2007-08 National Men's Under-18 Team

KAZAN, RUS – APRIL 20th, 2008 – Tyler Cuma and Cody Hodgson scored power play goals for Canada as it advanced into the semi-final round of the 2008 IIHHF World U18 Championship, by defeating Finland 2-1 in Kazan, Russia on Sunday.

Canada’s power play struck twice.

With a man advantage, Cuma (Bowmanville, ON/Ottawa, OHL) opened the scoring during the 15-minute mark of the first period on a quick-release snapshot over Finland’s goaltender Ramsus Rinnes.

“It wasn’t pretty, but good teams find ways to win.  We’re fortunate we pulled that one out today. Our goaltender has been unbelievable during this championship and had a strong game again today,” said Hodgson, who was named Most Valuable Player for Canada.

Canada took a two-goal lead heading into the second intermission on another power-play goal by Hodgson (Markham, ON/Brampton, OHL).

Finland struck with less than five minutes to go in the third period, and dangerously roamed around Canada’s net. With the strong pressure looming on Canada, the defense held on to preserve the victory over a disappointed Finland team.

“It was a tough match. Both of us (Canada and Finland) had hard games coming into this game. This is very early for young men. Our players did not seem to be ready to play well today,” added Pat Quinn, Canada's head coach.

“Guy Boucher has done a great job on power plays, and Jesse Wallin prepared us well in the penalty killing, so we have good special teams and our confidence grows on those elements of the game,” added Hodgson.

Canada’s Jake Allen (Fredericton, NB/St. John’s Ice Dogs, QMJHL) again protected Canada’s net, stopping 35 of the 36 shots directed towards him. Allen is leading goaltender’s statistics in the championship with a save percentage of 0.922 and a goals against average of 1.75.

Allen was once again sharp, blocking key saves at the right moments to protect Canada’s lead for his fourth victory of the tournament.

Ryan Ellis (Freelton, ON/Windsor, OHL) assisted on Canada‘s two goals while Jordan Eberle assisted on Hodgson’s goal in the second period.

Canada was outshouted for the first time of the championship, 36-20.

“The result of this match could easily have been different. The Finland team got stronger as the game grew, and we were fortunate to score two power plays goals earlier in the game.  Our goaltender was very good, but the most part of our team was not good.”

Canada will now face Sweden in the semi-final round. Sweden finished first in Pool B, posting a perfect record of 4-0 in the preliminary round of the championship.

That game will be shown on TSN/RDS, Hockey Canada's official broadcaster. Check local listings for specific time.

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Final

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Goals/Buts :
15:03 CAN PP1 6 CUMA T (1) 26 ELLIS R, 9 HODGSON C

Penalties/Pénalités :
08:56 10:56 CAN 2min. 24 ROBAK C - Charging
09:58 11:58 FIN 2min. - Team penalty - Too Many Players on the Ice
13:51 15:03 FIN 2min. 4 HIETIKKO V - Cross-Checking
17:14 19:14 CAN 2min. 23 HAMONIC T - Holding

Goals/Buts :
30:57 CAN PP1 9 HODGSON C (2) 7 EBERLE J, 26 ELLIS R

Penalties/Pénalités :
21:05 23:05 CAN 2min. 23 HAMONIC T - Hooking
22:36 24:36 CAN 2min. - Team penalty - Too Many Players on the Ice
25:20 27:20 FIN 2min. 8 VITTASMAKI VM - Holding
29:03 30:57 FIN 2min. 10 HARTIKAINEN T - Roughing
35:31 37:31 FIN 2min. 27 PITKANEN I - Roughing
35:31 37:31 CAN 2min. 3 MYERS T - Roughing
36:08 38:08 CAN 2min. 2 TEUBERT C - Charging
39:25 41:25 CAN 2min. 29 DUCHENE M - Hooking

Goals/Buts :
54:13 2:1 FIN SH1 15 LAJUNEN J (1) 24 RISSANEN R

Penalties/Pénalités :
43:44 45:44 FIN 2min. 24 RISSANEN R - Roughing
43:44 45:44 CAN 2min. 16 O DELL E - Roughing
52:31 54:31 FIN 2min. 2 KIVISTO T - Cross-Checking
59:09 60:00 CAN 2min. 23 HAMONIC T - Delaying the Game

31 ALLEN J