Metro Areena
Espoo, FIN
In a pre-tournament match, Team Canada showcased their power by defeating Finland with a convincing score of 5-1. Both teams prepared for the upcoming IIHF U18 World Championship. The Canadian squad, led by Erie Otters Defenceman Matthew Schaefer with 3 assists, dominated the game from start to finish, leaving no doubt about their potential in the tournament.
The goal scorers for Team Canada were Charlie Elick (Brandon WHL) (1G, 1A), Ryder Ritchie)(Prince Albert WHL) (1G), Liam Greentree (Windsor OHL) (1G), Porter Martone (Mississauga OHL) (1G), and Carson Wetsch (Calgary WHL) (1G). The lone goal for Finland was scored by Joona Saarelainen who played last season for KalPa in U20 SM-sarja.
The game was a display of Canada’s offensive capabilities, as they managed to score five goals against a tough Finnish team. The Canadian forwards demonstrated excellent chemistry, with Matthew Schaefer setting up his teammates for three of the five goals. The Finnish team struggled to keep up with the pace of the game, managing only one goal despite their best efforts.
Although the exact number of shots on net for each team is not provided, it is clear that Team Canada controlled the game, outshooting and outplaying Finland throughout the match. The Canadian offensive pressure was relentless, and Finland’s defense was unable to contain the onslaught. Canada has another pre-tournament game scheduled against Norway on April 23, 2024.
This victory sets Team Canada up for a strong performance in the IIHF U18 World Championship. With a well-rounded team and a potent offense, they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.
