INNSBRUCK, Austria – Ryan Gropp scored twice and Eric Cornel added a goal and two assists as Canada earned its first win at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games, beating the United States 5-1 on Sunday.

Gropp’s first goal, 90 seconds into the second period, turned out to be the game-winner for the Canadians, who evened their record at 1-1 after a tournament-opening 4-3 loss to Russia on Friday.

“We had to come out and make a statement game after not playing the whole three periods against Russia,” Canadian captain Joe Hicketts told iihf.com. “It was a good bounce back from that game and a good confidence booster for us.”

Lethbridge Hurricanes 1^st round draft pick Reid Duke (Calgary, Alta./Calgary Royals, AMHL) and Adam Brooks had the other goals for Canada, which outshot the Americans 27-16. The Hurricanes other 1^st round draft pick, Ryan Pilon, an Alternate Captain with Team Canada, assisted on Duke’s 2^nd period goal. Brooks added an assist for a two-point night, while Reid Gardiner had a pair of helpers. Keven Bouchard made 15 saves to record the win between the pipes.

Canada continues preliminary round play Tuesday against the host Austrians (3:15 am local time) needing a win to lock up a berth in the semifinals.  For more information on the 2012 Youth Winter Olympics, visit www.hockeycanada.ca or www.innsbruck2012.com