US Schools Canada 4-2 in Round 1

In a battle of country hockey powers, US collegians made the difference in a 4-2 victory over team Canada in the U-20 World Juniors Championships, round 1,  in Helsinki, Finland.

Boston University's Colin White, Michigan's Zack Werenski  and Miami's Louis Belpedio scored one goal each. Austin Mathews was the only non-collegian US goal scorer. Mathews scored the final dagger in the third period. 

Team USA left the first period tied 0-0 with the US dodging a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for spearing. The second period ended 1-1 with Colin White scoring a goal for Team USA. In the third period, Zerinski found the net and scored at 7:22 of the 3rd period but Canada quickly countered. Then, at the 3:18 mark, Belpedio gave the yanks the lead for good on a shot from the point. Mathews finished off Canada with the 4th goal for Team USA.

The other battle was during TV commercial breaks when College Hockey Incorporated touted the benefits of college hockey while the USHL sold junior development. The winner, at least for today, was college hockey.

Colin White was named player of the game. For team USA, 12 of 22 players come from the college ranks. This was round 1 so these two teams may meet again.