MINSK, BELARUS – Canada defeated Slovakia 3-1 Thursday at the 2004 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Minsk, Belarus to qualify for a semi-final match-up versus Russia. Canada is the defending World Under-18 Champion, having captured gold in 2003 in Russia.

Kyle Chipchura (Vimy, AB/Prince Albert, WHL) scored two power-play goals and goalie Devan Dubnyk (Calgary, AB/ Kamloops, WHL) made 34 saves as Canada beat Slovakia 3-1 at the World Under-18 Hockey Championship.

Canada’s next game will be one of two semi-finals Friday, April 16th at 10:00am (MT) as they face Russia.

The other semi-final will be a match-up of undefeated Team USA versus the Czech Republic Friday, April 16th at 6:00am (MT)

The Gold medal game is set for Sunday, April 18th at 8:00am (MT), while the Bronze will start at 4:00am (MT)