Canada to face U.S. in world junior semifinal By CHRIS STEVENSON, QMI Agency

Canada will face the U.S. in the semifinal game at the World Junior Hockey Championship on Thursday. (Mark Blinch/Reuters/Files) U.S. shuts out Czech Republic Canada ushers in New Year's with burgers, games and soccer Spott takes a moment for levity Nugent-Hopkins has eyes on lockout, gold Canada's Andre Tourigny happy to be a bench boss

UFA, RUSSIA - Well, the Czech Republic made the job of Team Canada head coach Steve Spott a little easier.

Canada will play the USA, a familiar opponent, in Thursday’s semifinal at the world junior championships after the Americans wiped out the undisciplined Czechs 7-0 Wednesday in one of the quarterfinals.

Spott won’t have to break down too much tape for the Thursday’s game (4 a.m. EST) since there aren’t really any secrets between the Canadians and Americans. Canada beat the USA 2-1 in their preliminary round game.