Canada will play host Sweden Saturday in one semifinal game at the IIHF world under-18 hockey championship in Ornskoldsvik.
Canada, with Alex Newhook of St. John’s in the lineup, improved to 5-0 Thursday with a 3-1 quarter-final win over Latvia. Newhook, who was Canada’s leading scorer entering the game, was held off the scoresheet.
Canada outshot the Latvians 43-39.
The Swedes, meanwhile, beat the Czech Republic 4-2 in their quarter-final.
Sweden has yet to win a gold medal in the U18s, but did win bronze and silver last year and in 2017.
Against the Swedes in IIHF U18 play, Canada has an all-time 9-7 record.
The United States plays Russia in Saturday’s other semifinal.