Canada holds off Finland to open WJHC with win
Canada beat Finland 5-2 in opening-day action at the 2024 World Junior Championship on Tuesday.
Detroit Red Wings first-round pick Nate Danielson scored the first goal of the tournament for Canada when Maveric Lamoureux's shot deflected off his pants and into the back of the net in the first period.
Canada took a 2-0 advantage early in the second period when Owen Allard deposited a loose puck past Finland goaltender Niklas Kokko.
St. Louis Blues prospect Aleksanteri Kaskimaki tipped home an Arttu Karki point shot on the man advantage 2:15 after Allard's goal to draw back within one.
Macklin Celebrini's third-period goal was ruled good after a video review. It's the first world junior tally for the projected 2024 first overall selection.
Boston Bruins forward Matt Poitras added an empty-netter to seal the victory. Finland captain Jere Lassila scored with 1:04 remaining to draw within two before Arizona Coyotes draft pick Lamoureux tallied another goal on an empty net.
Mathis Rousseau made 24 saves on 26 shots in his world junior debut. Kokko - a Seattle Kraken second-round pick - stopped 26 of 29 shots in what was also his first start at the event.
Danielson was named Canada's player of the game, while Nashville Predators draft pick Kasper Kulonummi earned the honor for Finland.
Canada faces Latvia next on Wednesday, while Finland takes on Germany the same day.