John Wright/The Independent

Gavin Betts’ 38 save performance led Canada White to a 3-1 win over Canada Red in the gold medal game at the U17 World Challenge Saturday in Sarnia.

The two teams traded chances in a physical first period but neither were able to find the back of the net.

Canada White mounted pressure early in the second with Jean-Christoph Lemieux putting a prime scoring opportunity wide and Adam Valentini stopped in tight by Canada Red goalie Carter Esler.

Canada White netminder Betts wouldn’t be outdone, stopping Jaxon Jacobson from point blank range before making a sliding stop moments later.

Six minutes into the period, Canada Red forward Parker Vaughan received a five-minute major and game misconduct for a hit to the head. Canada White got six shots on the ensuing power play but were unable to find a way past Esler.

Lemieux broke the seal for Canada White with 7:05 left in the frame, taking a cross-ice feed from Logan Hawery and firing a one-timer under Esler’s glove.

A few minutes later, Mathis Preston made it 2-0 for Canada White with a one-timer of his own off a pass from Keaton Verhoeff.

Canada White piled on early in the third with Lemieux forcing a turnover and finding Adam Valentini in the slot who ripped a shot post and in to make it a 3-0 game.

Sarnia Sting rookie Alessandro Di Iorio had a great chance for Canada Red on the man advantage with time winding down but Betts flashed the leather to keep his shutout bid going.

Braidy Wassilyn would quickly spoil those hopes, blasting a slap shot past Betts blocker to get Canada Red on the board with 3:58 left in the third.

Canada Red would press in the final four minutes, throwing everything toward Canada White’s net but couldn’t get another puck by Betts.

Betts , Preston, Landon and Verhoeff, all of Canada White and Landon DuPont of Canada Red were the four Canadians named to the tournament’s all-star team.

Earlier in the afternoon, Sweden took home the bronze medal scoring 16 seconds into overtime to beat the USA 5-4. Finland got their win of the tournament beating Czechia 1-0 in the fifth place game.