Tuesday’s win was worth plenty to Canada at the world under-18 hockey championship.
Joey Hishon of the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack scored twice — including the game winner — as the Canadians earned a berth in the semifinal with a 4-2 win over Sweden.
The victory cemented top spot in Pool A for Canada (4-0), while the Swedes (3-1) finished second.
Canadian head coach Mike Johnston said the victory was a significant one.
`It’s certainly important in a tournament like this,’ said Johnston, who coaches the WHL’s Portland Winter Hawks.
`This gives us an extra day off, which means extra time to practise.
Byron Froese of the WHL’s Everett Silvertips had a first-period goal and Brett Connolly of the WHL’s Prince George Cougars added an empty-netter as the Canadians put together a solid effort against a star-studded Swedish team.
John McFarland of the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves added a pair of assists.