Plano, Texas – Francesco Benelli scored three goals and set up the assist when Canada defeated Switzerland 7–0 in the men’s U18 hockey tournament on Friday with two goals and two more goals.

Thomas Millik had only 11 balls to save, while Olin Zellweger scored with four assists.

“I’ve tried to stay positive and focus on the things that I can control,” Benelli said.

“When the coach called me I wanted to be ready to make a difference and I felt that I really came out tonight and rode well. He helped our attack by playing well with the puck and I had a good attitude . “

Brennan Osman, Connor Bidard and Dylan Guinter ended the attack for Canada (3–0: 0), finishing first in Group A after improving 11–1 all-time in the tournament against Switzerland.

Mateo Croce blocked 32 of 39 shots (1-3-0) for Switzerland.

Captain Shane Wright, who scored a hat-trick in the tournament’s opening win against Sweden, was dropped for his second game unilaterally.

Canada’s 24-man roster includes 23 Canadian Hockey League players, with Brooks Bandits Junior A’s Sulman’s not the only skater to be excluded from the Canadian Junior League.

Also on Friday, Finland (3: 0) defeated Germany 10: 0 (0: 4: 0) and took the lead in Group B.

The Canadians are back on ice against Belarus on Saturday (2-1-0).

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The report was first published by The Canadian Press on April 30, 2021.