Griffin Mendel and Team Canada White will face Sweden in the semifinal of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Mendel, a member of the Penticton Vees, contributed to Canada White going 1-2 in three games. In Fort St. John, Canada White defeated Finland in a 4-2 in a come-from-behind win in the quarter-final on Thursday. James Hamblin of the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL scored twice in the third period.
“I’m real proud of [my team]. It’s never easy at any tournament when it’s a one-game showdown and you’re down 2-1, so to come back and play as hard as they did is real impressive,” said Canada White coach Scott Walker to Hockey Canada.
Mendel has played all four of Canada White's games.
Canada White and Sweden will meet at 6 p.m. in Dawson Creek. The other semifinal features Canada Red versus Russia. The winners advance to the gold medal game. The game can be viewed on the Hockey Canada website.