Cole Beaudoin left his home rink feeling disappointed a year ago. However, this New Year’s Eve turned out much better for the Canadian forward. Beaudoin contributed two goals and an assist in Canada’s 7-4 victory over Finland at the world junior hockey championship in Minneapolis. Expressing his gratitude, the Ottawa native acknowledged the importance of the game, especially on New Year’s Eve, and praised his linemates for their support.
Being one of six players returning from the previous year’s team that faced defeat against the United States and got eliminated in the quarterfinals, Beaudoin has been working hard to move past that disappointment. Despite the past setbacks, he emphasized the significance of continuing their winning streak and aiming for the gold medal.
Brady Martin also delivered a strong performance with two goals for Canada, while Zayne Parekh contributed with a goal and two assists. The team’s success was further boosted by Tij Iginla’s goal and assist, along with contributions from Michael Hage, Sam O’Reilly, and Caleb Desnoyers. Goalkeeper Carter George made 14 saves, with O’Reilly sealing the victory with an empty-net goal.
The third line of Beaudoin, O’Reilly, and Desnoyers showcased their skills by combining for eight points in the game, earning praise from their teammates for their impact on the match. Despite Finland’s efforts with goals from players like Roope Vesterinen and Julius Miettinen, Canada maintained control and secured a spot in the quarterfinal clash against Slovakia.
Iginla’s pivotal goal broke the tie in the second period, setting the stage for Beaudoin to extend Canada’s lead. The game saw a flurry of goals from both sides, with Martin, Parekh, and others making significant contributions to Canada’s success. With an impressive performance, Canada secured 11 out of 12 possible points in the round-robin stage, setting a strong foundation for their pursuit of the gold medal.
Looking ahead, Canada remains focused on reaching the podium and aiming for their 21st gold medal. The team’s determination and unity were evident in their victory over Finland, showcasing their readiness for the challenges ahead in the tournament.