Okposo tallies goal, assist in USA's victory in World Jr. Championship

Star Tribune

Last update: December 26, 2007 - 10:47 PM

The rest of the world saw today why the New York Islanders are excited to have Kyle Okposo playing for them.

Okposo, who left the Minnesota Gophers in midseason last week to join the NHL team, scored once and assisted on another goal as USA dominated Kazakhstan 5-1 in the opening game of the World Junior Hockey Championship in Czech Republic.

Other Minnesotans contributed as well to the Americans' triumph.

Gopher Mike Carman scored once. And assists were recorded by Gopher Cade Fairchild and 17-year-old Jordan Schroeder or Lakeville.

USA outshot the Kazakhs 49-18.

Kazakhstan went up 1-0 on a power-play goal from defenseman Alexandr Kurshuk. Ryan Flynn, on loan from the Gophers, was in the penalty box at the time for tripping. The Kazakhs scored 34 seconds into the penalty.

USA's next opponent is Switzerland. That game is Friday. The tournament wraps up Jan. 6.

Six Minnesotans are wearing the red, white and blue, the most of any state:

• Carman (University of Minnesota), Apple Valley, defense.

• Fairchild (University of Minnesota), Duluth, defense.

• Flynn (University of Minnesota), Lino Lakes, forward.

• Jamie McBain (University of Wisconsin), Faribault, defense.

• Okposo (formerly of University of Minnesota), St. Paul, forward.

• Schroeder (U.S. National U-18), Lakeville, forward.

Along with USA, Kazakhstan, Switzerland and the host Czech Republic, the other nations participating are: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Russia, Slovakia and Sweden.

PAUL WALSH

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