Cole Beaudoin left his home rink feeling disappointed a year ago, but his fortunes turned around on New Year’s Eve this year. Beaudoin shone with two goals and an assist as Canada defeated Finland 7-4 in the world junior hockey championship in Minneapolis. Reflecting on the win, Beaudoin credited his teammates for their support.
Having experienced defeat in the previous tournament, Beaudoin was determined to put that behind him and focus on the present. Alongside Brady Martin, who also scored twice, and Zayne Parekh, who contributed a goal and two assists, Beaudoin played a key role in Canada’s victory. The trio of Beaudoin, O’Reilly, and Desnoyers, known for their aggressive play, combined for eight points, showcasing their impact on the game.
Canada’s dominance was evident as they finished at the top of Group B, setting the stage for a quarterfinal clash with Slovakia. Despite Finland’s efforts, Canada maintained control throughout the game, with Tij Iginla breaking the tie and Beaudoin sealing the win with his second goal. The victory marked Canada’s seventh consecutive win over Finland in the world juniors.
Looking ahead, Canada aims to secure a record 21st gold medal, with players like Martin expressing their excitement for the upcoming games. With a strong performance in the group stage, Canada is focused on continuing their momentum and achieving success in the tournament.