Hockey

Canada defeated Germany, 5-2, to move within one victory of the world junior hockey championship at Gavle, Sweden. Canada plays Japan today. Japan has been outscored, 69-5, in five games.

The Canadians got goals from Mike Rathje, Brent Tully, Nathan Lafayette, Paul Kariya and Darcy Werenka.

Despite the play of twins Peter and Chris Ferraro, the United States blew leads twice and lost to Sweden, 4-2. The loss dropped the Americans (2-3) to sixth place in the standings with games left against Russia and Finland in the eight-nation round-robin tournament.

The Ferraros, both picked by the New York Rangers in last June’s NHL draft, again sparked the Americans with four points for a total of 15 in the last three games.

In other games, Finland tied Russia, 1-1, and the Czech and Slovak team, which is the name being used for the former country of Czechoslovakia, beat Japan, 14-2.