Blackwood, Mangiapane and Team OHL Shutout Team Russia 3-0. #OHL #CHL

Last night was the third game of the CHL vs Russia series. Team OHL would shutout Team Russia 3-0. Barrie Colts goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood and forward Andrew Mangiapane both represented the Barrie Colts for Team OHL.

Mackenzie Blackwoods shutout makes him the first goalie to earn a shutout since 2006 when Trevor Cann did so. "I had a great team in front of me and they really kept things simple, clearing rebounds and keeping Russia to the outside" said Blackwood following the teams 3-0 win.

This was not an easy shutout and though Blackwoods comments are humble, they overlook the fact that he made a bunch of really timely saves which helped him earn first star of the game. Great performance with Hockey Canada evaluating the game. "Obviously this isn't the end all and be all of the evaluation process," Blackwood added. "But it's nice to put in a strong performance here tonight." 

Russia generated several quality scoring chances but Blackwood and Team OHL were able to keep Russia off the score board. Blackwood not only saved all 25 shots he faced but he also earned an assist on the Dylan Strome PP goal in the closing moments of the second period.

The game winning goal was scored 34 seconds into the game on a goal by Spencer Watson of the Kingston Frontenacs. He would also score the third goal late in the second period.

Dylan Strome would also score late in the period in the first period.

The win followed Team WHL's 2 previous victories over Team Russia which makes this the first time since 2009 that Team CHL has won the opening 3 games of the CHL Canada Russia Series.

The second OHL vs Russia game will take place Monday, November 16th at 7:00 pm from Windsor, Ontario. There will be no Barrie Colts representing Team OHL in that matchup. Following that matchup it will be the QMJHL's tern against Russia with Game 5 happening Tuesday, November 17 at Rouyn-Noranda, QC and the final game of the series on Thursday, November 19 live from Halifax, NS.

For a video interview with Blackwood following the game click here.