LEKSAND, Sweden (AP) – Defenseman Kris Russell scored two goals to lead Canada past Germany 3-1 on Friday, securing a semifinal berth in the world junior hockey tournament for the two-time defending champions.
The Canadians clinched first place in Group A with their 15th consecutive win in the under-20 championships. Canada has won the preliminary-round group in five straight years.
In Group B, Russia routed Belarus 6-1 to clinch at least second place. Only Finland can overtake the Russians.
Canada still has to play Slovakia on Sunday, but no team can finish with a better mark.
After Russell’s first goal 7:04 into the opening period, Germany capitalized on a two-man advantage – tying the game midway through the second on Felix Schutz’s second goal and fourth point of the tournament.
Philip Gogulla took a hooking penalty 30 seconds later, and on the ensuing power play Canada grabbed the lead again with Steve Downie’s second goal.
Russell notched his second with 10 minutes remaining.
Defenseman Vyacheslav Buravchikov scored twice for Russia, who also got goals from Pavel Valentenko, Alexander Vasyunov, Evgeny Ryasensky and Igor Musatov. Alexander Shurko scored for Belarus, which was outshot 41-17.
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