Canada/U.S. Rivalry Renews Tonight In Halifax

Halifax is buzzing as Team Canada gets set for their World Junior semi-final tonight against the Americans.

The puck drops at 7:30 at Scotiabank Centre, after the Czechs and Swedes play their semi-final this afternoon.

Local sports commentator Logan Delaney says we’re witnessing history.

“What Connor Bedard is doing out there is nothing short of amazing. You throw that in with everything else, it’s been an incredible week. Coming out of COVID, this is exactly what the city needed,” says Delaney.

He says Canada will need a great effort from the entire team if they want to beat the U.S, who dominated Germany in their quarter-final.

But fans are still buzzing about Bedard’s overtime winner against Slovakia on Monday night.

Delaney says it was an iconic Canadian moment.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a 17 year old in this tournament that has done what he’s done. I’m including Jason Spezza, Sidney Crosby, John Tavares and Connor McDavid in that category. He’s just a remarkable player.”

Bedard set five Canadian World Junior scoring records with his two-goal effort against the Slovaks.

However, Delaney says Canada hasn’t been utilizing their depth.

“This American team is legit and Canada is in tough. In the third period against the Slovaks, that bench got shortened down. I think if Canada doesn’t use everyone, that will be a big issue for them tonight. The U.S. uses everyone on their bench. I’m going for Canada, but I’m not sure which way it’s going to go. All I know is, we’re in for one hell of a hockey game.”

The last time the teams played at the World Juniors was the 2021 gold medal game in Edmonton, where the Americans won 2-0.

Canada met the U.S. in the semi-final in the 2003 tournament in Halifax, and won 3-2 to advance to the gold medal game, where they lost to Alex Ovechkin and the Russians.