MONTREAL, QC. –Last night at Edmonton’s Rexall Place, the Canadian juniors prevailed over Team Czech Republic via shutout, as 5-0 was the final score. Netminder Scott Wedgewood made 26 saves in the win that started out as a very tight affair for the first half of the game, but later opened up and allowed the Canadians to cash in on more opportunities, mostly due to the Czechs giving way to their frustrations and beginning to react physically. Mark Scheifele scored twice in the third period and Mark Stone would have had two of his own to add to his hat trick from the previous game, had Petr Mrazek not stopped his penalty shot attempt. Ryan Strome and Brett Connolly were the other two goal-scorers, and Michaël Bournival assisted on the tally of the latter.
As their next opponent, Canada awaits Denmark, who have been outscored 18-3 so far in the tournament. The game, which will include a look at Lars Eller‘s younger brother Mads, among other touted prospects, gets underway at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Then, pre-New Year’s celebrations will give way to the ever-popular Canada-USA matchup. In the meantime, where Canadiens’ prospects are concerned, Jarred Tinordi will take on Daniel Přibyl Friday night in a game between the USA and the Czech Republic.
Tinordi was named player of the game in a losing cause, as the States fell to Finland yesterday, 4-1. It was Finland’s first win against Team USA in six years.