Canada claimed the bronze medal at the 2026 World Junior Championship by defeating Finland 6-3 in the bronze medal game on January 5. The Canadian team pulled ahead in the third period after a competitive match, ending their tournament on a high note following a semifinal loss to Czechia. Finland, also rebounding from a defeat to Sweden, fought back multiple times but couldn't overcome the final push.
The bronze medal game between Canada and Finland took place on Monday afternoon, January 5, 2026, at the 2026 World Junior Championship. Both teams entered seeking a positive finish after semifinal losses—Canada to Czechia and Finland to Sweden. Petteri Rimpinen started in net for Finland, while Carter George guarded the goal for Canada.
Canada struck first in the opening period when Sam O’Reilly scored, assisted by Michael Hage and Gavin McKenna, for a 1-0 lead. Finland equalized shortly after with Arttu Välilä’s goal, assisted by Heikki Ruohonen, tying it at 1-1. Braeden Cootes then restored Canada’s advantage to 2-1, with assists from Keaton Verhoeff and Liam Greentree. Julius Miettinen responded for Finland, assisted by Lasse Boelius and Jasper Kuhta, to make it 2-2.
On a power play, Zayne Parekh gave Canada a 3-2 edge, again assisted by Hage and McKenna. Moments later, after this goal, Frölunda prospect Max Westergård picked up the puck and charged toward Canada’s net but was leveled by an open-ice tackle from Kashawn Aitcheson. Commentators noted the impact: “Huvudet får smällen först,” said Chris Härenstam, meaning the head took the hit first. Expert Håkan Loob called it a clean hit, adding, “Max hade inte huvudet uppe. Han tittar ner lite”—Max didn’t have his head up and was looking down a bit. Westergård lay on the ice briefly, required time to rise, and headed to the locker room, not returning for the second period.
In the second period, Porter Martone extended Canada’s lead to 4-2, assisted by Tij Iginla and Parekh. O’Reilly notched his second goal on another power play, assisted by McKenna and Hage, making it 5-2. Ruohonen pulled Finland within two at 5-3, with Leo Tuuva assisting.
The third period saw Gavin McKenna score Canada’s final goal, assisted by Hage, for a 6-3 victory. Canada took home bronze, while Finland finished fourth. Sweden and Czechia were set to contest gold later that evening.
