Saint John Sea Dogs captain Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and four helpers to help lead Team Canada to an 8-1 win over Team Finland on Monday.Huberdeau assisted on all three of Brandon Wheat King's forward Mark Stone's three goals, who was named player of the game for Team Canada after adding an assist for four points.
Moncton Wildcats defenceman Brandon Gormley and Sea Dogs defenceman Nathan Beaulieu also chipped in with assists each.
Stone opened the scoring in the first period at 2:14 on a beautiful feed from Huberdeau behind the net. Brendan Gallagher then scored at 4:25 to give Canada the 2-0 lead.
In the second period, Finland's Alexander Ruutu got the Finns on the board with a goal 1:21 into the period. But moments later, Stone had his second goal of the game at 3:02 to regain Canada's two-goal lead. Huberdeau scored a powerplay goal at 9:24 to give Canada the 4-1 lead before Dougie Hamilton added another Canadian powerplay goal at 12:54 to give Team Canada a 5-1 lead.
In the third period, Tampa Bay's Brett Connolly made it 6-1 just 52 seconds into the period. Gormley drew an assist on the goal. Stone completed the hat-trick at 4:05 giving Canada the 7-1 lead. Ryan Strome added a goal at 7:18 to round out the scoring.
Mark Visentin made 16 saves in net for Canada.
Christopher Gibson, who plays for the Chicoutimi Saugeneens, made 19 saves in net for Finland.
Team Canada plays the Czech Republic Wednesday night.
Game Summaries from opening day can be found here.
