By Canadian Press

Canada beats Sweden 4-1 in Ivan Hlinka semis, will face Czechs in final

Aug 11, 2017 | 2:15 PM

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Serron Noel scored the winning goal with just under 12 minutes left in regulation as Canada defeated Sweden 4-1 in semifinal action Friday at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup under-18 hockey tournament.

Canada will face the Czech Republic in Saturday’s final. The co-host Czechs beat Russia 2-1 in Friday’s other semifinal.

Akil Thomas, Benoit-Olivier Groulx and Aidan Dudas also scored for Canada, while Olivier Rodrigue turned in a solid performance with 24 saves.

After Thomas opened the scoring in the second period, Sweden’s Lukas Wernblom scored on a power play with three seconds left in the period to tie the game 1-1.

Noel, who had put Canada at a potential disadvantage with an elbowing penalty early in the third period, restored Canada’s one-goal lead before late goals from Groulx and Dudas put the game away.

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Olof Lindbom made 22 saves for Sweden, which suffered its first loss at the tournament.

The Czech Republic is the defending champion at the tournament, ending a run of eight straight titles for Canada.

Canada has won 20 gold medals since the tournament started in 1991.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

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