However, a 5–1 victory over Slovakia was more challenged by the North Americans, who had competed in the Olympics as the result shows. Both teams offered an engaging game to 3,585 spectators in Helsinki, with many attractions especially in the middle third.

While the Slovaks could not get past strong Canadian keeper Logan Thompson – for example, he made a spectacular save against Michael Ivan in the 35th minute – the Canadian scored to make Pierre-Luc Dubois 2–1 (27th) and 3-1 (38th). The Winnipeg Jets forward has already scored four goals in the tournament, taking a 2-1 advantage over Beijing Olympic MVP youngster Juraj Slafkowski.

After Cole Silinger’s 4:1 68 seconds into the final segment, there was no longer any doubt about the outcome of the game. The Slovak suffered a second consecutive defeat after a 2-1 loss to Germany on Saturday. Meanwhile, Latvia beat Norway 3–2 in Group B for their first win. Lausanne’s Ronald Kenins and Geneve-Cervet’s Sandys Mons each received assists from the balusters.

result:

Group A: Slovakia 1-5 Canada (1-1, 0-2, 0-2). France – Germany (7:20 pm). – Ranking: 1. Canada 3/9 (16:5). 2. Switzerland 2/6 (11:2). 3. Denmark 2/3 (9:7). 4. Germany 2/3 (5:6). 5. France 2/3 (4:5). 6. Slovakia 3/3 (6:9). 7. Italy 2/0 (3:11). 8. Kazakhstan 2/0 (2:11).

Group B: Latvia 3-2 Norway (1-1, 2-0, 0-1). Finland vs USA (7.20 PM). – Ranking: 1. Finland 2/6 (7:1). 2. Sweden 2/6 (8-4). 3. USA 2/5 (7:3). 4. Czech Republic 2/3 (8:6). 5. Latvia 3/3 (5-8). 6. Norway 3/2 (6:11). 7. Austria 2/1 (3:6). 8. Great Britain 2/1 (4:9).