It’s all come down to this. After training camps last month and then one preliminary game each, the World Junior Championship began on Christmas Day. Now, after four preliminary games per side resulted in Canada and the United States winning their pool, followed by quarterfinal and semifinal victories, the same two teams find themselves preparing for a gold medal showdown.
Team USA has beaten Canada three straight times in recent gold medal contests at the WJC (2004, 2010, 2017) and holds a 3-1 record overall vs. Canada in the tournament deciding game. Canada’s only win over their neighbors to the south came the first time they met for the title, back in 1997.
Both of USA’s most recent gold medal victories over Canada required more than three periods, with John Carlson getting the overtime winner in 2010 (6-5 final) and then Troy Terry securing a 5-4 shootout victory in 2017.
With tonight’s game, the U.S. will secure their fifth medal in the past six years.
For Canada, up front, all of their forwards were selected in the first round of the NHL Draft. And all but two of their defensemen were also first round selections.
A quick look at this year’s tournament stats shows USA and Canada at the top of nearly every key category, including goals for (Canada first with 41 goals, USA second with 34) and goals against (Canada first with four goals allowed, USA second with 10). Team USA hold the top power play, having converted at a whopping 43%. Canada has allowed the fewest shots on goal (124), the U.S. sits third at 137. USA is also second overall in goals against average, just 1.67 combined from their two netminders.
Should this year’s gold medal game go to overtime, there are new rules. Things will be decided during 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods (with 15-minute intermissions, if necessary). It will be played under a three-on-three format.
Tonight’s game also ensures a combined five Kings prospects will earn gold and silver medals – a new LA record.
How have the Kings prospects faired thus far?
UNITED STATES
BROCK FABER: Defense, USNTDP (2nd round pick in 2020, USHL)
WJC: 0 goals, 5 assists, plus-8, 0 PIM in 6 games played
Get to know him here – his recent appearance on Kings Of The Podcast
ARTHUR KALIYEV: Forward, Hamilton Bulldogs (2nd round pick in 2019, OHL)
WJC: 3 goals, 4 assists, plus-7, 4 PIM in 6 games played
Get to know him here – his recent appearance on Kings Of The Podcast
ALEX TURCOTTE: Forward, USNTDP (1st round pick in 2019, USHL)
WJC: 2 goals, 5 assists, plus-6, 2 PIM in 6 games played
Get to know him here – his recent appearance on Kings Of The Podcast
CANADA
QUINTON BYFIELD: Forward, Sudbury Wolves (1st round pick in 2020, OHL)
WJC: 2 goals, 5 assists, plus-7, 4 PIM in 6 games played
Get to know him here – his recent appearance on Kings Of The Podcast
JORDAN SPENCE: Defense, Moncton Wildcats (4th round pick in 2019, QMJHL)
WJC: 1 goal, 0 assists, plus-1, 0 PIM in 2 games played
NOTE: Although he dressed for a second game, thus the stats show 2GP, he had 0:00 TOI in that game
LA Kings executive Nelson Emerson recently spoke to Kings Of The Podcast about Spence and Team Canada
Meanwhile, the Kings also have an opportunity to sweep the medal podium, as they also have one player participating in the Russia v Finland bronze medal game.
FINLAND
KASPER SIMONTAIVAL: Forward, Tappara (3rd round pick in 2020, Finland)
WJC: 4 goals, 3 assists, plus-4, 2 PIM in 6 games played
His coach wasn’t happy with his performance in the quarterfinals, so Simontaival was moved from his usual top line responsibilities to the fourth line in the semis. He scored two goals and was the primary reason Finland almost upset the U.S., losing a nail-bitter 4-3.
RELATED CONTENT:
Kings Of The Podcast: Ep. Q31 with John Vanbiesbrouck of USA Hockey
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Lead photo courtesy of IIHF
