Team Canada’s path to a medal at the world juniors just got a little harder.
With a 4-1 loss to the United States on Tuesday, Canada finished the preliminary round third in Group A with a 2-0-1-1 record.
The Canadians will next play Czechia, the reigning bronze medalists, in the quarterfinals. The Czechs eliminated Canada in the quarterfinals one year ago.
The U.S. jumped out to an early lead against Canada with a powerplay goal from Washington Capitals prospect Cole Hutson in the first period. That lead held until the third when Carolina Hurricanes prospect Bradly Nadeu tied the score with a powerplay marker. But the Americans responded with a powerplay goal of their own from New York Islanders prospect Danny Nelson.
Cole Eiserman extended the lead with another powerplay goal late in the third.
Ryan Leonard added insult to injury with an empty-netter on an ugly Canada turnover to seal the win.
The United States secured first in the group with the victory and will play Switzerland in the quarters. Finland finished second in the group and will face Slovakia in the next round.
More to come…
