#CANvsRUS Game 1 Notes

2017 CIBC CANADA RUSSIA SERIES

TEAM WHL vs. TEAM RUSSIA

GAME NOTES

QUICK HITS

• 2017 marks the 15th CIBC Canada Russia Series, an annual event that dates back to 2003 when current day NHL talent in Sidney Crosby, Ryan Getzlaf and Dion Phaneuf competed. 

• The CHL holds an all-time record of 58-19-1-6 in the event, winning 11 of the 14 series. The CHL comes off back-to-back series victories for the first time since 2008 and 2009.

• The WHL holds an all-time record of 19-6-1-2 in the CIBC Canada Russia Series, but is .500 over its last 12 encounters with Russia dating back to 2011.

• The CIBC Canada Russia Series returns to Moose Jaw for the first time since 2011 when current day Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov led Russia to a 7-5 win with two goals and an assist. The CHL would go on to narrowly win the series.

 

SERIES NOTES

FOUR SILVER MEDALISTS ON TEAM WHL: Four members of Canada’s silver medal winning 2017 World Junior Team are suiting up for Team WHL including goaltender Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips), defencemen Jake Bean (Calgary Hitmen) and Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings) along with forward Dillon Dube (Kelowna Rockets).

BENSON SIDELINED: After being an integral part of Team WHL’s success in the event last year, Edmonton Oilers prospect Tyler Benson of the Vancouver Giants has been replaced by Moose Jaw Warriors forward Noah Gregor for this week’s action. Benson returned to the Giants lineup two weeks ago after missing time recovering from offseason surgery.

OVERTIME INAUGURATION: Last year’s Game 1 of the CIBC Canada Russia Series saw a game decided by overtime for the first time in the event’s history. Russia took a 3-2 win in Prince George, BC behind Denis Alexeev’s winner 55 seconds into the extra frame. Games have been solved by a shootout nine times over the course of event history with Russia winning in six of those encounters.

HART IN THE ZONE: Philadelphia Flyers prospect Carter Hart of the Everett Silvertips, a two-time WHL Goaltender of the Year recipient was on his game in last year’s action. Hart set an event record for WHL goaltenders with 33 saves in a 4-1 win over the Russians in Edmonton, AB.

FIVE RUSSIAN PLAYERS CHOSEN BY NHL CLUBS: Russia brings a veteran squad to Canada, with five players drafted by NHL clubs. The New Jersey Devils selected returning defenceman Egor Zaitsev along with forward Mikhail Maltsev. Speedy forward Andrey Altybarmakyan is a third round choice of the Chicago Blackhawks. Centreman Vladislav Kara is a fourth round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs. USHL-based goaltender Mikhail Berdin was a 2016 draft choice of the Winnipeg Jets. In total, Team Russia features 12 different players that have spent significant time in the KHL this season, Russia’s top professional circuit.