Williams, Lafreniere lead Canada past Sweden at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

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Canada's Josh Williams (15) celebrates a goal during first period Hlinka Gretzky Cup action against Sweden, in Edmonton on Wednesday, August 8, 2018. (Codie McLachlan/CP)

EDMONTON – Josh Williams and Alexis Lafreniere each had a goal and an assist as Canada defeated Sweden 4-3 to close out the round robin portion of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup under-18 hockey tournament on Wednesday.

Matthew Robertson and Kirby Dach also scored for Canada.

Lucas Raymond, Alexander Holtz and Elmer Soderblom responded for Sweden.

Canada finished first in its pool with a record of 3-0, while Sweden was 2-1.

The Canadians will face the United States in Friday’s semifinals, while Sweden will be up against Russia.

Canada has won gold in nine of the last 10 of these U-18 tournaments.

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