Canada fully excelled during the group stage, winning all four matches with ease, with a goal difference of 33-4.
Even in the qualifiers, things went painlessly, with easy victories over both the Czech Republic and Russia.
Canada’s favorite before the match
The United States had to work harder, losing, for example, against Russia in the group match, and “only” won 4-3 over Finland in the semi-finals.
Despite this, and despite the fact that the vast majority may have been a clear candidate before tonight’s final, it is the US that is now entered as the 2021 World Junior Champion in ice hockey.
Only the United States scored in the final. After 13.35 of the first period, the team made it 1-0, when Alex Torkotte led Drew Hellison’s shot – thus becoming the first player in the tournament to score against Canada in the fifth game against five.
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After the goal, the United States gained more energy and took over the game. Even at the start of the second half, it was the United States that dominated the match, and it was only 32 seconds old when the team’s top scorer Trevor Ziegras carefully took care of a chance that stopped at Bergafillen and scored 2-0.
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In the middle of the period, Canada took over the game, and even recently, they had most of the puck possession.
But they never managed to outrun American goalkeeper Spencer Knight. And when Knight was overestimated, the position stood in its way, as it did when Bowen Bryan attained an impressive position in the middle of his final term.
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Thus, the United States is the world junior champion for the fifth time. Three of the previous four golds were captured by final victories over Canada.
– You haven’t really drowned yet. I’m extremely happy, says Zegra shortly after the final signal.