Kent Johnson (Michigan) got the golden goal for Canada.
Johnson, 19, an assistant captain for Canada, put home own rebound just over three minutes into 3-on-3 play in overtime to lift Canada to a 3-2 victory and the gold medal at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Johnson's game-winning goal came shortly after Finland had nearly scored the winner at the other end, but the puck was knocked out of the air and away from the Canadian goal line. Finland had to settle for the silver medal, its first in WJC play since 2001, after last winning gold in 2019. Sweden defeated Czechia, 3-1, earlier in the day to win the bronze medal.
Finland outshot Canada, 30-29, on the evening. It also weathered six Canadian power plays, including five in a row at one point, and scored two third-period goals to tie the contest after trailing, 2-0, after 40 minutes of regulation.
It was Canada's second WJC title in three years, after it fell to the U.S. in the 2021 gold-medal game, which was also held in Edmonton. Canada added to its record haul with its 19th WJC title overall since the tournament officially began in 1977.
Johnson finished the WJC, which had been postponed and rescheduled from December due to COVID/Omicron concerns, with three goals and six assists for nine points in seven games, while leading all WJC participants with 43 shots on goal. He turned pro earlier this year after completing his second and final season at Michigan, where he helped the Wolverines to the 2022 Big Ten tournament title and a berth in the NCAA Frozen Four. In two seasons in Ann Arbor, he tallied 17-47—64 points, then recorded three assists in his first nine NHL games this spring with Columbus, which drafted him fifth overall in 2021.
Next year's WJC will again be held in Canada, in Halifax and Moncton, starting in late December before carrying over into January.
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