Team Canada is in the gold medal game of the 2020 World Junior Hockey Championship from Ostrava, Czech Republic. On Saturday, Canada defeated Finland 5-0 in the semifinals.
Portland Winterhawks goaltender and St. Louis Blues prospect Joel Hofer of Winnipeg, Manitoba recorded the shutout. Hofer made 32 saves as Canada outshot Finland 39-32. Finland had 16 shots in the first period, nine shots in the second period and seven shots in the third period.
Four Canadians had multi-point games for Team Canada. Rimouski Oceanic left winger Alexis Lafreniere of Saint-Eustache, Quebec notched two goals. London Knights centre and Washington Capitals prospect Connor McMichael of Ajax, Ontario had one goal and one assist, while Owen Sound Attack centre and Los Angeles Kings prospect Aidan Dudas of Parry Sound, Ontario along with Arizona Coyotes centre Barrett Hayton of Peterborough, Ontario each notched two assists.
Two other Canadian players scored goals on Saturday. They were Erie Otters defenseman Jamie Drysdale of Toronto, Ontario and Flint Firebirds centre and Dallas Stars prospect Ty Dellandrea of Port Perry, Ontario.
Canada’s opponent on Sunday in the championship final will be Russia. On Saturday in the other semi-final, Russia beat Sweden 5-4 in overtime. Russia actually beat Canada 6-0 on December 28 in pool play. That was Canada’s only loss in the tournament to date.
