Canada took a 2-1 lead into the third period but would pour 29 shots on net and score six goals on their way to an 8-1 victory in Frisco, Texas on Wednesday afternoon.
Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman Denton Mateychuk didn’t play in the contest, but former prospect Corson Ceulemans did, picking up an assist on Regina Pats phenom Connor Bedard’s second goal 45 seconds into the third. Ceulemans -- who is committed to the NCAA University of Wisconsin -- now has a goal and seven points in five tournament games.
Bedard, meanwhile, continued to put the hockey world on notice. The 15-year-old standout finished the game with a hat trick and moved within two points of Connor McDavid’s record for most points for a player that young in the tournament. Bedard now has six goals and 12 points in six games and is also plus-10.
Fellow exceptional player Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs) has been just as hot and finished the game with four points, including Canada’s sixth goal. Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds), Chase Stillman (Sudbury Wolves), Francesco Pinnelli (Kitchener Rangers) and Connor Roulette (Seattle Thunderbirds) had Canada’s other goals.
Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting) made 17 saves in the win, Carl Lindbom faced 56 shots for Sweden.
Canada now advances to Wednesday’s gold medal game and will face either Finland or Russia, who play later Tuesday.
