WJC Pre-Competiton: Raddysh scores twice as Canada blanks Finland 5-0
MONTREAL – Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Taylor Raddysh (Erie Otters) scored twice as Canada blanked reigning gold medalist Finland 5-0 in World Junior Pre-Competition action at the Bell Centre on Monday.
Philadelphia Flyers draftee Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips) made 25 saves to record the shutout, building off an impressive selection camp in Blainville, Que. last week.
Mathew Barzal (Seattle Thunderbirds) also found the back of the net and added an assist while big winger Julien Gauthier (Val-d’Or Foreurs) recorded a pair of helpers.
“Overall, we’re happy with tonight’s game,” Team Canada head coach Dominique Ducharme (Drummondville Voltigeurs) said post-game. “We’re always looking to get better – it’s something that’s ingrained in us. From day to day, we want to elevate our game. There are certainly some positive things that we did tonight, and some things that need improvement.”
Canada outshot Finland 30-25, holding them to 0-for-7 on the power play.
Canada’s National Junior Team roster includes 20 CHL players while Finland features six still on the roster led by Vancouver Canucks prospect and captain Olli Juolevi (London Knights).
Canada’s next pre-tournament action comes against the Czech Republic at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on Wednesday at 7:00pm.