The teams took turns in controlling and being in the lead. In the end, however, Slovakia was the stronger team and beat Canada with 3-5(0-1, 2-1, 1-3).

The first period was even between Canada and Slovakia. Ladislav Gal scored 0-1 for Slovakia, which was the slightly better team, after just under six minutes. It was the only goal of the period.

Canada stepped up their game for the second period and turned the match around during the first three minutes. Spencer Ridgewell scored 1-1 and Faez Kanji scored 2-1 on his own after a good performance. After just 30 seconds Canada's top scorer Joel Inouye had the chance to further increase the lead when his team was awarded with a penalty shot. But Adam Kalcok, the Slovakian goal-keeper, was on his toes and saved Inouye's attempt to score. Instead Roman Zeliezka could even the score to 2-2, which was the score before the third period. 

The last period was also even. Canada continued to play well and the team captain Lauri Hannelius scored 3-2 with a long shot after barely nine minutes. At this point the Slovakian team stepped up their game. Six minutes later they had turned the match around after goals by Lukas Rezanina and Vaclav Komacka. Canada fought to even the score, but instead Slovakia scored 3-5 and won the game. 

Full match statistics here.

Photo: Rasmus Tynander.