Respect is the game, and Michael DiPietro is his name.
The Vancouver Canucks’ 64th overall pick at the 2017 NHL Draft was more than impressive Saturday night, stopping 23 of 24 shots in Canada’s 5-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
Before more than 17,000 fans at Rogers Arena, the 19-year-old believes this was the most complete game he’s played at the 2019 World Juniors thus far.
“It was really good to see other guys step up as well. They came at us a bit in the first and made us chase the puck, but we definitely played a full 60 minutes tonight. I think consistency was key tonight for sure.”
.@HockeyCanada holding on to their 3-1 lead halfway through the 2nd period; ?? goaltender Michael DiPietro making impressive saves as shots are 6-3 in favour of ?? | #REPRESENT #WorldJuniors @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/Bp9aX3GlXN
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) December 30, 2018
If you’ve been watching the IIHF event, you will have already seen that DiPietro had struggled in the exhibition games, but a 14-0 shutout against Denmark gave him a boost of confidence along with the support of his teammates.
“I felt really comfortable in net.” said DiPietro.
“Anytime the puck doesn’t come to the net and is taken care of by our defensive core blocking shots, it makes my job a little bit easier. Now it’s just a matter of polishing up wherever needed and get ready for the next game.”
He may not be in the WHL, or will ever compete against the Prince George Cougars, but one needs to understand his potential in possibly leading the host nation between the pipes to gold (especially in the eyes of this reporter who saw it all in person).
The WHL was represented in other ways for Canada as Spokane’s Ty Smith was one of two players recording two points (2A), while Prince Albert’s Brett Leason potted the eventual game-winner on the power-play.
Leason made it 2-1 in the middle of the first period; this followed Captain Maxime Comtois’ team-leading fifth goal and a tying goal by the Czech Republic.
.@HockeyCanada’s second goal comes on the PP by Brett Leason (@PARaidersHockey); ?? takes a 2-1 lead against ?? with 8min to play | #REPRESENT #WorldJuniors @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/nDlthYCelA
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) December 30, 2018
Alexis Lafreniere, Canada’s lone underager at 17 years old, got is first of the tournament while on the power-play, who added it was the fans gave him the courage to find the back of the net.
“I just came into the game wanting to be ready to play every shift and every time I heard my name, I was ready and I tried to work hard. The crowd was unreal tonight and it was a real nice feeling to score.”
.@HockeyCanada 17-year-old Alex Lafreniere increases the goal margin, 3-1 for ?? confirmed after video review against ?? | #REPRESENT #WorldJuniors @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/j6xocq6QgK
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) December 30, 2018
MacKenzie Entwistle and Morgan Frost scored the final two goals of the contest.
Canada improves to 3-0 in round-robin play and will face Russia on New Year’s Eve (Monday).
(I will also be at that game!)
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