Kyle Toasts French at Worlds

After three games of maximum effort with minimal results, Kyle Okposo finally made his presence felt at the 2009 IIHF World Championships on Friday (5/1). Coming into the game against France, KO had registered 7 shots on goal but had recorded only a single point (an assist in the opening game). That all changed as Kyle finally hit his stride in Berne, Switzerland.

Just four minutes into the game Okposo beat French goaltender Fabrice Lhenry for a power play goal that gave the US team a lead they would never relinquish. David Backes assisted on Kyle's tally.

After Backes scored one of his own at the 10:38 mark and assisted on a third team goal, Kyle got involved again in the second period. This time, playing at even strength, Kyle helped defenseman Keith Ballard put one behind Lhenry to open up a 4-0 lead for the red, white, and blue squad (technically the French sport the same colors, but you catch our drift here...).

It was all the Americans would need, though each side would score two additional goals before the final horn sounded. Final score from Switzerland: United States 6, France 2.

Through four games overseas Kyle now has a goal and two assists, his numbers greatly enhanced by Friday evening's performance.

Next up for the United States is a very tough test in the form of undefeated Russia on Saturday (5/2) night. There won't be much time for Kyle to bask in the afterglow of a very good multiple point game.