Day 3 of the 2019 World Junior Championship saw just two games on Friday, as both Team Canada and former Swift Current Bronco Aleksi Heponiemi's Finnish squad were off from play.

Russia topped the Czechs 2-1, while the US quadrupled up Kazahkstan 8-2.

Into Day 4 yesterday, the Canadians cruised by the Czech Republic 5-1.

Several WHL players found the stat sheet in Team Canada's third win.

Spokane Chiefs' defenceman Ty Smith chipped in a pair of assists, P.A. Raiders forward Brett Leason ripped home a goal, while Moose Jaw Warriors blueliner Josh Brook added a single helper.

Meanwhile, it was an identical 5-1 win for Heponiemi and Finland in a tilt with Slovakia.

Heponiemi assisted on Finland's first goal for his second point of the tournament.

Elsewhere:

Sweden topped the United States 5-4 in an OT thriller, and
Switzerland shut out Denmark 4-0.

Just two games sit on the Day 5 run today in the Vancouver/Victoria-hosted tourney:

Russia takes on Switzerland, and
Slovakia and Kazahkstan square off.

Through three games, Canada has the lead in Group A with all nine points secured, and a goals for-against mark of 22-3.

The Russians could draw even with Canada today with a win in regulation, having only played two games so far.

Over in Group B, Sweden holds the lead in the standings with eight of a possible nine points over their three games - they narrowly lead the US by a single point.

Heponiemi and Finland trail by a pair, having won twice in regulation, and lost once in regulation.