Canada Dominates Finland in IIHF World Junior Championship Opener
Ottawa, ON – The Canadian junior hockey team started their 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Finland on December 26 at the Canadian Tire Centre. A sold-out crowd in Ottawa witnessed a commanding performance as Team Canada showcased their offensive depth and defensive resilience.
The game’s opening period was tightly contested until forward Gavin McKenna broke the deadlock late, scoring at 19:08 with assists from Matthew Schaefer and Oliver Bonk. Canada’s Carter George stood tall in net, keeping Finland scoreless despite a power-play opportunity late in the period.
In the second period, Easton Cowan extended Canada’s lead with a goal at 5:22, taking advantage of a defensive miscue by Finland. While Canada’s penalty kill faced challenges, they effectively neutralized Finland’s opportunities, maintaining their two-goal cushion heading into the final period.
GAME OVER! A win over the Finns. 🇨🇦🇫🇮
MATCH FINI! Victoire contre les Finlandais. 🇨🇦🇫🇮
📊 https://t.co/60QwZOvEFT
📊 https://t.co/jaN5MWrgVI #WorldJuniors | #MondialJuniorPresented by/Une présentation de: @UpperDeckSports pic.twitter.com/HBToEQulqD
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 27, 2024
The third period solidified Canada’s dominance. Luca Pinelli scored at 15:14, assisted by Caden Price and Sam Dickinson, showcasing the team’s clinical finishing. Despite several late penalties, including an unsportsmanlike conduct call against Tanner Howe, Canada remained unshaken. Matthew Schaefer capped off the night with an empty-net goal at 19:41, shortly after Finland pulled goaltender Petteri Rimpinen in a final attempt to mount a comeback.
Canada outshot Finland 41-31, a testament to their relentless offensive pressure. George’s flawless 31-save performance earned him a well-deserved shutout, while Rimpinen fought valiantly in net for Finland, making 37 saves with a .925 save percentage.
Team Canada will look to build on this momentum as they continue their quest for gold. Their next game is scheduled for December 27 against Latvia.
Game Highlights:
- Gavin McKenna opened the scoring late in the first period.
- Easton Cowan and Luca Pinelli added goals in the second and third periods, respectively.
- Carter George recorded a perfect 31-save shutout.
- Matthew Schaefer contributed a goal and an assist, leading Canada in points.
Stay tuned to GTA Today for more updates on the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.
