In the 2024 Under-18 IIHF Men’s World Championship, Canada emerged victorious over the USA with a score of 6-4. The game was a tale of two halves, with the U.S. dominating the first two periods. They held a lead of 3-2 and outshot Canada by nearly twenty shots. However, midway through the third period, a pivotal moment occurred when a hard hit by USA winger Trevor Connelly on Canadian winger Ryder Ritchie resulted in a major penalty and game misconduct for illegal checking to the head. Canada capitalized on the ensuing power play, scoring three goals and shifting the momentum in their favor.
Canada’s coach Gardiner MacDougall praised his team’s resiliency and grit in the face of adversity. Despite initially seeming to be outplayed, the team hung in and fought back to secure the victory. Gavin McKenna, a standout forward eligible for the 2026 draft, recorded a hat trick and four points in the game, leading Canada to success. Team captain Porter Martone commended McKenna’s incredible performance and expressed admiration for his talent.
The MVP of the tournament, chosen by the media, was USA forward James Hagens, who set a record for points in a single tournament. However, he was held off the scoresheet in the gold medal game. The Media All-Star Team included players like Carter George, Cole Hutson, and Luka Radivojevic in various positions. The tournament showcased the talent and skill of young hockey players from both Canada and the USA, with intense competition and memorable moments on the ice.