The teams play the game equally well, but Canada was hungrier for goals and won deservedly with 7-1 (2-1, 1-0, 4-0).

It was an intense first period with much speed. Both Canada and Australia started strong and Canada took the lead early on through Andrew Radjenovic. Power play proved to be a deciding factor for the rest of the game. Australia scored through Matthew Poon in power play. When Australia’s captain Petr Prazan got a penalty, Billy Petrie took the opportunity to score 2-1 with only eight seconds left of the first period.

It was close between the teams in the second period as well. However, Canada was hungrier for goals and Joel Inouye scored 3-1 by beautifully directing the ball, and that was also the only goal of the second period.

Australia had several chances to get back in the game, when they had two power plays back to back. The score was still 3-1 after the second period because the Australian players were unfocused and because the Canadian goalkeeper, Taylor Retta-Shipp was on fire.

Canada took control of the game in the third period and scored both a fourth and a fifth goal. Australia continued to fight and had several chances but Taylor Retta-Shipp was a wall. Instead, Joel Inouye and Lauri Hannelius could score the last two goals of the match, which ended 7-1.

Full match statistics here.

Photo: Rasmus Tynander.