Canada World Junior Champions
05 Jan 2020 | Fredrik Pålsson
Canada takes gold after thrilling final against Russia. Sweden grabs bronze.
Canada won the gold medals at the World Juniors after winning the final against Russia 4-3. When Maxim Sorkin made it 3-1 for Russia with just over 11 minutes left to play it didn't look bright for Canada. But just one minute later it was 2-3 and just two minutes after that Canada was level again. And with four minutes left to play Thomas Akil scored the game winning goal for the maple leafs. Alexis Lafreniere who was selected MVP of the tournament had two assists in the final.
The finish of the game was dramatic when Russia got the chance on the power play and also wanted another Canadian penalty for puckout but no call was made and instead two Russian penalties killed the Russian chances for an equalizer.
Sweden who lost the semi final against Russia in overtime won the bronze medals after beating Finland 3-2. Just as in the first round Finland had the lead but tournament top scorer Samuel Fagemo tied the game and Linus Öberg got the game winner from a really bad angle. Finland had chances but failed to beat Alnefelt in the Swedish goal.
In the relegation round Germany won the third and decisive game 6-0 and sent Kazakhstan down to division 1.