Harper and Tkachuk help USA defeat Canada in WJSS finale-UPDATED

Sophomore Patrick Harper and incoming freshman Brady Tkachuk (photo) combined for four points as Team USA closed out the World Junior Summer Showcase with a 7-5 win over Team Canada.  Harper and Tkachuk each assisted on go-ahead goals in the first and second periods.  Harper anchored the USA power play and added an impressive goal, weaving through two Canadian defenders and sniping a wrist shot that extended the USA lead to 5-3 (with Tkachuk getting a secondary assist).

● USA Hockey: Game recap, box score

● USA Hockey: Highlights
 ● HometownLife: Hot Power Play Sparks Team USA

The Hockey News‘ Ryan Kennedy’s profile of Tkachuk looks into the making of a power forward and physical force in the mold of his father, former Terrier Keith Tkachuk, and brother Matt Tkachuk, who says:

“When I had the size advantage, I think I toughened him up a little bit. But now, I would not mess with him. He’s a little bigger and I think a lot stronger than I am. He looks really fast and he’s going to have a great year.”

● THN: Growing out of the Family Shadow.

CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR MORE REPORTS FROM NEAL BOUDETTE ON THE TERRIERS PLAYING IN THE WJSS