LILLEHAMMER – Canada recovered from an opening game loss to Russia with a convincing 5-1 win over Finland in the preliminary round of the 2016 Youth Olympic men’s tournament.

“Difficult loss two days ago, but we went through the video and fixed our mistakes,” said forward Luka Burzan, who had a goal and an assist. “I felt we played really well and played the Canadian way: getting pucks deep and being relentless and putting pucks on the net.”

Canada jumped on Finland early in the first period, first on a power play goal from Aidan Dudas and then a score from Conor Roberts less than a minute later.

Finland cut the lead to one on a two-man advantage after Dennis Busby drew a game misconduct for checking to the head and neck and Carson Focht was whistled for hooking. Defenceman Toni Utunen fired a low shot from the point that beat goalie Alexis Gravel glove side.

But Canada remained in control throughout the game, with strong play in the neutral zone and a solid defnce that kept Finland ways from Gravel’s net for most of the game. Luka Burzan gave back a two-point cushion to Canada with a goal early in the second period.

Then Benoit-Olivier Groulx extended the lead in the third with a shot-handed goal. Captain Ty Smith put the game away with a shot from the left circle that went past goalie Justus Annunen for the 5-1 lead.

“Strong effort through all three periods,” said Roberts. “We’re coming together quick and playing as a team.”

It wasn’t all good news for Canada. Forward Tristen Nielsen left the game in the first period with a laceration after a skate made contact with his wrist.

Canada has two preliminary round games remaining on the schedule, the next one coming tomorrow against the United States. Finland faces Russia in the evening game.  

ADAM STEISS