Canada's Braeden Cootes (8), not shown, scores on Finland goaltender Petteri Rimpinen (30) during first period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship action, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Zayne Parekh had a goal and an assist to set a new record for points by a Canadian defenceman at a world junior hockey championship as the country salvaged a bronze medal with a 6-3 victory over Finland on Monday.
Gavin McKenna scored and added three assists for Canada, which was bounced by Czechia less than 24 hours earlier in the semifinals. Sam O’Reilly, with two, Braeden Cootes and Porter Martone provided the rest of the offence. Carter George made 32 saves.
Here is a look at some scenes from the bronze medal game.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6, 2026.
Finland’s Julius Miettinen (27), not shown, scores on Canada goaltender Carter George (30) while Finland’s Jasper Kuhta (29) stands in front of the net, during first period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship action, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovCanada’s Sam O’Reilly (23) scores on Finland goaltender Petteri Rimpinen (30) while teammates Kasper Pikkarainen (20) and Max Westergard (21) defend during first period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship action, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovCanada’s Sam O’Reilly (23) celebrates his goal with teammates after scoring during first period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship action against Finland, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovFinland’s Heikki Ruohonen (28) scores on Canada goaltender Carter George (30) while teammate Braeden Cootes (8) reacts during second period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship action, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovCanada’s Gavin McKenna (9) celebrates his goal with teammates Zayne Parekh (19) and Sam O’Reilly (23) During third period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship action, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovCanada’s Porter Martone (22), not shown, scores on Finland goaltender Petteri Rimpinen (30) during second period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship action, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovCanada’s Porter Martone (22), celebrates with teammates Michael Misa (7) and Tij Iginla (11) after scoring during second period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship action, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovTeam Canada players celebrate after defeating Finland in IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship action, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovTeam Canada pose for team photo after defeating Finland in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship bronze medal game, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovCanada’s Zayne Parekh (19), centre, celebrates with teammates after defeating Finland for the bronze medal in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovCanada’s Zayne Parekh (19), left, and Porter Martone (22) celebrate after defeating Finland for the bronze medal in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovFinland players react after losing to Canada in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship bronze medal game, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher KatsarovCanada’s Kashawn Aitcheson (2), left, and Gavin McKenna (9) celebrate after defeating Finland for the bronze medal in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
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