Red Deer’s Nate Danielson wins hockey bronze at Winter Youth Olympic Games

Red Deer native Nate Danielson scored early in the first period to help lead Canada to a 4-2 win over Finland in the bronze medal men’s hockey game at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games after defeating Finland 4-2 on Wednesday in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Canada jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead before adding an empty netter with 32 seconds left in the third after Finland had pulled within a goal.

Canada finished the preliminary round with a 1-1 record, falling to Russia 6-2 before blanking Denmark 6-0. It dropped a narrow 2-1 decision to the United States in the semifinals.

“Our goal was to get better as the tournament went on, and I think we did an exceptional job at that,” said head coach Gordie Dwyer. “Our players bought in to how we have to play collectively as a group to be successful, and I thought we continued to grow as a team and individuals. We’re happy we’re finishing it off with a win, and winning an Olympic medal.”