CALGARY, Alberta –Hockey Canada has named the coaching staff that will guide Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, April 25-May 5, in Espoo and Vantaa, Finland .

The winningest coach in Canadian university regular season men’s hockey history, Gardiner MacDougall (Bedeque, PE/University of New Brunswick, AUS) will serve as head coach. He will be joined by assistant coaches Travis Crickard (St. John’s, NL/Saint John, QMJHL), Bruce Richardson (Montreal, QC) and Ryan Smith (Headingley, MB/Spokane, WHL), along with goaltending coach Dan De Palma (Kamloops, BC/Kamloops, WHL).

The coaching staff was selected by Scott Salmond (Creston, BC) , senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations and Benoit Roy (Sudbury, ON),senior manager of hockey operations.

“Gardiner has not only solidified himself as one of the greatest coaches in university hockey history, his record and reputation speaks for itself,” said Salmond. “His nine U SPORTS championships and 2022 Memorial Cup win with Saint John are proof of his ability to win in short-term competition, which will serve us well at the world championship.”

MacDougall led the University of New Brunswick men’s hockey team to a perfect season in 2023-24, going 43-0 in exhibition, regular season and postseason play as the Reds defended their University Cup title. The perfect season included win No. 600 for MacDougall, who was also named U SPORTS coach of the year for the third time (2009-10, 2014-15, 2023-24). He has spent 24 seasons behind the Reds’ bench, leading the team to nine national championships (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2023, 2024). Under his leadership, the Reds have also won 11 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) titles and made 16 national championship appearances. In 2023, he was named head coach for the FISU University Games, leading Team Canada to a gold medal, one season after briefly taking the reins as head coach of the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and leading the host team to a Memorial Cup championship.

Crickard recently completed his first season as head coach of the Sea Dogs following one season as an assistant. He was named an assistant coach for Canada’s men’s hockey team at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, finishing fourth, won a gold medal as video coach with Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship and was a video coach (2016) and assistant coach (2017) with Canada Black at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, winning a silver medal in 2016.

Richardson was appointed the head coach of the LHJAAAQ’s Valleyfield Braves in January of 2024, following a five-year stint as the head coach of the QMJHL’s Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (2018-23). He was also head coach of the Châteauguay Grenadiers (2011-14, 2016-18) of the Ligue de développement du hockey M18 AAA du Québec, reaching the gold medal game at the 2014 TELUS Cup, and had a two-year stint as head coach of the QMJHL’s Victoriaville Tigres (2014-16). Internationally, Richardson was an assistant coach with Canada’s men’s hockey team for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, finishing fourth. He also won a bronze medal with Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship, was the head coach of Canada White at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and served as an assistant with Canada Black at the November 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Smith recently finished his second season (2022-24) as head coach of the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL) after two seasons (2020-22) as an associate coach. He previously won a silver medal as an assistant coach with Canada Red at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and won silver and bronze as an assistant with Canada West at the 2012 and 2013 World Junior A Hockey Challenges.

De Palma has served as goaltending coach of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers for 14 seasons (2010-2024). Before joining the Blazers, he spent three seasons as goaltending coach with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. On the international stage, De Palma was the goaltending consultant for Canada Black at the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, winning a silver medal.

Dave Brown (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON/Erie, OHL) has also been added to the team staff as Program of Excellence management group representative. Brown has spent nine seasons as general manager of the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) after four (2011-15) as director of hockey operations with the team. He helped lead Erie to an OHL championship in 2017 and contributed to a Canadian Hockey League (CHL) record of four-consecutive 50-win season (2011-15). Brown was named to the POE management group in March 2023, overseeing Canada White’s gold medal at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Hockey Canada also announced the support staff that will work with Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team:

• Head Scout Byron Bonora (Brooks, AB)
• Video coach Andrew Boucher (Timmins, ON)
• Equipment manager A.J. Murley (St. John’s, NL)
• Athletic therapists Kevin Elliott (Charlottetown, PE) and Jimmy McKnight (Bradford, ON/Edmonton, WHL)
• Team physician Dr. Michael Conrad (Vancouver, BC/Victoria, WHL)
• Education consultant Nic Renyard (Victoria, BC)
• Senior coordinator of hockey operations Jacob Grison (Lion’s Head, ON)

Canada’s quest for a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship begins April 25 at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT against Sweden. Canada will play Czechia on April 26, Switzerland on April 28 and Kazakhstan on April 30 to close out preliminary-round action. The semifinals are set for May 4 before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 5.

TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners will broadcast select tournament games, including all Team Canada games and all playoff-round games. Check your local listings for details.

Since 2002, Canada has won four gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), in addition to one silver (2005) and four bronze (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023).

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook , X and Instagram .

The world’s top under-18 players are set to hit the ice and represent their country at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Aug. 5-10 at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

An annual invitation-only tournament that is the only best-on-best competition at the U18 level, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup serves as the first opportunity for fans and scouts to see that year’s NHL Draft prospects, almost a full year before the draft takes place. This year, it’s the Class of 2025 that has its chance to showcase its skill on the international stage.

At the 2023 NHL Draft, 30% of the players who heard their names called (67 of 224) played at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, including 19 who helped Canada defend its gold medal at the 2022 tournament in Red Deer, Alberta.

The alumni list in Nashville – led by No. 2 pick Leo Carlsson (Anaheim), who helped Sweden to bronze in 2021 – included 20 first-round selections and representation from nine countries in all.

In the past, the tournament has included a who’s-who of Canadian hockey – names like Kariya (1991), Iginla (1994), Thornton (1996), Crosby (2003), Price (2004), Stamkos (2007), MacKinnon (2012), Ekblad (2013) and Lafrenière (2018), to name only a few.

Internationally, alumni include the likes of Alexander Ovechkin (RUS, 2002), Gabriel Landeskog (SWE, 2009), Tomas Plekanec (CZE, 1999), Andre Burakovsky (SWE, 2011-12), Teuvo Teravainen (FIN, 2011), Kirill Kaprizov (RUS, 2014), Mikko Rantanen (FIN, 2013), Johnny Gaudreau (USA, 2010) and a host of others.

The event has been held under a number of different names since the first summer under-18 tournament in 1991 – the Phoenix Cup – in Yokohama and Sapporo, Japan.

It was played for three years in Japan, went to Mexico City in 1994, back to Japan in 1995 and to Nelson and Castlegar, B.C., in 1996 before settling into the Czech Republic and Slovakia beginning in 1997. It alternated between the countries from 1997-2001 before the neighbours co-hosted from 2002-17.

The tournament was known as the Junior World Cup before it was renamed in honour of Ivan Hlinka following the tragic passing of the Czech hockey legend in a car accident in 2004. Hlinka won three IIHF World Championship gold medals as a player before leading the country to Olympic gold as head coach in 1998, among his many accomplishments and accolades.

When the tournament returned to Canada in 2018 (in Edmonton and Red Deer), it was rechristened the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, honouring Hlinka and The Great One himself, Wayne Gretzky.

Entering this year’s tournament as the reigning champions, Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team has long been the dominant force in summer U18 hockey, laying claim to 24 of the 32 gold medals awarded since 1991, including runs of seven (1996-2002) and eight (2008-15) consecutive golds.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the 18-game schedule for the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Aug. 5-10 at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

The prestigious international tournament is a partnership with Hockey Alberta, the Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG), the City of Edmonton, Explore Edmonton and the Government of Alberta, showcasing some of the best under-18 players in the world.

“We are extremely excited to bring the Hlinka Gretzky Cup back to Edmonton for the first time in six years, giving fans the opportunity to cheer on the future stars of the NHL,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact. “This international showcase would not be possible without the support and investment of our event partners and we anticipate an incredible week of hockey in August.”

Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team will be looking for a third-consecutive gold medal, and a record-extending 25th summer U18 gold since 1992. Canada will be joined by Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland in Group A, while Group B is made up of Czechia, Finland, Germany and the United States.

The tournament begins Aug. 5 at 12 p.m. MT with a matchup between Slovakia and Sweden. Canada will close out opening-day action against Switzerland at 7:30 p.m. MT, before facing Slovakia on Aug. 6 and Sweden on Aug. 7 to close out preliminary-round play.

The semifinals are set for Aug. 9, with the bronze medal and gold medal games to follow on Aug. 10 at 1:30 p.m. MT and 6 p.m. MT, respectively.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will provide full tournament coverage. 

Ticket packages are now on sale starting at $175. Fans can secure their seats for the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup by visiting HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets.

Hockey Canada is also inviting hockey fans to join the volunteer team. With 125 positions available for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, individuals can apply online by clicking HERE.

For more information on the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, please visit HlinkaGretzkyCup.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.

BRECLAV, Czechia – Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team has successfully defended its gold medal at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, downing co-host Czechia 3-2 in an overtime thriller at Fosfa Arena on Saturday.

Malcolm Spence (Mississauga, ON/Erie, OHL), was the overtime hero, stealing the puck off a Czech defender and scoring the golden goal in the dying seconds of overtime to earn Player of the Game honours. The win gives Canada its 24th gold medal and 28th overall medal in men’s summer under-18 play since 1991.

“I knew it was late in overtime and I knew [the Czechs] were tired because they were keeping a fast pace in overtime. I knew the [Czech defender] was on for quite a bit of time and that I could pick his pocket if I moved my feet, so that is what I did,” Spence said. “This is the best moment of my life and nothing will ever beat this. I cannot thank everyone who was involved with this team enough. I am just so happy.”

Cayden Lindstrom (Chetwynd, BC/Medicine Hat, WHL) kick-started the offence for Canada in the second period after falling behind just over eight minutes into the game, scoring off a lead pass from Porter Martone (Peterborough, ON/Mississauga, OHL) to even the score 57 seconds into the middle frame.

Captain Berkly Catton (Saskatoon, SK/Spokane, WHL), who scored in every game of the tournament, gave Canada the lead midway through the second period, jamming the puck past Czech goaltender Jakub Milota on the power play for his tournament-leading eighth goal and 10th point. Matej Kubiesa evened the score for Czechia with less than five minutes remaining in the third to send the game to overtime.

“[The gold medal game] was an unbelievable experience, and the crowd was unbelievable. Every period was a challenge for us, but we came out and we got the victory. I am so proud of each and every one of our guys,” Catton said. “It is awesome that we ended up with the gold, but none of this would have been possible without my teammates. The whole tournament was such a great experience.”

Carter George (Thunder Bay, ON/Owen Sound, OHL) turned in an exceptional performance, making 31 saves to record his fourth win in as many starts.

A full game summary can be found at HlinkaGretzkyCup.ca.

“I think our guys handled adversity very well. We spoke for a few minutes before the game about expectations, and we knew what kind of crowd it was going to be. It was great for our kids to go out and experience that, and they stepped up when they needed to,” said head coach Alan Letang (Renfrew, ON/Sarnia, OHL). “I am proud of everyone. Our kids got better every day and that was our goal as the tournament went on. It has been a fun ride, but I am looking forward to a little bit of rest now.”

Canada finished the preliminary round in first place in Group B after a loss to Finland (9-6) and wins over Slovakia (14-4) and Switzerland (5-0). It earned its spot in the gold medal game with a 7-2 win over the United States in the semifinals.

Since 1991, Canada has collected 24 gold medals at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, to go along with three silver and one bronze.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.

In a rematch of the 2017 final, Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team travels to Breclav to take on co-host Czechia in the gold medal game Saturday at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Last Game

Canada took care of business against the United States in its semifinal, defeating its North American neighbours 7-2. Berkly Catton tallied two more goals (he has a tournament-leading seven) and added an assist, Maxim Massé scored twice and Carter George turned aside 22 shots as the Canadians scored six unanswered goals over the final 40 minutes.

Czechia is coming off an 8-2 semifinal win over Finland. Adam Benák finished with a goal and two assists, Adam Titlbach scored twice and the Czechs scored four times in less than seven minutes in the back half of the second period to pull away and book a place in the final in front of their home crowd.

Last Meeting

Canada blanked the Czechs 5-0 in pre-tournament action in Breclav last Saturday. Carson Wetsch, Porter Martone, Ryder Ritchie, Michael Misa and Justin Poirier found the back of the net, while Gabriel D’Aigle (22 saves) and Carter George (eight saves) combined for the shutout.

What to Watch

A good place for the Czechs to start with their game plan? Stay out of the penalty box. Canada has been deadly on the power play through four games, scoring seven times on 17 opportunities for a tournament-leading 41.2% success rate. Not surprisingly, the top two Canadian goal scorers are leading the way with the man advantage – Catton (seven goals) and Maxim Massé (five) have two power-plays goals apiece.

A pair of Adams are leading the way for the Czechs – Adam Benak has two goals and six assists, followed by Adam Titlbach with four and three. And let’s not forget about home-ice advantage. Crowds at Fosfa Arena have grown for every Czech game, highlighted by more than 3,800 fans at the semifinal against the Finns. A Saturday night with gold on the line against the defending champs? It should be a terrific atmosphere.

A Look Back

Canada holds a big advantage in the head-to-head matchup, winning 19 out of 23 meetings (with two ties).

Canada has won the last 13 against Czechia, dating back to 2003, outscoring the Czechs 69-16 during that stretch. In the 2017 gold medal game, Jack McBain finished with a goal and two assists, and Noah Dobson and Akil Thomas added two helpers apiece as Canada downed the Czechs 4-1 to claim its 21st gold medal.

All-time record: Canada leads 19-2-2

Canada goals: 106

Czechia goals: 43

Riding the momentum of back-to-back wins to claim top spot in Group B, Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team takes on the United States on Friday for a spot in the gold medal game at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Last Game

Canada is coming off a crucial 5-0 victory over Switzerland on Wednesday to catapult itself into the semifinals. Berkly Catton scored twice and Cole Beaudoin added a goal and an assist, while Ryder Ritchie and Michael Misa tallied a pair of helpers apiece to lead Canada to the victory. Carter George won his second-straight start in the Canadian crease, recording the 12-save shutout.

The U.S. closed its preliminary round Wednesday with an 8-1 win over Germany . Trevor Connelly scored a hat trick and Will Zellers added a pair of goals as the Americans rode a four-goal first period – and 43 shots on goal – to the victory.

Last Meeting

The North American rivals last met in the semifinals of the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory for Canada . Dylan Cozens tied the game with a buzzer-beater before Josh Williams scored his second of the game 1:44 into the extra frame. Alexis Lafrenière and Xavier Parent finished with a goal and an assist each.

What to Watch

Ever since the Canadian coaching staff shuffled the lines following a tournament-opening loss to Finland, Ryder Ritchie and Michael Misa have been on a tear. With eight points apiece to share the scoring lead with Finland’s Tuomas Suoniemi, the duo have been all over the scoresheet. In the last two games, both Canadian wins, Ritchie has three goals four assists, while Misa has contributed two goals and six helpers.

For the Americans, the offence has come through Connelly, who has three goals and four assists to leave him even with Catton for fourth in tournament scoring. The Tustin, CA native has committed to Providence College for the 2025-26 season, following a season where he scored 47 points (24-23—47) in 57 games with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL.

A Look Back

The neighbours have met 19 times at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, with Canada holding a 12-4-3 (W-L-T) advantage.

Canada is riding a six-game win streak dating back to 2003, and has outscored the U.S. 29-10, including four shutouts in a row between 2004 and 2013. In the 2014 semifinals, three-point performances from Dylan Strome (3-0—3), Jansen Harkins (1-2—3) and Mitchell Stephens (1-2—3) led Canada to an 11-5 victory en route to a gold medal in Breclav.

All-time record: Canada leads 12-4-3

Canada goals: 78

United States goals: 44

For former Mississauga Senators teammates Malcolm Spence and Michael Misa, it was their first interaction four years ago off the ice that kick-started a long-lasting friendship.

“Misa was the one who really welcomed me to the Senators,” recalls Spence. “I broke my wrist in [U11] and he was the one who made me feel welcomed and introduced me to the Sens after I came over from Burlington. Right away, we clicked and we became really close.”

Misa and Spence first met as members of the Senators in 2019 and over the next three seasons with the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) club they became close friends not just on the ice, but also off it, bonding over other things like Sunday Night Football.

“Malcolm came in with a great attitude and he’s a great person to be around, so we connected real quick,” says Misa. “He’s become like a brother to me.”

As Misa and Spence's friendship grew, so did their competitiveness, often pushing each other to be better on and off the ice and building off their successes — something that continues to this day.

“The competition is definitely always there between us. He pushes me and I push him,” says Spence.

That competitiveness was evident during the 2021-22 season with the Sens, which happened to be their last. The two finished second and third on the team in scoring — Spence had 56 points and Misa had 43. The pair also helped Mississauga capture the 2022 OHL Cup, its first since 1993. As a 15-year-old, Misa led the tournament with 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists), while Spence was right behind with 13 (six goals, seven assists).

During the 2022-23 season, the friends found themselves playing against each other for the first time after they were drafted 1-2 in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Misa, a 2007-born forward who granted exceptional status to enter the OHL draft, went No. 1 to the Saginaw Spirit while Spence landed with the Erie Otters.

“On the ice, it’s always competitive. But, once we’re off the ice, we’re friends again and we understand that as players,” says Misa.

“It’s all fun and games as friends, but when we play against each other, it’s serious,” adds Spence.

Reunited again

Last month, Spence and Misa learned they would be together again for the first time since their days in Mississauga after they were named to Canada's National Men's Summer Under-18 Team for the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup — something they're both happy about.

“I’m definitely enjoying it right now, seeing his jersey on my team again, making great plays, I’m super happy for that,” says Spence.

“We’ve always had a tight bond so its always nice to have someone that I can talk to [on the team],” Misa adds.

Going for gold

Misa and Spence know what it’s like to represent the Maple Leaf against international competition, having done so at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Langley and Delta, BC last fall. Spence was a member of Canada Black while Misa represented Canada Red.

“The international competition is always some of the best,” Misa adds. “We have to be ready for each game because everyone brings their best game to the Hlinka Gretzky.”

As the two continue to develop and prepare for their futures, Misa and Spence know they have lots of work to do to eventually make it to the NHL. But for now, the pair, who are both draft eligible in 2025, are focused on the task at hand — winning gold.

“It would be huge to be able to bring that success home,” Spence says. “We’re taking it day by day, we’re going to bring as much of our success in and continue to build on it. For myself, I hope to just get better every day. If I can do that, everything else will take care of itself.”

“We came here to win the gold medal so everyone on the team is striving to get that goal,” echoes Misa. “The next level is even harder so I just want to bring everything I can this summer and learn everything and keep improving.”

Wherever their talents take them, both Misa and Spence say they will continue to support each other wherever they end up.

“We built chemistry off the ice and it transitioned off it. Me and Michael have a lot of that chemistry, so whenever we play together, it led to special moments, so I’ll forever cherish those,” Spence says. “He’s one of my best friends and I can’t thank him enough.”

Fresh off a convincing win over Slovakia, Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team faces off against Switzerland on Wednesday to close out its preliminary round schedule at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Last Game

Canada earned its first win at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Tuesday, a 14-4 victory over the co-host Slovakia . Ryder Ritchie had three goals and two assists and Michael Misa added two goals and four helpers as Canada evened its record to 1-1 in Trencin.

Switzerland is coming off a 3-1 victory over Finland on Tuesday, improving its record to 2-0. David Bosson scored the eventual winner late in the second period, Yannik Ponzetto and Nils Wehrli added goals and Phileas Lachat made nine saves for the Swiss, who outshot the Finns 15-10 in a defensive struggle.

Last Meeting

Canada and Switzerland faced off in the prelim opener a year ago in Red Deer, a dominant 14-0 victory for Canada . Calum Ritchie (1-3—4) and Cameron Allen (0-4—4) led the way offensively as Canada rode an eight-goal first period to the win, finishing with four goals on the power play and three shorthanded.

What to Watch

Berkly Catton continues to put up points on the international stage. The Canadian captain has five points (3-2—5) in two games in Trencin, tallied 12 points in seven games at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge last November (earning a place on the tournament all-star team), and added four points to help Canada to the bronze medal at the IIHF U18 World Championship in April. The offensive exploits are nothing new for the Saskatoon, SK native, who led all 16-year-olds in scoring in the WHL last season (23-32—55 in 63 games).

The Swiss have spread out their scoring through two games, getting goals from eight different players in wins over Slovakia and Finland. The line of Ponzetto, Jamiro Reber and Jordan Forget have led the way, tallying three points each to account for a third of the Swiss goals scored. Reber is one of four Swiss skaters who played as underagers at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship on home ice, along with Christian Kirsch, Leon Muggli and Daniil Ustinkov.

A Look Back

Canada and Switzerland have met 18 times at this tournament, with the Canadians winning the last 17 after the Swiss won the first meeting back in 2001.

Last year’s double digit win was Canada’s second against the Swiss – the previous time was a 10-0 win in 2018 . Peyton Krebs (2-1—3) and Matthew Robertson (1-2—3) led the way with three points each as nine different Canadians found the back of the net.

All-time record: Canada leads 17-1 (1-0 in OT/SO)

Canada goals: 111

Switzerland goals: 36

Coming off a loss in its tournament opener, Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team looks to bounce back when it faces off against co-host Slovakia on Tuesday at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Last Game

Canada will need to have a short memory after dropping a 9-6 decision to Finland in its tournament opener in Trencin. Berkly Catton recorded a goal and two assists to lead the offence, while 14 of the 20 Canadian skaters put their names on the scoresheet.

Slovakia is coming off of a loss of its own, falling 6-3 to Switzerland on Monday to open its tournament. Samuel Kupec, Tomas Slank, and Ján Chovan were the goal scorers for Slovakia, while outshooting the Swiss 25-11 in a losing effort.

Last Meeting

The teams last met a year ago in Red Deer, a 9-1 victory for Canada . Brayden Yager opened the scoring at 5:15 of the first period, finishing the night with two goals and two assists. Tanner Molendyk and Zachary Benson recorded a goal and two assists each, while Carson Bjarnason turned aside 19 shots for the win.

What to Watch

Size will take centre stage as Slovakia (6-foot-1) and Canada (6-foot-0) rank one-two in the tournament in average height. But don’t overlook Justin Poirier. The 5-foot-6 forward from Valleyfield, QC scored in both of Canada’s pre-tournament games before finding the back of the net against the Finns. Poirier is no stranger to scoring goals; his 28 last season were second among all QMJHL rookies, one back of Team Canada teammate Maxim Massé.

The Slovaks have a diminutive forward of their own, with 5-foot-8 Theo Kiss driving the offence for the co-hosts. Kiss was the lone goal scorer in Slovakia’s pre-tournament 4-1 loss to the United States, and had an assist in the loss to the Swiss. The Kosice native, who has already committed to the University of Massachusetts for the 2025-26 season, recorded 74 points (32-42—74) in 56 games with the 16U team at Mount St. Charles Academy last season.

A Look Back

Canada and Slovakia have met 18 times at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, with Canada owning an undefeated record while outscoring the Slovaks 104-30.

Last year’s eight-goal win matched the second-biggest margin of victory – the Canadians also posted 9-1 triumphs in 2002 and 2008 (Brayden Schenn had a goal and two assists, and Ryan Ellis had four helpers), and were 12-2 victors in 2000.

All-time record: Canada leads 18-0 (1-0 in OT/SO)

Canada goals: 104

Slovakia goals: 30

Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team kicks off defence of its gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup when it takes on Finland in its preliminary-round opener on Monday in Trencin.

Last Game

The Canadians concluded its two-game pre-tournament schedule with a 5-0 win over Czechia on Saturday. Malcolm Spence led the way with two assists, while Carson Wetsch, Porter Martone, Ryder Ritchie, Michael Misa and Justin Poirier were the goal scorers for Canada. Gabriel D’Aigle and Carter George stopped all 30 shots they faced for the shared shutout.

The Finns didn’t play a pre-tournament game against international competition; they dropped a 4-3 decision to a U20 select team on Wednesday. In its last competitive game, Finland fell 3-2 to Slovakia in the quarterfinals at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship in April. Kasper Halttunen and Emil Jarventie scored the goals for the Finns, who outshot the Slovaks 56-16.

Last Meeting

Canada and Finland last met in the semifinals a year ago in Red Deer, where the Canadians defeated the Finns 4-1 . Ten different Canadians found the scoresheet, with Ethan Gauthier, Calum Ritchie, Matthew Wood and Denver Barkey scoring goals, while Scott Ratzlaff turned aside 23 of 24 shots in goal.

What to Watch

Canada has three players who won bronze as underagers at the 2023 U18 World Championship in the spring – Berkly Catton and and Porter Martone combined for four goals and 10 points in seven games, and Gabriel D’Aigle made 29 saves in his lone start in the bronze medal game. But there’s plenty of international experience in the lineup; 19 players wore the Maple Leaf at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Langley and Delta, BC, including seven (Catton, Cristoforo, D’Aigle, Danford, Martone, Misa, Wetsch) who reached the gold medal game with Canada Red.

Like the Canadians, Finland has three players who gained valuable experience at U18 Worlds – defencemen Mitja Jokinen, Niilopekka Muhonen and Veeti Vaisanen – and 17 who won U17 bronze in the Lower Mainland last year. But it’s the absence of two other 2006-born standouts that could make a difference for the Finns; Konsta Helenius and Aaron Kiviharju are both expected to be top-10 picks in the 2024 NHL Draft, but neither will be on the ice in Trencin.

A Look Back

Canada has yet to lose to Finland at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning nine out of the 10 games (with one tie) .

Only once have the long-time international rivals met for summer U18 gold; in 2012, Nathan MacKinnon scored a hat trick, Curtis Lazar added a goal and Zach Fucale made 23 saves as Canada clinched its fifth straight tournament title with a 4-0 win .

All-time record: Canada leads 9-0-1

Canada goals: 40

Finland goals: 12