The first preparations for the 2008 World Junior Men’s Championships took place July 26-29 at the White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa in Canada. The squad of 12 ranking and age-eligible US players made their way up to Canada for four days of training and matches, culminating in a full international test match versus their Canadian counterparts. The US side, behind standout performances from Clay Blackiston and Alex Domenick, defeated Canada by an overall match score of 9-3. Blackiston, playing at No. 6, prevailed over Nick Sachvie in a hard-fought five-game match, while Domenick dropped just two points in his victory over Canadian No. 2 Ben Ladell. The overall depth of the US team was very evident in the 3-0 wins turned in by Will Hartigan, Adam Perkiomaki, David Hilton, Nick Sisodia, Todd Harrity and Jason Michas. Matt Domenick, a 3-1 winner, Charlie Wagner, Brian O’Toole and Stephen Harrington rounded out the impressive US squad.
