After two convincing wins by both Canada White (5-1 over Finland) and Canada Red (8-3 over Sweden) yesterday, the U17 World Challenge semifinals take place today. Canada White takes on Team USA at 3:30 pm AST, while Canada Red faces Czechia at 7:30 pm AST. Canada Red D-man Boston Tait (Wenatchee Wild of the WHL) contributed 4 assists in the winning cause, while teammate Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL) added a goal. Tait is the tournament’s assist leader (6), while Joseph leads the tournament with 10 points on 5 goals and 5 assists.
Meanwhile, the U18 5 Nations Tournament, being played in Sweden this season, has commenced. Outside of Canada and Russia, this annual tournament contains some of the top prospects of the upcoming draft. The US (5-2 over Switzerland), Sweden (4-1 over Switzerland) & Czechia (5-2 over Finland) each have one victory thus far. The US will face Finland today, Czechia tomorrow & Sweden Sunday.