Swiss down Canada in Semi

Switzerland stays perfect with a playoff win vs. Canada 

Switzerland hadn’t lost a game all week at the World Junior Championships. Unfortunately for Canada’s U21 women’s team, they still haven’t. 

After facing Switzerland in the last game of the nine-game round robin in Lohja, Finland on Thursday, Canada – skipped by Edmonton’s Myla Plett – drew Switzerland again in the semifinal. Canada was hoping to avenge their 8-6 loss, and hopefully earn a place in the gold-medal game. 

It was not to be, however, as the undefeated Swiss – skipped by Xenia Schwaller – continued their dominant ways defeating the Canadians, 5-4. 

“The Switzerland team played outstanding,” said second Chloe Fediuk. “It was a great game, but now we’re looking forward to playing for bronze tomorrow.” 

Canada’s junior women started their journey on a different trip to Lojha, winning a silver medal at the B-Group championships in December. That qualified them for this week’s A-Group tournament, where they finished 5-4 in the round robin. They’ll have a chance to add more hardware to their trophy cabinet in the bronze medal game on Saturday. 

The Canadians (Plett, Alyssa Nedohin, Fediuk, and Allie Iskiw) will face Norway, who lost the other semifinal 8-5 to Japan.  

Aside from a large contingent of family and friends, Canada is supported by coach Blair Lenton, assistant coach David Nedohin, and team leader Lori Olson. 

“The support means the world to us,” said Iskiw. “We want to thank everyone from home and our families here in Finland.” 

Canada’s bronze medal game is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. local time, which is 3:00 a.m. ET. 

The junior men’s team (skipped my Johnson Tao) finished short of the playoffs with a 4-5 record, which could potentially put them on the block for relegation – depending on the site of next year’s World Junior Championship.