Connor Bedard ties Canadian world juniors goals record in win

Connor Bedard is one goal away from sitting alone atop Canada’s goal-scoring mountain at the world juniors.

The 17-year-old scored twice in Canada’s 11-0 win over Austria on Thursday. The Regina Pats forward now has 14 goals at the tournament for Canada in 12 games. Only former Pat Jordan Eberle has also scored 14 while playing in the tournament.

He added four assists in the game as well, bringing his world juniors points total to 27. He is in second-place when it comes to points scored by a Canadian at the tournament, only trailing Eric Lindros (31).

Canada’s power play got going early in the game, with Dylan Guenther and Shane Wright scoring in the opening frame. Zach Dean also added one in the first.

In the second, Joshua Roy, Bedard, Nolan Allan and Logan Stankoven all beat Austrian goalie Benedikt Oschgan.

In the final frame, Canada added goals from Adam Fantilli, Nathan Gaucher, Bedard’s second of the game, and one from Tyson Hinds. Goaltender Benjamin Gaudreau stopped all the shots he faced in the shutout effort.

After losing their first game of the tournament 5-2 to Czechia on Boxing Day, Canada has flexed their hockey muscle the past two games. Prior to Canada’s win on Thursday, the red and white beat Germany 11-2 on Wednesday.

Canada will now take on the undefeated Sweden team on New Year’s Eve in a game that will be crucial when it comes to deciding the Group A standings.

A Canada win paired with a Czechia loss to Germany would give Canada first place in the group. Sweden can clinch the top spot with a win over Canada. If Canada wins but Czechia also gets a victory, it would be Czechia who finishes atop the group.

Puck drop for the New Year’s Eve showdown is set for 5: 30 p.m. You can listen live to all the action on CKOM and CJME.