Canada crushes Finland to open WJC in style

In front of more than 15 000 spectators at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Team Canada started its quest to recapture the junior gold medal with two early goals that helped them on their way to success.

Jonathan Huberdeau set up Mark Stone in the slot and the Canadian forward fired home. Brendan Gallagher increased Canada’s lead two minutes later with a neat finish past Finnish goalie Christopher Gibson.

Team Finland coach Raimo Helminen immediately called for a timeout and managed to turn the tide momentarily as the Finnish team got back to the game and could celebrate shortly after the break when Alexander Ruutu fired in a perfect wristshot under the crossbar.

However, any doubts about the outcome of the game were soon diminished. Mark Stone scored his second goal of the night on delayed penalty, Jonathan Huberdeau and Dougie Hamilton then both converted power plays thanks to the superior physical presence in front of the net to make it 5-1.

There was no way back for Finland, especially after Brett Connolly added another goal 52 seconds into the third period. Mark Stone then completed his hat trick at 44:05, again assisted by Huberdeau and Ryan Strome completed the goal festival in front of the jubilant crowd. It was a dominant performance by Team Canada early in the tournament and a big warning sign sent out to other title contenders.

Tweets by @eurohockey