Tuesday - November 09, 2010
By Aaron Bell

By Aaron Bell

The SUBWAY Super Series is billed as the final step in the evaluation process before Team Canada's final camp for the World Junior Championships next month. But Saint John Sea Dogs' forward Stanislav Galiev is also hoping to use the series as a springboard for a spot on the Russian national club.

Galiev suited up with his countrymen in the opening game of the SUBWAY Super Series in Saint John, NB on Monday and helped Russia to a 5-4 win.

"It's a great opportunity for me," Galiev said. "It's a chance for me to show myself before the World Juniors."

Los Angeles Kings' prospect Maxim Kitsyn, who also played in the series last year, scored a pair of goals for Russia, including the game-tying goal in the opening minute of the third period.

Nikita Pivtsakin put the Russians ahead for the first time in the game early in the third period and they killed off a late powerplay to hold on for the narrow win.

Galiev said that he was excited to play in the game - especially on his adopted home ice in Saint John.

"It's fun to be around Russian people and playing against some of my friends on Saint John," Galiev said. "It's pretty exciting for me."

The Russians are obviously fond of Saint John. It was their first win in the series since a 4-3 victory over the QMJHL in Saint John in 2008.

Nathan Beaulieu was one of three Sea Dogs that played for Team QMJHL in the series opener on Monday and said that they had some debate with Galiev during the game about who would win.

"I told him there's no way they're going to beat us," Beaulieu told the Telegraph-Journal. "I had a bitter taste in my mouth when I saw the final (score) on the clock. I know it doesn't count in the standings, but I was very disappointed we didn't come out with the two points.

"I remember being here as a 16-year-old (in 2008) and I told myself I wanted to be in this position some day. I didn't know if it would be in Saint John or where it would be, but I'm happy I made it here. I'm not happy with the result."

The SUBWAY Super Series continues in Drummondville, QC on Wednesday (7:00 p.m. Eastern on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS).

Moncton Wildcats' defenceman Brandon Gormley is looking to use this series to earn another look with Canada's World Junior squad.

The Phoenix Coyotes' first round pick was invited to Canada's selection camp last winter but didn't make the cut. He said he is anxious to get another chance at fulfilling the life-long dream of representing his country in the annual tournament.

"Getting cut last year was definitely tough to take," said Gormley, who helped the Wildcats win the QMJHL championship and advance to the MasterCard Memorial Cup in Brandon, MB last spring. "Hopefully I get another opportunity to make that team and hopefully make it this year and contribute to that team. And hopefully bring back the gold medal."

The SUBWAY Super Series moves to Ontario for games in London on Thursday Nov. 11 and in Sudbury on Monday Nov. 15. The series concludes in the Western Hockey League with games in Kamloops, BC on Wednesday Nov. 17 and in Prince George, BC the following night.