UFA, Russia, January 5 (R-Sport) - Russia won bronze at its home world junior hockey championships Saturday, beating Canada 6-5 in the medal game.
A solo overtime goal from 17-year-old Valery Nichushkin sealed the win and left Canada outside the medals for the first time since 1998.
Russia stormed into the game, striking twice in the first five minutes, as Alexander Khokhlachev scored the opener and NHL No. 1 draft pick Nail Yakupov hit the empty corner from a smart pass from Albert Yarullin.
Canada retaliated with a power play goal by Edmonton Oilers starlet Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, but Kirill Dyakov immediately restored Russia's two-goal advantage with a powerful shot from the blue line.
At 3-1 down after eight minutes, Canada coach Steve Spott replaced goaltender Jordan Binnington with Boston Bruins prospect Malcolm Subban.
Canada then surged into attack, as Jonathan Huberdeau and Winnipeg Jets prospect Mark Scheifele made the score 3-3 by 24 minutes.
A minute later, Avangard Omsk center Evgeny Mozer returned the lead to Russia with a rebound from Maxim Shalunov’s shot.
Kitchener Rangers defenseman Ryan Murphy ended an action-packed second period leveling the score on 4-4 from the assist by Nugent-Hopkins, who is now top scorer with 15 points.
The third period started with Yakupov registering a double, but Canada surged back again with an accurate shot by Dallas Stars forward Brett Ritchie.
Russia was hampered by disciplinary problems in regulation time, conceding four goals while shorthanded.
Reigning champion Sweden plays the United States later Saturday in the gold medal game.
