Team WHL struck first in the 2018 Canada-Russia Series on Monday night.

Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman Jett Woo had an assist to help Team WHL to a narrow 2-1 win over Team Russia in Kamloops to open the six-game series at the Sandman Centre.

"It was an entertaining game, they’re a skilled, fast team and so are we, good goaltending at both ends, it was impressive," Team WHL and Warriors head coach Tim Hunter told the media after the game.

Two Lethbridge Hurricanes did the scoring for Team WHL as 17-year-old Dylan Cozens scored with six minutes remaining in the first period. Russia’s Pavel Shen tied the game only 26 seconds later and the score stayed that way until the third period.

Jordy Bellerive broke the tie with 9:29 left in regulation to secure the win for Team WHL.

"I was impressed with everyone, no one really stood out in my mind, [Prince Albert Raiders goalie Ian] Scott played good, the D as a group played really well, and the message and mindset of how we wanted to play, our players really bought in and I was impressed with that part of it too," said Hunter.

Scott turned away 27 shots in the victory for Team WHL.

Woo assisted on Cozens’ opening goal and delivered a bone-crunching hit during the third period, while Warriors captain Josh Brook, who’s also wearing the 'C' for Team WHL, finished plus-one with one shot in the win.

The Warriors will be keeping their fingers crossed, however, on the status of Justin Almeida, as the team’s leading-scorer left Monday’s game in the first period and didn’t return.

Team WHL will look to sweep its two games for the first time since 2015 when the two sides hook up for a rematch on Tuesday at the Langley Events Centre. Puck drops at 9 p.m. (Saskatchewan time).