Canada and the United States will get to write another enthralling chapter in their longstanding ice hockey rivalry as their men’s teams prepare to meet in the semi-finals at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games on Tuesday (30 January).
The Canadians, unbeaten in the 6-team tournament, booked their passage into the semis as the top team at the close of group play after defeating Finland 4-1 on Monday evening. Alessandro Di Iorio produced a hat-trick to seal the win for the Maple Leafs in regulation time with goaltender Carter Esler a solid force once again, keeping the Finns at bay.
Team USA, meanwhile, advanced to the knockouts as the second-ranked team earlier in the day after losing their second game 6-5 in a shootout against Czechia. It marks their second shootout win in as many games.
With a storied history between the two sides, and medals now on the line, the atmosphere ahead of the clash is already starting to build.
Speaking after their 4-1 rout over Finland, there was a feeling of confidence in the Canadian camp about the hotly anticipated match-up.
“Canada v US has always been something I’ve watched growing up as a kid and it’s cool to see that come to life,” Di Iorio told Olympics.com after the game. “We have a really good team; we really brought it today. So, if we keep going like this, I think we’ll be able to make it all the way.”
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