Canadians win defensive affair to advance to semis

Prerov - Just two were scored in the quarter-final match-up between North American rivalsCanada and the USA. It was the Canadians who scored both goals in the second half, Larocque and then Visser into the empty net, to send them on to the semi-finals.

There was no scoring in the first half, but that doesn't mean it was boring hockey. Both teams had chances, but neither team was able to finish around the net. There was some good action but both goalies played well, and everything was still to play for in the second half. 

Both teams went to the break without a goal, but at least they could enjoy the smell of steaks that were wafting from the concession stands at Přerov Arena. In the second half, Derek Kern led a daring rush while shorthanded, but he couldn't overcome the last obstacle named Mark Servos. 

The first goal of the game came in the 29th minute. On the power play, Visser took advantage of the extra man and at the top of the left circle found linemate named Danny Larocque, whose one-timer found the top corner of Bufalin's net. Gamble held the one-goal lead for the Canadians until the last minute when Jamie Visser secured the victory with an empty-net goal.

Canada - USA 2:0 (0:0, 2:0)