US advances to world junior semifinals. Canada gets knocked out by Czech Republic
The U.S. has advanced to the semifinals of hockey's world junior championship after routing Latvia 7-2
GOTHENBURG, Sweden (AP) — Gabe Perreault scored twice and five other players had a goal as the U.S. routed Latvia 7-2 Tuesday to advance to the semifinals of the IIHF world junior championship.
Perreault, the New York Rangers' 2023 first-round pick, also had an assist as part of a dominant game by his line. Fellow 18-year-olds Will Smith, the No. 4 pick by San Jose, and Ryan Leonard, No. 8 to Washington, combined for three points.
The U.S. will next face Finland on Thursday with a spot in the gold medal game at stake.
The Americans' victory came after tournament favorite Canada was knocked out in stunning fashion with a 3-2 quarterfinal loss to the Czech Republic. St. Louis Blues prospect Jakub Stancl scored the go-ahead goal with 11.7 seconds left.
