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Stefan Tonev
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Canada U-20 reach semis, record-breaking Bedard scores OT winner
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Canada down Slovakia and will play the United States for a place in the final

Connor Bedard scored a game-winner on a solo effort into overtime as Canada U-20 Team advanced to the semifinals at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship after beating Slovakia 4-3 on Monday night.

Canada outshot Slovakia 57-27 as goalkeeper Thomas Milic was also impressive during the dramatic win, making 24 saves.

“Obviously the [Bedard] goal was memorable, but Thomas Milic made some big saves for us,” Canada Head coach Dennis Williams said.

“The way Connor scored and how he played tonight was huge, but we do not get to that moment without Thomas’ performance.

“He was lights out and made some key saves in overtime and in the third period. We outshot [Slovakia], but they had a lot of high-quality chances that we needed [Milic] to step up for, and he was dynamite for us tonight.”

Bedard, who scored the winner 5:17 into overtime, also netted the opening goal in the first period and added an assist, breaking four Canadian records – most career goals at the World Juniors (16), most career points at the World Juniors (34), most points in single World Juniors (21) and most assists in a single World Juniors (13).

“I saw [the Slovak defender] make a move and there was a lane to the net, so I tried to make my move using my instinct and luckily it went in,” he said.

“That moment [in overtime] was special for all of us. It was pretty cool to score that goal, but it was the quarterfinals and we still have a lot of hockey left.

“I am happy about the win, and like I said in intermission I was not really thinking about [the records]. Obviously it matters, but for me it is about winning, and that is what we are here to do.”

Canada face the United States in the semifinals at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax on Wednesday night while the Czech Republic play Sweden in the other semifinal on Tuesday night.