The biggest rivalry in hockey on the international stage will add another chapter on Wednesday as the Canadians meet the Americans today at the 2023 IIHF World Juniors semi-finals.

It was not easy for Team Canada on Monday against Slovakia in the quarterfinals, Connor Bedard took advantage of the three-on-three overtime frame and scored the overtime winner to give the Canadian squad a berth in the tournament’s final four. Earlier in the evening, the Pats captain opened the scoring with his record-breaking goal that gave the 17-year-old the most goals and points by a Canadian player at the World Juniors.

Team USA had an easier time advancing to the semi-finals with an 11-1 win over Germany. The Americans finished first in their pool. A 6-3 loss to Slovakia on December 28 was the only blemish on their record.

The last meeting between the two countries was at the finals of the 2021 World Juniors that took place inside the bubble in Edmonton.

Opening faceoff is 5:30, Saskatchewan time.

The other semi-final will feature Pats defenceman Stanislav Svozil and Team Czechia taking on Sweden.

Earlier in the day, Lativa swept the relegation series against Austria thanks to a 4-2 victory, the Austrian team will now move down a division at the World Juniors.

The winner of Wednesday’s semi-finals will square off tomorrow in the Gold medal game the losers will battle in the Bronze medal matchup.