Canada wins Ivan Hlinka Memorial - again

Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, named after the Czech star player/coach that died ten years ago in a car accident, ended today with a Canadian win over Czech Republic. The tournament was played in Breclav (Czech Republic) and Piestany (Slovakia).

The Canadian team was outstanding throughout the tournament. In the group stage they got three wins by 5-1 against Switzerland, Sweden and Slovakia. In the semi final they got the incredible score 11-5 against USA. Today's final was won 6-2 over the hosting team Czech Republic.

The final was pretty much decided already in the first period after which Canada had a 4-0 lead on goals by Dylan Strome, Lawson Crouse, Mitchell Marner and Travis Konecny. The game ended 6-2 after Nicolas Roy and Lawson Crouse scored the last Canadian goals. Radek Koblizek and Lukas Jasek scored for the Czechs.

USA won the bronze medals after an overtime win against Sweden. Dennis Yan got the 5-4 winner in the last minute of the overtime period.

Yesterday Finland beat Switzerland 9-3 in the 5th place game and Russia avoided the last place of the eight teams by beating Slovakia 5-2.

USA's Thomas Novak was the top scorer of the tournament with five goals and six assists in five games.

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