Canada trounces Slovakia 7-1 in world juniors quarterfinals

Canada will play for a medal at the world junior hockey championship.

Cole Reschny sparked a five-goal barrage in the first period to help his country cruise past Slovakia 7-1 in the quarterfinals of the men's under-20 tournament Friday.

Michael Misa, Sam O'Reilly, Porter Martone and Cole Beaudoin each had a goal and an assist for the Canadians, while Tij Iginla and Brady Martin also scored. Jack Ivankovic made 21 saves. Zayne Parehk and Keaton Verhoeff added two assists apiece.

Jan Chovan replied for the overmatched Slovaks. Michal Pradel allowed three goals on 11 shots before getting pulled. Alan Lendak finished with 26 stops in relief.

Canada will meet Czechia, the country that crushed its dreams in the quarters the last two years, on semifinal Sunday in nearby St. Paul, Minn.

Meanwhile, Sweden has a date with rivals Finland, which bounced the host United States in overtime earlier Friday, in the other matchup for a spot in Monday's championship game.

The Canadians, who defeated the Czechs 7-5 on Boxing Day, won a knockout-round contest at the annual showcase for the first time since capturing a record 20th gold medal in 2023 — a victory that was followed by a pair of disastrous quarterfinal exits, including 12 months ago in Ottawa.