TEAM CANADA IIHF WORLD JUNIORS

TEAM CANADA KICKS OFF BOXING DAY IN 'FINNISH' STYLE

Team Canada kicked off the IIHF World Junior Championships taking place in Alberta, with a decisive 8-1 win over the team from Finland.

Early goals and great goaltending by Mark Visentin (who faced only 25 shots compared to Christopher Gibson who faced 42) led the Canadian boys to their domination over the Fins.

Mark Stone, scores his first hat trick of the tournament. Jonathon Huberdeau makes his mark with a 5 point game. Points were also racked up by Brendan Gallagher, Ryan Strome, the Hamilton brothers (Dougie and Freddie), Jaden Schwartz, Tanner Pearson, Nathan Beaulieu and Brandon Gromley.

The lone goal for Team Finland was scored by Alexander Ruutu who was also the MVP for the game along with Mark Stone for Canada.

Canada's power play unit went 2 for 2 in the 2nd period. Team Finland, has a good power play and great rush but it was unproductive today. Team Canada played cohesively and confidently compared to their exhibition games prior to today's tournament start.

The only downside to this win was the crucial loss of defenseman Devante Smith-Pelly, who was seen leaving the rink on crutches with an air boot. No word at this time as to what the issue is but x-rays have been performed.

Team Canada will face the team from the Czech Republic on Wednesday @ 6pm MT 7pm PT at Rexhall Place in Edmonton.