It just wouldn’t be a World Junior Championship without a faceoff between Canada and Russia in medal round, would it?
One of our country’s most historic head-to-heads will continue on Monday, January 4th at 3 p.m. PST; on a road that could reach the gold medal.
In a tale as old as time – almost literally – today marks the 28th game between Canada and Russia since the 1993 tournament.
Canada has secured the win over Russia in a final three times over the last decade, but a semifinal clash has been a little less common.
Coincidentally, the last time the two powerhouse teams met in a world junior semifinal was also in Alberta, back in 2012. Russia ended up winning that bout 6-5, before falling to Sweden in the championship game.
Canada has a slight upper hand in semifinal showdowns, winning three of the five; in 1996, 1997 and 2009, respectively.
In all-time records versus Russia, Canada leads 14-12-1. Canada’s goals against the rivals tally 104, whereas Russia’s goals clock in at 84.
Canada earned a 1-0 win over the Russians on December 23rd, with 23 saves from goalie Levi and a final-period goal from Jamie Drysdale.
Today’s other semifinal will see Finland and the United States clash at 6:30 p.m PST.
