Blackhawks center prospect Antti Saarela and Finland fell 5-0 to Canada on Saturday, and will play rival Sweden in the bronze-medal game Sunday.
Saarela had two shots on goal, was on the ice for four goals against — one power-play goal — and was 8-for-15 on faceoffs in 12:38.
Antti Saarela with his best scoring chance of the game for Finland. #Blackhawks #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/XbhEK8em0S
— Brandon (@brandonmcain) January 4, 2020
Canada forward Alexis Lafrenière, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NHL draft, scored two goals, and goaltender Joel Hofer (Blues) made 32 saves for the shutout win. Canada will play Russia in the gold-medal game. Russia shut out Canada 6-0 in the preliminary round.
Connor McMichael (Capitals) had a goal and an assist, and Aidan Dudas (Kings) and Barrett Hayton (Coyotes) each had two assists.
What’s next
Bronze-medal game: Finland vs. Sweden, 8 a.m.
Gold-medal game: Canada vs. Russia, noon