CANADA TAKES ON FINLAND FOR BRONZE

Calgary, AB – Canada will look to close out the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship on a winning note as they take on Finland in the Bronze medal game on Thursday afternoon in Calgary, AB.

Fans can watch the game live on TSN (1:00pm MT).

Canada, which boasts five WHL players and one WHL graduate on its roster, suffered a heartbreaking 6-5 loss to Russia on Tuesday night in the semi-final. 

Though they trailed 6-1 by the midway point of the third period, Canada mounted a furious comeback attempt, scoring four goals in just under five minutes to get within one goal.  However, their comeback fell just short as the Russians held on for the win and a spot in the Gold medal game.

Now, the Canadian team will face Finland for third place.  The Fins suffered a heartbreaking loss of their own in Tuesday’s other semi-final versus Sweden as they saw a 2-0 lead evaporate in the third period only to fall in a shootout.  Having been outplayed for much of the game, the Fins tried to hang on for the win only to give up the tying goal with under a minute to play in the third period.

Canada and Finland met in the round-robin portion of the tournament, with Canada pulling off an 8-1 win.  Mark Stone of the Brandon Wheat Kings scored three goals in Canada’s win over Finland while Brendan Gallagher of the Vancouver Giants picked up a goal and an assist in the contest.

It’s the first time in 11 years that Canada will not be playing for a Gold medal at the World Junior championship.

To follow Team Canada at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, visit www.hockeycanada.ca

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