Lafreniere gets redemption in Canada's rout of Czech Republic

Canada took care of business on Saturday at the World Junior Hockey Championship, defeating a high-powered Czech Republic squad by a score of 5-1.

The victory may have been fairly status quo for the tournament favorites, but it was a statement game for 17-year-old Alexis Lafreniere. One day after he was harshly criticized by head coach Tim Hunter for a lack of effort, the projected 2020 first overall pick had his best game of the tournament, sniping his first goal on a one-timer from the slot. He even spent some time on the club's top line throughout the contest.

Morgan Frost continued to be an offensive catalyst for Canada, picking up a goal and an assist, giving him seven points in the tournament. MacKenzie Entwistle, who began the tournament as the team's 13th forward, scored for the third consecutive game. Defenseman Ty Smith also chipped in with two helpers.

Canada was able to keep the Czech's all first-rounder line of Filip Zadina, Martin Necas, and Martin Kaut off the scoresheet, due in large part to Michael DiPietro's 23-save performance.

The undefeated Canadians will face their biggest test of the tournament with a New Year's Eve clash against Russia, while the Czech Republic will finish off the round robin against winless Denmark on Monday.