Roy hat trick helps Canada rout Norway to advance to world semifinals

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia -- Derek Roy scored three goals and added an assist to help defending champion Canada rout Norway 8-2 on Wednesday in the world hockey quarterfinals.

Canada will face Sweden, a 3-2 overtime winner earlier Wednesday in Quebec City, in the semifinals Friday in Quebec City. The Canadians beat the Swedes last year in the semifinals in Moscow.

"Once again, they held on tough," said goalie Cam Ward, who made 22 saves. "Up until the middle of the second period, they gave us a little bit of a scare."

Coach Ken Hitchcock also admitted to having a few nervous moments during the game.

"When it was 2-2, I was wondering if that ferry had a direct route to Columbus," the Blue Jackets coach said before boarding a plane to Quebec instead. "The players play and they don't worry about things. We sweated all day today as a coaching staff. These are defining moments for you as a coach because if you lose this game, you all are writing about us and me tomorrow. And it's not going to be pleasant."

Rick Nash added two goals and Dany Heatley, Ryan Getzlaf and Jonathan Toews also scored for Canada in its 16th consecutive victory in the event.

"They knew they were better, they knew they were more talented and they knew if they stayed with it they were going to win," Hitchcock said.

Morten Ask and Mathis Olimb scored for Norway in its first quarterfinal appearance.

Toews broke a 2-2 tie on a power play midway through the second period, beating goalie Pal Grotnes with a hard wrist shot. Roy then scored goals 2:42 apart to give Canada a 5-2 lead before the second intermission.

"They got three fast goals there," Grotnes said. "Then it was over."