QUARTERFINAL: CANADA 5 CZR 3
MONTREAL – Mitchell Stephens returned from injury to score a goal and set up two more as Canada downed the Czech Republic 5-3 in a quarter-final on Monday at the world junior hockey championship.
Julien Gauthier, with two, Blake Speers and Thomas Chabot also scored for Canada, which advanced to a semifinal on Wednesday against Sweden. The Swedes downed Slovakia 8-3 in their quarter-final.
Stephens missed Canada’s last two games with an undisclosed injury, but the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect showed no ill effects in a game Canada dominated 41-19 in shots. Stephens, Chabot and Gauthier were on the Canadian team that lost in the quarter-finals of last year’s world juniors in Helsinki.
Canada routed the Czechs twice before the tournament – by a combined 8-0 – during their selection camp in Boisbriand, Que., three weeks ago and 5-0 in an exhibition game in Ottawa on Dec. 21.
Defenceman Philippe Myers, who suffered a concussion in the final preliminary round game against the U.S., did not play. His spot on a pair with Thomas Chabot was taken by Kale Clague.
(CP)
Canada looked strong but like Montreal Canadiens couldn't finish off and put the puck in the net with more than enough chances.
Canada will have their work cut out big time against the Undefeated Swedes. Go Canada.