Canada beats Finland to win bronze at world juniors
It's not the desired color, but Team Canada is leaving the 2026 World Junior Championship with a medal.
Canada defeated Finland 6-3 in the bronze-medal game Monday. The result marks the sixth time the Canadians have won bronze at the tournament and their first third-place finish since 2012. It's also Canada's first medal since 2023, following quarterfinal exits in each of the last two tournaments.
Gavin McKenna and Michael Hage led the way offensively against Finland, both tallying four points. Zayne Parekh notched a goal and an assist to set the Canadian record for most points by a defenseman in a single tourney with 13.
Tij Iginla, Sam O'Reilly, and Parekh were named Canada's top three players for the tournament by the team's management group.
Canada could see a strong core returning next year, as 10 players from this roster are eligible to return for the 2027 event in Edmonton and Red Deer.
Canada has won the world juniors a record 20 times.