PRAGUE, Czechia - Canada will be leaving the world hockey championship empty-handed.
Sweden scored three unanswered goals in the third period to earn a 4-2 comeback win over Canada and claim bronze on Sunday. Canada was stunned by Switzerland in the semifinal on Saturday, falling 3-2 by shootout, leaving the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøs to play for bronze.
“The really tough loss was last night because we wanted to be playing for a gold medal today, but we also wanted to win our last game and bring home a bronze medal," forward Pierre-Luc Dubois said. "Today stings but the semifinal stings a lot too.â€
“I had an unbelievable time with this group. After a month together, it is tough to be so close to playing in the gold medal game but losing in a shootout.â€
Host Czechia defeated Switzerland 2-0 to strike gold later Sunday.
Carl Grundstrom, with two goals, Erik Karlsson and Marcus Johansson scored for Sweden. Filip Gustavsson made 20 saves.
Dylan Cozens, with his tournament-leading ninth goal, and Dubois replied for Canada. Jordan Binnington stopped 29 shots.
Dubois scored 4:18 into the third period to give the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøs a 2-1 edge, their first lead of the game after Grundstrom opened the scoring with the lone goal of the first period.
Karlsson kick-started Sweden's run at 9:35 before Grundstrom got in on the fun just over four minutes later. Johansson scored an empty-netter with five seconds left to seal the win.
“It was a little tough to get our game going today, but I thought we were rock solid in the second period," Canada head coach André Tourigny said. "We could have handled our lead a little better and I feel like we backed off (Sweden) too much, and unfortunately we were not as good as we needed to be.â€
“Our players worked hard all tournament, and they were very committed to winning and fought for each other. I have so much respect for all the guys in our room for the sacrifice they made to play in this tournament, and I am really proud of our team.â€
This report by ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø was first published May 26, 2024.
