(Edmonton) For the sixth time in the last seven years, Canada qualified for the final of the World Junior Hockey Championship.
Posted at 7:07 p.m.
The Canadians, unbeaten since the start of the tournament, took the measure of the Czech Republic, 5-2 in the semi-finals.
Kent Johnson led Canada’s offense with a goal and two assists, while Olen Zellweger had three assists.
Connor Bedard, Mason McTavish, Joshua Roy and Logan Stankoven also hit the mark for Canada.
Trailing 4-0 halfway through the third period, Czech captain Jan Mysak scored the first goal for his side and set up David Jiricek’s. However, Roy’s net put an end to the Czech push.
Jiri Kulich stood out with two assists in the loss.
Dylan Garand stopped 30 shots for Canada (6-0-0).
Tomas Suchanek made 22 saves for Czechia (2-3-1), but was replaced by Pavel Cajan after the fourth goal. In relief, Cajan stopped eight shots.
The two teams have met before in the preliminary round, with Canada taking a 5-1 victory.
Montreal Canadiens prospect Riley Kidney has returned to action for the Maple Leaf after being sidelined for the past four games.
The other semi-final pits Finland against Sweden later in the day. The final will be held on Saturday.