Canada eliminated by Sweden in World Under-18 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/OHL), MacKenzie Entwistle (Hamilton Bulldogs/OHL) and Maxime Comtois (Victoriaville Tigres/QMJHL) scored goals, but the Swedes would prove to be too much, outshooting Canada 34-28 as Jacob Olofsson scored twice and defenseman 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/WHL) and Stelio Mattheos (Brandon Wheat Kings/WHL) as one of Canada’s top three players in the tournament as selected by Darren Rumble (Moncton Wildcats/QMJHL) 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.

For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitter.com/HC_Men.