Bo Horvat led the way with two power-play goals as Canada opened its 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship campaign in dominant fashion, shutting out Slovenia 4-0. Supported by standout performances from Nathan MacKinnon and goaltender Dylan Garand, and fueled by three power-play goals and crisp puck movement throughout, the Canadians controlled the pace from start to finish. With the win, Canada improves to 1–0 in Group A play, while Slovenia faces a quick turnaround before taking on Slovakia in their next matchup.
First Period
Canada opened the scoring midway through the first, taking advantage of a double minor high-sticking penalty. Bo Horvat made no mistake on the power play, wiring a shot off the pass from Nathan MacKinnon.
GOAL (07:22): Bo Horvat (CAN) – Power Play
Assisted by Nathan MacKinnon, Travis Konecny
Despite Canada controlling much of the period, Slovenia created a dangerous chance late when Jan Drozg set up Filip Sitar in front, Canadian netminder Dylan Garand, a New York Rangers prospect currently playing for the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, held strong—showing sharp positioning and calm composure in the crease.
Stats
Shots on Goal: CAN 13 | SLO 6
Saves: CAN 6 | SLO 12
Penalty Minutes (PIM): CAN 2 | SLO 2
Penalties
07:09 – SLO: Rok Macuh, 2:00 High-Sticking
17:10 – CAN: MacKenzie Weegar, 2:00 Tripping
Second Period
Canada took full control in the second, striking three times and outshooting Slovenia 22–8. Nathan MacKinnon added to the lead early in the period, and the power play unit delivered again with Horvat’s second of the night moments later.
GOAL (23:41): Nathan MacKinnon (CAN) – Even Strength
Assisted by MacKenzie Weegar
GOAL (33:38): Bo Horvat (CAN) – Power Play
Assisted by Nathan MacKinnon, Brandon Montour
Before the period ended, Canada’s second power-play unit added to the tally. Coach Dean Evason deployed a youthful trio dubbed the Kid Line—Macklin Celebrini, Kent Johnson, and Adam Fantilli (International Ice Hockey Federation, 2025). Macklin Celebrini fed a beautiful pass to Noah Dobson, who sent it home to stretch the lead to four.
GOAL (36:55): Noah Dobson (CAN) – Power Play
Assisted by Macklin Celebrini, Ryan O’Reilly
Stats
Shots on Goal: CAN 22 | SLO 8
Saves: CAN 8 | SLO 19
Penalty Minutes (PIM): CAN 0 | SLO 8
Penalties
28:56 – SLO: Miha Stebih, 2:00 High-Sticking
32:29 – SLO: Rok Macuh, 2:00 High-Sticking
34:55 – SLO: Urban Podrekar, 2:00 Holding
45:08 – SLO: Jan Cosic, 2:00 Cross-Checking
Third Period
With a 4-0 lead, Canada stayed structured, while Dylan Garand continued to look sharp between the pipes. Both teams generated chances, but neither found the back of the net in the final 20 minutes.
Stats
Shots on Goal: CAN 8 | SLO 8
Saves: CAN 8 | SLO 4
Penalty Minutes (PIM): CAN 2 | SLO 2
Penalties
52:42 – CAN: MacKenzie Weegar, 2:00 Tripping
58:17 – SLO: Miha Bericic, 2:00 Delay of Game
Final Stats
Final Score: Canada 4 | Slovenia 0
Shots on Goal: Canada 44 | Slovenia 22
Saves: Canada 22 | Slovenia 39
Power Plays: Canada 3/6 | Slovenia 0/3
Total Penalty Minutes: Canada 4 | Slovenia 12
IIHF Photo: Gallery: Slovenia vs Canada – 2025 IIHF WM
What’s Next
Both teams return to action on Sunday, May 11. Slovenia faces a quick turnaround and will take on Slovakia in the early game of the day, looking to bounce back after a tough opener. Canada, meanwhile, enjoys a slightly longer rest and will square off against Latvia in the afternoon matchup as they aim to build on their strong start in Group A.
International Ice Hockey Federation. (2025, May 10). Canada off to fast start. IIHF. https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2025/wm/news/67358/canada_off_to_fast_start
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