USA qualifies for The World Games and takes 11th place – 09.12.2016

In a very hard fought match, Team USA pulled off a win to qualify for The World Games and secured the 11th place. 1-0, (0-0, 0-0, 1-0).

A game that got as important as one can get, Team USA and Canada were not only fighting for the 11th place but also for a ticket to The World Games.

Based on the final standings of WFC 2016, six National Teams will qualify for TWG:
•Gold, Silver & Bronze medallists
•TWG host country Poland
•Best-ranked neighbouring team to Poland (outside of the top 3)
•Best-ranked non-European team

North American rivalry - USA and Canada going at it again, this time in Arena Riga. Game was of to a slow start. Both teams scouting each other offensively and defensively. No goals were scored in the first part of the period. Both teams controlled this very fast paced game. Over 16 minutes into the first period, Canada had their first real scoring chance but the ball went wide. Teams kept playing the way they had and it ended with no goals scored after 20 minutes had been played.

In the second period the game didn’t change at all, although USA had the better game, Canada looked more impressive yet afraid to score goals. Both sides exchanged chances while it was still scoreless at mid-point of the game. 10:12 into the second period, Canada earned a powerplay but after a bad ball distribution they couldn’t manage to score. Canada looked better to round out the period, but still no goals were seen in the second period.

The third period carried on being played on both sides of the rink. In the game´s 50th minute the first goal finally came after a nice play from the United States. Canada seemed to be broken as they received a penalty straight after the goal. Canada killed the penalty to remain in the game. Around the 15th minute mark in the period, Canada had an incredible chance to tie it up but it was wasted. Canada went off and applied huge pressure, generating chances, Canada was also first to pull a timeout with 1:46 left in the third period. Goalie pulled for Canada,  as they attempted to force the match into overtime, unlucky for them, USA kept their cage safe and  qualified for The World Games and took the 11th place in the World Championships.