The Canadians are golden after defeating the United States 6-4 in the final of the U18 World Championship in Finland.
With four goals in the third period, the Canadians stormed back to take the win and finish the event undefeated as numerous players improved their draft stock ahead of the NHL draft.
🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦
WORLD CHAMPIONS!
CHAMPIONS DU MONDE!
🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/Mfml0FA3cE— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) May 5, 2024
The lone score of the first period came in the final minute of the frame as Christian Humphreys found the back of the net for the early American lead.
The Canadians then evened the score with a goal off the stick of Kelowna’s Ryder Ritchie early in the second period.
Ryder Ritchie goes short-side and 🇨🇦 are level 5:31 into the second! #U18MensWorlds | @PARaidersHockey pic.twitter.com/IJmQLaXb8O
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) May 5, 2024
With a man in the box, the Canadians gave up a power-play goal before an even-strength score later in the period, going down 3-1 halfway through the game.
Gavin McKenna then gave the Canadians a boost later in the frame when he recorded his first goal of the match.
Just another incredible Gavin McKenna highlight 🤩 #U18MensWorlds | @tigershockey pic.twitter.com/IhalSUvtCO
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) May 5, 2024
Down by a goal, the turning point of the game was halfway through the third period when the Americans were dealt a five-minute major and a game misconduct.
Canada got to work, burying three consecutive power-play goals, including a Tij Iginla score to go up 5-3.
Tij Iginla gives 🇨🇦 a 5-3 lead with 5:41 to play! #U18MensWorlds | @Kelowna_Rockets pic.twitter.com/zXSRm1kB3T
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) May 5, 2024
The Americans found the net once more, but an empty net goal for McKenna sealed the hat trick for him and the 6-4 win for Canada.
Carter George stopped 31 of the 35 shots he faced.
🤯Carter George. That's it. That's the post.#USACAN#U18MensWorlds @HockeyCanada pic.twitter.com/HxrnzN5drQ
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 5, 2024
Earlier in the day, Sweden claimed the bronze medal against Slovakia.
