Gaunce brace helps Canada beat Czechs
Markham, Ont.’s Brendan Gaunce scored twice and added an assist to lift Canada to a 6-2 win over the Czech Republic on Monday at the world under-18 hockey championship in Brno, Czech Republic.
With the win, the Canadians improved their record to 2-1.
Gaunce, who skates with the Ontario Hockey League’s Belleville Bulls, scored Canada’s opening two goals of the game.
Scott Laughton of Oakville, Ont., Sam Reinhart of West Vancouver, Mathew Dumba of Calgary and Kerby Rychel of Tecumseh, Ont., added single goals.
Thunder Bay, Ont.’ s Matthew Murray registered the win, stopping 23 of 25 Czech shots.
On Tuesday, Canada finishes the round robin segment of the under-18 tournament against the United States.
The Americans lead Group A with a perfect 3-0 record and have yet to concede a goal, while scoring 13 of their own.
Finland and Canada are tied for second at 2-1, although the Fins beat Canada in head-to-head action. Denmark is winless at 0-4. The playoffs begin on Thursday.