2).
The Canadians overcame a so-so first period by dominating thoroughly in the second. And for the second straight game, it was the power play that led the way.
The games will get tougher for Canada, beginning with Monday’s showdown against the Czech Republic (1-1). The Canadians finish Pool A play against Sweden (2-0) on Tuesday.