The Group A semi was between Sweden and Finland WOW WOW WOW, what a game these two teams gave us! Scoring nine goals and giving us an OT thriller, these teams did not disappoint. Finland opened up the scoring 10 minutes into the first before increasing their lead a few minutes later. Sweden didn’t sit back though as their capitalized on a powerplay to make it a one goal game going into the second. Both teams exchanged goals in the second to make it 3-2 for Finland at the start of the third. Sweden scored twice to lead for the first time in the game before Finland responded to tie the game at 4-4 and force OT. It took nearly 17 extra minutes to settle this thriller before Finland kept their Cinderella story alive. Finland has guaranteed themselves a medal. Sweden will be battling for bronze.

The Fins will be happy with the output from their centers as Shoyo Hinata and Aumy Junior II each had two goals and Jani Mänty scored the OT winner.

The Group B semi between Canada and France . In a seemingly quiet first period, France got the first laugh scoring in the XX minute. Up 1-0 heading into the second, France extended their lead in the XX minute to go up 2-0. For the first time all tournament, Canada found themselves in a hole. They didn’t let themselves get down as they kept the pressure up, scoring back to back goals to tie the game at 2-2 heading into the third. It appeared Canada was just getting started as they scored three more unanswered goals to lead 5-2. Despite a late push by France  , it was too little too late as they scored a lone goal bringing the final score to 5-3. 

The Canadian’s win was a full team effort with 5 different goal scorers and ten assists coming from nine players. 

Canada will be looking to have a better start in the gold medal game as they take on Finland . This will be an extremely tough matchup for Finland but they have been on a five game streak, all of which were must wins. 

Gold Medal Game: v  
Bronze Medal Game: v  

Game to Watch: Although it is hard to advise against the gold medal game, I don’t see it being close. The Sweden v France game should be a solid game as both teams will be evenly matched.