South Portland's Jon Gillies led Team USA to a 5-1 win over the Czech Republic in the first game of the World Junior Hockey Tournament. Gillies stopped 23 of the 24 shots he saw and five of his teammates scored a goal in the victory.

The World Jr Tourney is a yearly international event for the highest skilled players under 20-years-old, this year being played in Sweden. Team USA is made up of mostly college players. Gillies is a sophomore goalie for Providence. Another Maine connection with the team is forward Steve Santini, son of former UMaine hockey player Santini. The 18-year-old is a Boston College freshman.

Pool play continues for the USA team on Saturday against Slovakia.

USA is the defending gold medal winner of this event. Gillies was the backup goalie with that team.

 

Check out some of the game one highlights and Gillies post game comments...

 

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