Canada advances to the semifinals

Vincent Larue
Canada advances to the semifinals
Credit: screenshot

Canada faced Slovakia in the quarterfinals of the World Junior Championship. Last year, ÉCJ lost at this stage of the competition to the Czech Republic.

Only one change was made to the Canadian line-up. Jack Ivankovic kept goal and took Carter George's place.

Here is the Canadian line-up:

Here's Slovakia's line-up:

Canada took control of the game in the first period. Cole Reschny scored on a jump shot to open the scoring.

Seconds later, Tij Iginla imitated his father with an NHL-worthy shot to double his team's lead. A clean, precise shot.

Less than two minutes after the final goal, San Jose Sharks prospect Michael Misa took advantage of his captain's presence in front of the net to beat the Slovak goalie. A shot the latter would have liked to have seen.

Canada couldn't get enough. Sam O'Reilly collected a puck in front of the net before carrying it into the back of the net. Caleb Desnoyers picked up an assist on the goal.

Four goals in 3:05 for ÉCJ.

To end the period on a high note, Brady Martin took advantage of a powerplay to score Canada's fifth goal. He completed a superb passing play with Gavin McKenna and Michael Hage.

In the second period, the Canadiens didn't take their foot off the gas. Canadiens captain Porter Martone joined the party. He went on a breakaway and beat the Slovakian goalie with a good shot.

Nothing was going right for the Slovak team. Cole Beaudoin collected a rebound directly in the slot and added a goal for Canada.

Slovakia finally gave a sign of life. Jan Chovan gave his team some breathing space by beating the Canadiens goalie with a good shot into the top corner.

Slovakia added to their tally.

Tempers flared at the end of the second period, but nothing more.

Canada also dominated in terms of shots, 36 to 11, after 40 minutes of play.

In the third period, the two teams traded scoring opportunities, but neither succeeded, despite a four-minute powerplay in Slovakia's favor.

Final score: 7-1 in favor of Canada

Canada will face the Czech Republic in Sunday's semi-final.


overtime

– Canadiens prospect Michael Hage had a good game, as did the majority of ÉCJ players. However, he was shy on the points front with one assist in an offensive festival.

– The Canadiens' goaltender, Ivankovic, kept goal well, being challenged 22 times. He could be the starting goalie for the next game.

Like the Canadiens prospect, Caleb Desnoyers played a good game, as he has since the start of the tournament. He picked up an assist in the win and took a penalty.

– With this defeat, Slovakia finishes the tournament in 8th place, while Canada remains unbeaten.

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