Canada advances to Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold-medal game vs. United States
Canada's Under-18 men's hockey team defeated Finland 6-3 to secure a spot in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold-medal game. They are set to face the United States in the championship final on Saturday.
Why it matters
The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is a premier international tournament for top NHL draft prospects, serving as a key indicator of future professional hockey talent.
A jersey logo for Hockey Canada is seen at team practice. (Jeff McIntosh/CP) EDMONTON — Canada scored twice early in the third period to snap a 2-2 deadlock and then held on to beat Finland 6-3 on Friday to advance to the championship final at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Canada's Under-18 men's team will play the United States for gold on Saturday. The Americans beat Slovakia 5-2 in Friday's other semifinal.
Finland dominated the play and shot clock in the first half of the opening period in Friday's semifinal, with Olli Kylmala giving Finland an early lead with a power-play goal at 5:46.
But the Canadians settled down after that, and found their game at Rogers Place.
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