Canada Comes Out Flat; Quebec Wins

FINAL: United States 5, Canada 1

Team Canada came out flat and stayed flat for most of the game in a 5-1 semi-final loss to the United States at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Just like last year’s semi-final loss to Russia, Canada fell in a big hole as the United States grabbed a 4-0 lead heading into the third. But unlike last year, Canada could not make a game of it in the third.

Canada’s only goal came in the third period by Ty Rattie, a bizarre goal that should have counted but technically should not have counted.

Malcolm Subban allowed four goals on 16 shots and was pulled in favour of Jordan Binnington who made 25 saves in relief. American John Gibson was terrific in net, making 33 stops in the win.

Jonathan Huberdeau, who was moved back up to the top line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Mark Scheifele to try and create some offense, finished the game with one shot and a -4 rating.

Team Canada will now have to play in the bronze medal game against the host Russians on Saturday. The United States will play Sweden for Gold.

FINAL: Quebec 2, Ontario 1

Team Quebec upset powerhouse Ontario last night by score of 2-1 on the final day of preliminary action at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Ontario led 1-0 after one but Quebec scored twice in the second period to take the lead. Sea Dogs defenseman Olivier LeBlanc assisted on Loik Leveille’s power play goal, a goal that proved to be the game winner.

Quebec, 3-1-0-0, will play Sweden tonight at 8:30pm in the semi-final game. The US plays Russia in the other semi-final.

Matthew Highmore and Team Atlantic, 1-3-0-0, will play Finland in the seventh-place game today at 2:30pm.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation