WJC's

Slovakia 2 vs. Czech Republic 5 (Relegation Round)
C/W Richard Panik, SLO: 0-0-0, -1, 0 PIM, 2 SOG
Tournament: 6 GP, 6-2-8, E, 2 PIM, 32 SOG

The Czechs got a hat trick from undersized forward Jan Kovar (undrafted, 2009 eligible) in a 5-2 relegation round route of Richard Panik (pictured) and Slovakia. The Czechs finished on top of the relegation table at 3-0, just ahead of Slovakia (2-1). Panik went scoreless in the game, but still finished as the team leader in points with eight (six goals) in six games. His 32 shots were 12 more than anyone else on the team. With the bronze and gold medal games yet to be played, Panik was tied for the tournament lead in goals and 12th in points.

Finland 4 vs. Russia 3 (Fifth Place Game)
W Matias Sointu, FIN: 0-1-0, -1, 2 PIM (tripping), 1 SOG
Tournament: 4 GP, 1-2-3, -2, 6 PIM, 10 SOG

Finland outscored Russia 2-1 in the third period, including the game winner with six minute remaining to take fifth place in the tournament. Sointu had a good showing in his WJC debut, recording a goal and two assists over four games.

Finland 2 vs. USA 6 (Quarterfinals)
W Matias Sointu, FIN: 0-1-1, E, 0 PIM, 3 SOG

Sointu assisted on Finland's second goal when a rebound of his shot was stuffed home to cut the USA lead to 4-2. USA added an empty netter moments later, then a late tally 5-on-5 to give the game it's final score. Sointu received good ice time in the game and showed solid speed, creating a few scoring chances. Finland will now play for fifth place on Monday vs. Russia.

Slovakia 3 vs. Austria 2 (Relegation Round)
C/W Richard Panik, SLO: 1-0-1, E, 2 PIM (tripping), 9 SOG

Panik scored his sixth goal of the tournament as Slovakia survived a major upset scare from the Austrians. Panik has 19 shots in his last two games. Austria had finished the preliminary round 0-4 with a minus-23 goal differential. Slovakia will play the Czechs on Monday.

Slovakia 1 vs. Switzerland 4
W Richard Panik, SLO: 1-0-1, E, 0 PIM, 10 SOG

Panik (pictured) scored his fifth of the tournament on 10 shots in the game, but Slovakia suffered a devastating loss to the Swiss and will now move to the relegation round. They next play Austria on Saturday. Panik finished the preliminary round seventh in tournament scoring with five goals and two assists. His five goals tied for the tournament lead.

Finland 1 vs. Sweden 7
W Matias Sointu, FIN: 0-0-0, -1, 4 PIM (slashing, tripping), 3 SOG

Sweden clinched the bye from Group B with an easy win over rival Finland. Sointu and Finland will play the U.S.A. in the quarterfinals on Saturday, January 1.

Canada 8 vs. Slovakia 2
C Richard Panik, SLO: 1-0-1, -1, 0 PIM, 4 SOG

Richard Panik ended Team Canada's shutout streak at 157:25 into their 2010 U20 WJC tournament. However, Canada continued its juggernaut by defeating Panik's Team Slovakia by a score of 8-2. Panik has tallied a goal in each of Slovakia's first three contests and is tied for first with 4 other players for the goal scoring lead of the tournament. His 4 assists place him 7th overall in tournament scoring.

Finland 0 vs. Russia 2
F Matias Sointu, FIN: Did not play.

Preliminary round play continued Monday at the U20 WJC tournament hosted in Saskatchewan with Finland playing their second match in as many days. Matias Sointu once again did not dress for the Finnish team who was shutout by Russian netminder Igor Bobkov 2-0 despite Finland outshooting the Russians 46-17. Former Columbus Blue Jacket winger and Russian captain Nikita Filatov led the offense with a goal and an assist.