Compiled by U18 Hockey News Staff
2011 Ivan Hlinka U18 tournament has completed its preliminary round with the top two teams in each group moving onto the semifinals and medal round. The two teams who finished third and fourth place in their respective groups will take part in the fifth place and seventh place games.
Sweden claimed first place in Group A after winning all three preliminary games in regulation. This includes a surprising 5-1 beating on the Canadians in their opening game. The Swedes will take on Finland in a Scandinavian rivalry game for a trip to the gold medal game. Finland was atop Group B until the Russians upset them in their last preliminary game.
Russia finished first place in Group B when they upset the Finish, and leapfrogged them into first position. Russians matchup against Group A runner up Canada in the other semifinal contest. Canada has claimed three straight gold medals at the Ivan Hlinka and they hope to defeat their Russian rivals. Canada started off slow with a 5-1 loss to Sweden, but has been red-hot with dominating wins over the Czech Republic and Switzerland.
USA goes into the fifth place game after finishing a disappointing third place in Group B. USA won two games in extra time, and their failure to capture a regulation win cost them in the standings. USA's opponent is the Czech Republic, the Czechs only victory was by a 3-1 score over Switzerland.
Switzerland and Slovakia will battle for respect in the 7th place game. Slovakia earned one point in their shootout loss to the United States, while Switzerland's closest contest was a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Czech Republic. Slovakia hopes to earn at least one victory on home soil as they've been co-hosts of the Ivan Hlinka tournament for ten straight years.
August 12:
Semifinals
Russia vs. Canada
Sweden vs. Finland
5th place
Czech Republic vs. USA
7th place
Switzerland vs. Slovakia
August 13:
Bronze Medal Game
Gold Medal Game
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