Follow usCanada U-20 team fought off a sluggish start and a 2-0 deficit to defeat the United States 6-2 in front a Scotiabank Centre crowd of 10,636, an arena record, and advance to the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship against the Czech Republic.
GAME OVER | Going for GOLD! 🥇
📊 https://t.co/5KYDd5Br1y#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/Gb7aNyZobO
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) January 5, 2023
The U.S. outshot the tournament hosts 45-37 on Wednesday night, dominating large patches of the game and were unfortunate not to have had a more favorable outcome.
They, however, couldn’t solve Canadian goalie Thomas Milic to any great degree. He was outstanding in making 43 saves.
“It’s incredible,” Milic added. “It’s something we’ve been working toward for a long time now and it’s something you dream of doing as a kid. So super-excited.
“I love those high-pressure situations. And I think as we’ve progressed through the tournament, we’ve just been getting better and better.”
Joshua Roy had two goals, the second into the empty net, and two assists for Canada. Adam Fantilli, Connor Bedard and Logan Stankoven each had a goal and an assist, and Brandt Clarke also scored.
Logan Cooley and Kenny Connors scored in the first period as the Americans raced to a 2-0 lead. Trey Augustine stopped 31 shots for the U.S.
Seeking its 20th title, Canada will face the Czech Republic on Thursday night. The Czechs, 5-2 winners over Canada in their tournament opener, rallied to beat Sweden 2-1 in overtime in the first semifinal.
The United States will play Sweden in the bronze-medal game.
Canada U-20 reach semis, record-breaking Bedard scores OT winner 
