There have been a lot of bumps on Team’s Canada path at the 2023 IIHF World Juniors. But in the end, the Canadians reached their final destination of a gold medal matchup after an emotional 6-2 win against Team USA.
Connor Bedard had a goal and an assist in the Canadian victory.
The Americans jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the opening 10:30.
Down by one after 20 minutes, Canada wasted little time in the second period as Logan Stankoven scored 47 seconds into the period to tie the game.
Adam Fantilli would put the Canadians ahead later in the second.
It appeared Jackson Blake had tied the game at 3-3, but after a video review, it was determined there was goaltender interference and a no-goal.
Joshua Roy added a pair of goals with Brandt Clarke also scoring for Canada.
Thomas Milic recovered from a tough start to make 43 saves.
Canada will have a chance of redemption in the Gold Medal game when they meet Czechia. On Boxing Day, Czechia opened the tournament with a shocking victory against Team Canada.
In the first semi-final of the day, Czechia overcame a one-goal deficit after David Jiricek scored with 39 seconds in regulation. Jiri Kulich scored the overtime winner.
Bedard will face his Pat teammate Stanislav Svozil in Thursday’s Gold Medal game.
