Russia beats Switzerland 3-1 to reach semis at world juniors

OSTRAVA, Czech Republic (AP) — Dmitri Voronkov scored two power-play goals and Russia beat Switzerland 3-1 at the world junior hockey championship on Thursday to become the first team to reach the semifinals.

Alexander Khovanov also had a goal and an assist and goaltender Yaroslav Askarov made 14 saves as Russia outshot the Swiss 36-15 at Werk Arena in Trinec.

Gaetan Jobin scored for Switzerland.

Russia, which also beat Switzerland in last year’s bronze medal game, last won the title in 2011.

In the remaining quarterfinal games later Thursday, Canada faces Slovakia, defending champion Finland plays the United States in a rematch of last year’s final, and Sweden meets host Czech Republic.