HULL LIFTS U.S. OVER CANADA : U.S. 5, CANADA 3.

Byline: Associated Press 

Brett Hull, born in Canada but playing for the United States, had two goals and two assists as the United States beat Canada 5-3 Saturday night in a World Cup hockey game, the first official event in the CoreStates Center.

Hull set up the two second-period goals that put the United States ahead, then scored the U.S. team's fourth and fifth goals in the third period as a sellout crowd of an estimated 19,500 roared.

U.S. goalie Mike Richter made 23 saves, and the United States' other goals came from John LeClair, Doug Weight and Scott Young. Wayne Gretzky scored two goals for Canada and Mark Messier added another.

The first official event in the $210 million building - a thank-you concert featuring Ray Charles was held for construction workers and building officials two weeks ago - went off without a hitch.

Problems with the ice surface were reported Thursday, but players from both teams said the ice was much improved Friday. The arena is the new home for the NHL's Flyers and the NBA's 76ers.

The building, which seats 19,500 for hockey and 21,000 for basketball and concerts, sits on the site of the old JFK Stadium, across the parking lot from the Spectrum, longtime home of the Flyers and 76ers.

It was the United States' first game in the World Cup tournament, while Canada won its first game 5-3 against Russia on Thursday. The teams are in the North American pool, along with Russia and Slovakia. The top three finishers in the pool advance to the second round.

Hull, son of former NHL star Bobby Hull, was born in Belleville, Ontario, but is a U.S. citizen because his mother is American.

Gretzky picked up a hooking penalty late in the second period, and the United States capitalized on the power play 25 seconds into the third period.

Hull one-timed a shot from the top of the left faceoff circle that beat Canada goalie Martin Brodeur high to the glove side and put the United States ahead 4-2.

Gretzky made it 4-3 with 1:03 to go when he shoveled a rebound past Richter, but Hull scored into an empty net with 24 seconds to play.

Trailing 2-1 after the first period, the United States scored twice to take a one-goal lead into the third period.

Weight tied the game at 2 with a goal at 3:37 of the second period. Standing unchecked in front of the Canada net, he deflected a shot from the point by Gary Suter over Brodeur.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

Photo: Canada's Wayne Gretzky, right, is congratulated by V incent Damphousse after scoring.

Associated Press