Vancouver Giants forward Cameron Schmidt struck first in Canada's 5-1 win over the United States in the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup semifinal on Friday night, Aug.9.

Canada now advances to the Gold Medal Game where they'll face Czechia  Saturday at 5 p.m. 

They will be going for a three-peat, after winning gold in 2022 and 2023.

Schmidt opened the scoring on the power play in the first period on Friday when 脡mile Guit茅's one-timer missed the net, but landed favourably on Schmidt's stick, which he quickly deposited home to make it 1-0 Canada.

In the second period, Schmidt helped his line extend Canada's lead, as Cole Reschny was able to work his way into the slot and beat goaltender Ryan Cameron to make it 3-1. Luca Romano (Kitchener Rangers) and Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers) added third period goals to make the final score 5-1.

Schmidt once again played Friday's game on Canada's top line alongside McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers) and Reschny (Victoria Royals).

Canada outshot the Americans in Friday's game 35-29, with their power play going 2-for-2.

Schmidt now has three goals in four games, following a two-goal performance in the preliminary round against Slovakia.

Canada and Czechia are both undefeated in the tournament so far, after Czechia defeated Sweden 5-1 in the other semifinal game on Friday.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Giant named player of game at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

READ ALSO: Giant heads to Hlinka Gretzky Cup