2021 World U18 Championship. Canada - Russia

The under 18 Russian national team will face Canada in the final of the 2021 IIHF World U18 Championship in the USA.

In the semi-finals, Russia edged past Finland 6:5, while the Canadians thrashed Sweden 8:1.

So far, Canada are indeed undefeated at the tournament, having previously defeated the Swedes 12:1, Latvia 4:2, Switzerland 7:0, Belarus 5:2 and the Czech Republic 10:3. For their part, our players only lost the one group game against Finland (3:4 SO), while seeing off the challenge of the USA (7:6 OT), Germany 6:1, the Czechs 11:1 and Belarus 5:2.

17-year-old goalkeeper Sergei Ivanov has been the starting goalkeeper for every match except the first game against America.

"We had analysed how to play effectively when under pressure, and that plan worked especially well during the second period," stated Russian head coach Albert Leshchyov after progressing against Finland. "We will now look at Canada's weaknesses and prepare for tomorrow's game."

Puck-drop is scheduled for 04:00 Moscow time. Match TV will provide a live television broadcast in Russia.