GOLD-MEDAL GAME: U.S. vs. Canada, Monday. The game will be televised, with coverage beginning at 11:30 a.m., through the NHL Center Ice package. Or you can listen live by going to www.usahockey.com
By wire services
Published January 4, 2004
HELSINKI, Finland - The United States reached the final of hockey's world junior championships, beating Finland 2-1 Saturday behind goals from Stephen Werner and Dan Fritsche. The Americans play for the gold medal Monday against Canada, which downed the Czech Republic 7-1 in the other semifinal.
"It could have been one of the toughest games of their lives," U.S. coach Mike Eaves said.
"When you play in a country like Finland, where hockey is part of the lifestyle, and this place was packed tonight, you have to think the kids responded very well."
The United States and Canada have perfect records in the tournament for players younger than 20.
"It was the kids' job to play the game tonight," Eaves said. "Now, it's the coaches' job to go do some homework and try to create a game plan. The kids are satisfied, and a little drained, but now we can see the top of the mountain."
Canada has played the United States in an under-20 worlds final once, in 1997 in Switzerland. Canada won 2-0.
Last year, Canada beat the United States in the semifinals.
"I've looked forward to the game against Canada ever since we lost last year," Zach Parise said. "We'll be ready."
Werner opened the scoring after eight minutes. Parise, the tournament's leading scorer, set up the short-handed goal.
In the third period, Fritsche gave the Americans a 2-0 lead on a breakaway. Finland's Teemu Nurmi scored on a power play for Finland in the last minute.
"It was our toughest game in the tournament," Parise said.
Canada got two goals from Jeff Carter to easily defeat the Czech Republic.
Before and after the last interval, Canada played a man short for five minutes after Dion Phaneuf elbowed Rostislav Olesz. Olesz was taken to a hospital after being taken off the ice on a stretcher.
In Hameenlinna, Finland, Austria and Ukraine tied 2-2. Both were relegated to the second tier after one year in the top group.
Russia and Slovakia play for fifth place today. Sweden beat Switzerland 4-3 and finished seventh.
