PLZEN, CZECH REPUBLIC – Team Canada advances to the gold medal game after defeating the host Czech Republic today 3-2 on an overtime goal by Guillaume Latendresse in the semi finals of the 2005 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Plzen, Czech Republic.

Canada opened the scoring on a power goal by Daniel Bertram (Calgary, AB) at the four minute mark of the opening period, which turned out to be the only goal until the final minutes of the second.

Czech Republic’s Martin Hanzal and David Kveton scored goals a minute apart with just over two minutes remaining in the second period to put the host team up 2-1 heading into the third period.

It only took Canada 1:49 in to the third to tie things up as Thomas Pyatt (Thunder Bay, ON) scored a power play goal to even things at 2-2. With Team Canada player-of-the-game Carey Price (Williams Lake, BC) standing strong in net, the Czech’s were unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.

It wasn’t until a point shot from Canadian defenceman Kristopher Letang (Montreal, QC) was deflected home by Guillaume Latendresse (Ste-Catherine, QC) at 5:29 in overtime that the Canadians were able to celebrate.  Team Canada will now face the defending World Under-18 Champions, the USA, on Sunday, April 24 at 11:00am ET.

TSN’s live coverage of the Canada vs. USA gold medal game starts Sunday, April 24 at 11:00am ET.

Sweden with face the Czech Republic in the bronze medal game Sunday, April 24 art 7:00am ET