CANADA ROUTS SWITZERLAND 8-1

HAMILTON – Dillon Dube scored twice and added an assist to power Canada past Switzerland 8-1 on Friday in a final pre-tournament exhibition game before the world junior hockey championship.

It was Dube’s first game for Canada after missing all three games at selection camp and Wednesday’s 9-0 win over the Czech Republic. The Calgary Flames prospect had been out after injuring his shoulder while playing for the Western Hockey League’s Kelowna Rockets on Dec. 9.

“At the start I was a little heavy, getting my legs back under me and into game shape,” said Dube. “I’ve been skating a lot throughout this time off, doing a little bit extra, so the cardio is there but I’m getting into game shape.

“Overall I thought it was a good 60 minutes.”

Canadian coach Dominique Ducharme is expecting Dube to produce offensively, putting him on a line with Ontario Hockey League points leader Jordan Kyrou and reigning WHL player of the year Sam Steel.

“He was himself,” said Ducharme of Dube’s performance. “Speed, skills. We can see that even though it was his first game with Kyrou and Steel you can see the chemistry building and I think it’s really positive. It can only keep going.”

Tyler Steenbergen also had a pair of goals for Canada, including the eventual winner. Kyrou, Jake Bean, Drake Batherson and Kale Clague also scored for Canada in front of 12,562 at FirstOntario Centre.

Carter Hart started in net for Canada, making three saves in a scoreless first period. Colton Point took over after the intermission, stopping 3-of-4 shots.

“We’re a defence-focused team this year and I think we’re proving that right now,” said Point. “Our D blocked probably more shots than I stopped today.”

Hart will likely be in net when Canada opens the world junior championship on Dec. 26 in Buffalo, N.Y.

(Canadian Press)