Canada Strikes Bronze At WJC

Jonathan Huberdeau and Nathan Beaulieu are coming home with bronze medals.

The two Saint John Sea Dogs helped Team Canada to a 4-0 win over Finland on Thursday evening in the World Junior Hockey Championship’s bronze medal game. Sweden and Russia meet tonight in the gold medal contest.

Quinton Howden had two goals while Tanner Pearson and Mark Scheifele added singles. Mark Visentin, who was in net for Canada’s collapse in last year’s gold medal game, stopped all 27 shots he faced to pick up the victory. His 27 stops included an incredible behind-the-back glove save.

With the win, Canada has medaled in 14 straight world juniors.

Beaulieu finished the game with three shots on goal. The Montreal Canadiens prospect finished the tournament with an assist, 16 penalty minutes, a -1 rating, and 13 shots on goal.

Huberdeau had one shot in Thursday’s game and nearly set up a couple of goals. He finishes the tournament with one goal, eight assists, 16 penalty minutes, a +8 rating, and 16 shots on goal. His nine points are good for a tie with Ryan Strome for second on the team, one behind his linemate Mark Stone. The line of Huberdeau, Strome, and Stone had an excellent showing and was Canada’s most productive.

The bronze medals mean a Sea Dog has now won every type of medal at the world juniors. Chris DiDomenico won gold in 2009 and Simon Despres silver in 2011.

Two other Sea Dogs - forwards Tomas Jurco and Charlie Coyle - also played in this year’s world juniors.