The Canadian Hockey League looks to even up CHL USA Prospects Challenge on Wednesday as they take on the U.S. National Under-18 Team in Lethbridge, Alta.
A win by the CHL on Wednesday would even the two-game set at a game apiece and force the teams to play a 20-mintue, three-on-three, sudden-death overtime period at the conclusion of the game to decide the winner of the series.
Team CHL dropped series opener 4-2 to the United States in Calgary on Tuesday after being stymied by U.S. netminder Brady Knowling.
The 6-foot-5 goalie stood on his head Tuesday, making 42 of 44 saves, leading his team to victory. He has a 2-7-0 record with the U.S. National Under-18 Team this year and 2-2-0 record in the USHL.
The United States jumped out to a 2-0 lead when forward Dayne Beuker scored in the first period and then winger Sammy Nelson tallied early in the second.
Team CHL cut the lead in half later in the second period with a goal from Soo Greyhounds defenceman Chase Reid, but American centre Wyatt Cullen scored early in the third period to restore USA’s two-goal lead.
Spokane Chiefs forward Mathis Preston brought the CHL within a goal midway through the frame but an empty-net goal from Jamie Glance sealed the win for the United States.
“We were too casual going in,” Team CHL captain Caleb Malhotra said after the game. “Nobody in there put their best foot forward and we know that so we’re going to come [back] better tomorrow.”
Kelowna Rockets goaltender Harrison Boettiger took the loss on Tuesday after allowing three goals on 25 shots. The 6-foot-2 netminder was facing his old team after representing the United States in last year’s tournament.
Boettiger has a 5-2-2 record this year and is second in the Western Hockey League with a 2.37 goals-against average and third in the league with a .921 save percentage.
Guelph Storm goaltender Zachary Jovanovski is expected to get the start in net in Wednesday’s Game 2. The 6-foot-2 netminder has a 10-7-1 record this season with a 3.83 GAA and .882 save percentage.
Luke Carrithers also could see action in net for the United States in Game 2. The 6-foot-1 goaltender has a 3-8-0 record with the U.S. National Under-18 Team this year and 1-1-1 with the United States National Team Development Program Juniors in the USHL.
Tuesday’s game was the United States’ first victory at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge after they were swept in the inaugural event last season in London and Oshawa, Ont.
They have a chance to get their first series victory with a win in Game 2.