NEW YEARS EVE - CANADA AND UNITED STATES

SASKATOON -- Canadian junior hockey coach Willie Desjardins wasn't taking any chances Wednesday.

With a tough game against the U.S. coming up on New Year's Eve, he gave his players the day off rather than skate them in practice.

They've certainly earned the break.

Canada has hammered the competition in its first three games, beating 16-0, Switzerland 6-0 and Slovakia 8-2. But the Americans have also looked strong in beating Switzerland 3-0, Slovakia 7-3 and Latvians 12-1.

A very tight race in the scoring, as 5 players are tied with 8 points.

GAME SUMMARY: BY Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston -