World U18s: 3 Stars of the Final

After an extremely exciting two weeks, the 2021 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championships are complete and the gold medal has been awarded.

After last winning gold in 2013, Team Canada defeated Team Russia 5-3, breaking the draught. Team captain Shane Wright led the way for the Canadians, potting a goal and an assist before adding on the empty-net insurance marker. Connor Bedard continued his dominant tournament, potting a goal and assist, giving him 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) on the tournament – tying Connor McDavid‘s U16 record in this event.

RELATED: WORLD U18S: 3 STARS OF THE SEMIFINALS

Brennan Othmann and Logan Stankoven added the other goals for Canada. On the Russian side, Matvei Michkov continued to impress, contributing on all of Russia’s goals with a goal and an assist to finish his tournament with 16 points (12 goals, four assists). Dmitri Buchelnikov and Vladimir Grudinin had the other goals for the Russians.

MORE: WORLD U18S: 10 STANDOUTS FROM THE PRELIMINARY ROUND

In the bronze medal game, Sweden took on Finland and unlike the gold medal matchup, this was not a close match. On the back of Isak Rosen‘s two goals, William Stromgren‘s two assists, and Carl Lindbom‘s 35-save shutout, Sweden charged to an 8-0 win and the bronze-medal finish. The Finns had numerous chances, but couldn’t solve Lindbom. Also worth noting that Simon Edvinsson had his first goal of the tournament after putting together his best performances in the elimination round.

SEE ALSO: NOTEBOOK: WORLD-U18S EDITION V2

Here are FCHockey’s Three Stars of the Day, presented by SummerSkates – Show Your Game.

Third star: Isak Rosen (SWE)

In the bronze medal game and throughout this tournament, Rosen has stood out with his creativity, his ability to create opportunities, and his excellent feet. He was rewarded for that today, collecting two goals en route to the bronze medal win for Team Sweden. He finishes the tournament with nine points (seven goals, two assists), tying Fabian Lysell for the team lead. Rosen is ranked No. 31 by FCHockey.

Second star: Matvei Michkov (RUS)

Just like he’s done all tournament, Michkov led this team offensively. He contributed on all three of Russia’s goals, potting a goal and adding two assists to bring his impressive total to 16 points (12 goals, four assists) through seven games. He finished the tournament just two goals shy of the tournament record, set by Alex Ovechkin and Cole Caufield, but this was an absolutely remarkable tournament for the young Russian, who isn’t eligible until the 2023 NHL Draft.

First star: Shane Wright (CAN)

Team captain likely would have led this tournament in point had he not missed two preliminary games, but Wright’s two goals and an assist tonight gave him 14 points (nine goals, five assists) in just five games, an extremely impressive pace. Not eligible until the 2022 NHL Draft, the young prospect should be a leader on the 2022 World Junior team for Canada.

Honorable mentions

Connor Bedard (CAN), Carl Lindbom (SWE), Brennan Othmann (CAN), Isak Rosen (SWE)

Highlight of the Night

Kicking off this game, Michkov had the opening goal of the game, responded to be Bedard with this absolutely beautiful effort and this Sidney Crosby-esque backhand. It’s hard to believe that this  young prospect is just 15-years-old and the youngest player in this event.

You wanted Michkov vs. Bedard?

You got it.

Bedard with a beautiful individual play to tie the game at 1! #U18Worlds pic.twitter.com/vj1VXt1W9i

— Josh Bell (@JoshuaBell31) May 7, 2021

WORLD U18 SCORING LEADERS

POINTS

1. Matvei Michkov (RUS) – 16 (12 goals, four assists)

T2. Shane Wright (CAN) – 14 (nine goals, five assists)

T2. Connor Bedard (CAN) – 14 (seven goals, seven assists)

3. Nikita Chibrikov (RUS) – 13 (four goals, nine assists)

T4.. Danila Yurov (RUS) – 11 (four goals, seven assists)

T4. Mason McTavish (CAN) – 11 (five goals, six assists)

T4. Samu Tuomaala (FIN) – 10 (five goals, five assists)

T4. Francesco Pinelli (CAN) – 10 (three goals, seven assists)

GOALS

1. Matvei Michkov (RUS) – 12

2. Shane Wright (CAN) – 9

T3. Connor Bedard (CAN) – 7

T3. Isak Rosen (SWE) – 7

T3. Samu Salminen (FIN) – 7

ASSISTS

1. Nikita Chibrikov (RUS)– 9

T2. Corson Ceulemans (CAN) – 7

T2. Francesco Pinelli (CAN) – 7

T2. Danila Yurov (RUS) – 7

T3. Connor Bedard (CAN) – 7

T3. Olen Zellweger (CAN) – 7

FCHOCKEY’S 3 STARS OF THE DAY

• April 26 | Day 1: Third: Fabian Lysell (SWE), Second: Lane Hutson (USA), First: Nikita Chibrikov (RUS)
• April 27 | Day 2: Third: Danila Klimovich (BLR), Second: Brandt Clarke (CAN), First: Shane Wright (CAN)
• April 28 | Day 3:Third: Mason McTavish (CAN), Second: Karlis Mezsargs (LAT), First: Samu Tuomaala (FIN)
• April 29 | Day 4:Third: Kaidan Mbereko (USA),Second: Fabian Lysell (SWE),First: Matvei Michkov (RUS)
• April 30 | Day 5: Third: Samu Salminen (FIN),Second: Olen Zellweger (CAN),First: Francesco Pinelli (CAN)
• May 1 | Day 6: Third: Sasha Pastujov (USA), Second: Shane Wright (CAN), First: Matvei Michkov (RUS)
• May 3 | Quarterfinals: Third: Danila Yurov (RUS), Second: Fabian Lysell (SWE), First: Connor Bedard (CAN)
• May 5 | Semifinals: Third: Ivan Miroshnichenko (RUS), Second: Shane Wright (CAN), First: Connor Bedard (CAN)