Canada Wins World Juniors Group B – Defeat Finland
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Canada Defeats Finland 7-4 at World Junior Hockey Championship
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Canada secured the top spot in Group B at the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship with a decisive 7-4 victory over Finland on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Minneapolis.
Published January 1, 2026, at 05:57 AM PST
By Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
Game Summary
Cole Beaudoin and Brady Martin each scored twice to lead Canada to a 7-4 win over Finland at the World Junior Hockey Championship. Zayne parekh contributed a goal and two assists, while Tij iginla added a goal and an assist. The Canadians dominated offensively, finishing atop Group B.
Roope Vesterinen, Julius Miettinen, Oliver Suvanto, and Lasse Boelius scored for Finland. matias Vanhanen recorded two assists in the losing effort.
Key Performances
Several Canadian players had standout performances:
- Cole Beaudoin: 2 goals,1 assist (3 points)
- Brady Martin: 2 goals
- Zayne Parekh: 1 goal,2 assists (3 points)
- Tij iginla: 1 goal,1 assist (2 points)
- Sam O’Reilly: 2 assists,1 empty-net goal (3 points)
- Carter George: 14 saves in goal for canada.
For Finland, Roope vesterinen led the way with a goal and an assist.
Group B Standings & Tournament Context
Canada’s victory secures their position at the top of Group B. The full group B standings as of December 31, 2025, are not yet available, but Canada’s win guarantees them a favorable matchup in the quarter-finals. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) website provides the official tournament schedule and standings.
Canada is aiming to improve upon recent disappointing finishes at the World Junior Championship. They lost 4-1 to the U.S. on New Year’s Eve at the 2025 tournament in Ottawa and have finished fifth in the past two years. The team is seeking a record 21st gold medal.
Past Context: Canada at the World Juniors
Canada has historically been a dominant force in the World Junior Hockey Championship, boasting a