Collin Shirley leads Team WHL past Russia 7-3 in Game 1 of exhibition series

KELOWNA, B.C. – Collin Shirley had a goal and three assists as a team of Western Hockey League all-stars beat Russia 7-3 on Monday in the first of a six-game exhibition series hosted by the Canadian Hockey League.

Brayden Point scored and added two assists as Team WHL jumped out to a 6-0 lead by the second intermission. Dysin Mayo, Jansen Harkins, Kale Clague, Conner Bleackley and Noah Juulsen chipped in as wellfor the Canadians. Zach Sawchenko started in net, stopping all nine shots he faced in 30:48 of play. Carter Hart turned aside six-of-nine shots in relief.

Kirill Tsulygin, Artur Lauta and Radel Fazleev replied for Russia in the third period. Maxim Tretiak made 15 saves on 18 shots in 26:39 of work. Alexander Trushkov stopped 7-of-11 shots in relief.

Team WHL went 1 for 3 on the power play, while the Russians could not score on their two man advantages.

Game 2 of the series will be in Kamloops, B.C., on Tuesday and will again feature Team WHL against Russia.