Red Deer native Nate Danielson of the Brandon Wheat Kings. (WHL)

By The Canadian Press

In Sweden

Red Deer’s Nate Danielson with two points as Canada downs Finland 5-2 in world junior opener

Dec 26, 2023 | 10:33 AM

GOTHENBURG, Sweden – Nate Danielson of Red Deer, AB, had a goal and an assist as Canada defeated Finland 5-2 on Tuesday to open the world junior hockey championship.

Macklin Celebrini and Owen Allard also scored for the Canadians, who got 24 saves from Mathis Rousseau in a Boxing Day victory to open the annual under-20 tournament. Matthew Poitras and Maveric Lamoureux scored into the empty net. Lamoureux also added an assist for a two-point performance.

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki and Jere Lassila replied for Finland. Niklas Kokko made 26 stops.

Canada, which is the two-time defending gold medallist and looking for its first three-peat since 2009, has just one returning player from the 2023 event in Halifax.

The United States and hosts Sweden are viewed as favourites ahead of the Canadians by many observers with the primary reason being the talent left at home.

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Canada is minus five players currently in the professional ranks, including Connor Bedard after he rewrote the national record book last year in Halifax, while defenceman Tristan Luneau, who has played six games with the Anaheim Ducks this season, made the roster before having to be hospitalized with a viral infection.

(The Canadian Press)

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