Canada eliminated by Sweden in WU18 Quarter-Finals
SPISSKA NOVA VES, SLOVAKIA – Sweden was one step ahead of Canada the entire game, eventually taking a 7-3 victory in quarter-final action at the 2017 World Under-18 Hockey Championship.
Matthew Strome (Hamilton Bulldogs), MacKenzie Entwistle (Hamilton Bulldogs) and Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville Tigres) scored goals, but the Swedes would prove to be too much, outshooting Canada 34-28 as Jacob Olofsson scored twice and defenceman Erik Brannstrom had a goal and an assist.
Entwistle was named Canada’s Player of the Game, finishing the tournament with a team-leading seven points including four goals and three assists.
Entwistle joined teammates Jett Woo (Moose Jaw Warriors) and Stelio Mattheos (Brandon Wheat Kings) as one of Canada’s top three players in the tournament as selected by Darren Rumble (Moncton Wildcats) and his coaching staff.
The quarter-final loss marks the second straight year Canada has failed to medal at the World Under-18 Hockey Championship after four straight podium appearances from 2012-15.
Finland edged the Czech Republic 6-5 in other quarter-final action while Russia takes on Slovakia and the United States battles Switzerland.
Canada finishes the event with an overall record of 2-1-0-2.
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