Since its establishment in 2009, Team Canada has claimed eight out of the 13 cups and have secured the Championship title over Team USA for the last two consecutive years. This year, some Atlanta Gladiators fans were captivated by the international tournament after two Atlanta players, Zach Yoder and Dylan Carabia, were selected to join the roster to represent Team USA. Team USA last clinched the Australian International Hockey Cup title in 2017.
On the 4th of July, Team USA and Team Canada kicked off Game 1 of the 2024 tournament, with USA securing a decisive victory after a final score of 12-4. On July 7, for Game 2 of the tournament, Canada kept the USA on their toes after evening the score late in the third, with just three minutes remaining on the clock. However, the Americans dug in and secured the victory with a final score of 7-5. In the second-to-last game of the tournament, Team USA defeated Team Canada with a final score of 8-3, maintaining their still unbeaten record. In the final game of the tournament, the win and the Championship cup would go to Team USA after a 9-6 win against Canada, remaining undefeated.
Zach Yoder scored two goals and provided 10 assists during the tournament for 12 points, third overall. Yoder was just behind Team USA teammates Jay Croop (Columbus River Dragons/FPHL) and Sam Dabrowski (Knoxville Ice Bears/SPHL), each completing the tournament with 14 points. Dylan Carabia emerged as the top points scorer for both teams, amassing a total of 18 points through a combination of five goals and 13 assists. He also led the tournament in assists.
2024 Full Roster – https://australianicehockeycup.com/rosters/2024-rosters/
2024 AIIHC Stats – https://australianicehockeycup.com/stats/
The annual tournament takes place in Australia, featuring teams composed of current professional hockey players, with some players whom have previously played in the NHL.
The Atlanta Gladiators will kick off the 2024-25 regular season on October 19th against the Indy Fuel.
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