Sweden secured a 2-0 victory over Canada in the World Junior Championship, claiming the top spot in Group A. Goalie Hugo Havelid’s 21 saves and a solid defense held off Canada’s potent attack. Tom Willander and Noah Ostlund scored for Sweden in the decisive second period. Despite power play opportunities, Canada couldn’t break through. The game marked the fifth meeting between the two teams at the World Juniors in the last 14 tournaments. Canada faces Germany on New Year’s Eve, aiming to secure Group A’s top spot with a win over Finland on Sunday.
Shots in the first period were 7 to 6 for Sweden
Sweden opened the scoring 1:53 into the second period when a failed clearing attempt by Canada lead to the puck made its way to Vancouver Canucks prospect Tom Willander, and he fired past Rousseau to make it a 1-0 game. The assists on the goal went to Theo Lindstein and Otto Stenberg.
2022 Buffalo Sabres first rounder Noah Ostlund made it a 2-0 Sweden game at 10:39 of the middle frame. The assists on the goal to Vancouver Canucks 2022 1st rounder Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Theo Lindstein.
Shots in the second period were tied at 10 each.
Shots in the third period were 7-5 Sweden.
Hugo Havelid made 21 saves in net for the win and shutout for the Swedes. Mathis Rousseau made 22 saves on the 24 shots that he faced for Canada.