Some of the best teenage hockey players in the world are competing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and the Canadians are off to a winning start.
Canada defeated Finland 5-3 in the opener of the under-18 tournament's preliminary round on Monday.
Forward Ethan Belchetz and defenceman Keaton Verhoeff led the way with a goal and two assists each.
"It was nice to get some goals on the board early," said Verhoeff, who won gold with Canada at the IIHF U18 World Championships in April and May. "But we need to get right back to work for tomorrow."
With eight seconds remaining in the second period, Ryan Lin broke a 2-2 tie to give Canada a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
Canadian goaltender Gavin Betts made 23 saves on 26 shots.
The Hlinka Gretzky Cup features eight countries. Canada's group includes Finland, Czechia and Switzerland.
Canada will face Switzerland next on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. ET.
