Canada scored five times in the opening period and never looked back as they cruised to a 7-1 victory over Slovakia in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Juniors on Friday night.
Cole Reschny, Tij Iginla, Michael Misa, Sam O’Reilly, Brady Martin, Porter Martone and Cole Beaudoin all found the net for Canada in the victory.
Jack Ivankovic got the start in net for Canada and turned away 21 shots to earn the victory.
Jan Chovan replied for Slovakia in the losing cause.
Michal Pradel began the game in net for Slovakia, but was replaced by Alan Lendak after surrendering three goals on 12 shots.
Canada advances to a semifinal matchup against Czechia, who bounced Switzerland 6-2 in an earlier quarter-final matchup.
Canada defeated Czechia 7-5 in their tournament opener on Boxing Day. Zayne Parekh scored twice while Michael Hage and Ethan MacKenzie had three points each in that Canadian victory.
The Canadians will be looking for a measure of revenge against Czechia, who eliminated them from the World Juniors at the quarter-final stage in the last two tournaments.
Finland upset two-time defending champion USA in the quarters and will meet Sweden in the other semi-final matchup.