Canada to play United States for Ivan Hlinka Gold
Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team has advanced to the Gold Medal Final of the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament following a 3-1 Semi-Final win over Team Russia on Friday.
Canada will aim for a sixth straight Ivan Hlinka gold medal Saturday morning at 9:00 am Eastern against the United States who edged the Czech Republic 5-3 in the other Semi-Final.
Sam Bennett (Kingston Frontenacs) scored the game-winner on the power play with just 40 seconds remaining in first period action, set up by fellow Frontenac Spencer Watson, and Michael Dal Colle (Oshawa Generals).
Watson, named Canada’s Player of the Game, opened the scoring just 39 seconds into the contest from Brayden Point (Moose Jaw Warriors), and Daniel Audette (Sherbrooke Phoenix).
Russia scored a second period goal to cut the lead to 2-1, but Clark Bishop (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles) iced the game with an empty-net marker with just over a minute to play in regulation.
Julio Billia (Chicoutimi Sagueneens) made 12 saves in the win.
Team Canada includes 22 CHL players, while Team USA has six players from the CHL including goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth Whalers) who picked up the win between the pipes against the Czech Republic on Friday. USA last won Ivan Hlinka gold in 2003.
