Canada saved its most complete performance for the biggest stage, dominating Sweden 7–0 to win the gold medal at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship. The victory marks Canada’s second consecutive U18 title—a first in program history—and continues Sweden’s podium streak with seven straight medals, though this one ends in silver.
Goaltender Jack Ivankovic turned in another flawless performance, stopping all 28 shots he faced for his second straight shutout, while Brady Martin led the charge offensively with two goals.
First Period
Canada wasted no time in jumping ahead. Just 4:06 in, Swedish forward Milton Gastrin misplayed the puck in his own zone, and Xavier Villeneuve pounced, firing a low shot past Love Harenstam.
GOAL (4:06): Xavier Villeneuve (CAN) – Even Strength
Canada doubled its lead at 12:31 off a scramble in front. After a point shot ricocheted in traffic, Cole Reschny corralled the puck and sent a slick backhand pass to Brady Martin, who buried it into a yawning cage.
GOAL (12:31): Brady Martin (CAN) – Even Strength | Assists: Cole Reschny, Quinn Beauchesne
Sweden generated some zone time but struggled to finish. Ivankovic stood tall, turning away everything fired his way as Canada carried a 2–0 lead into intermission.
Second Period
Canada extended its lead early in the second as Jackson Smith found space at the blue line and let a shot go through a screen that beat Harenstam clean.
GOAL (24:56): Jackson Smith (CAN) – Even Strength | Assist: Lev Katzin
Just five minutes later, Canada made it 4–0 off a turnover at their own blue line. Ethan Czata broke in on a 2-on-1 and sniped a blocker-side shot past Harenstam.
Canada wasn’t done. After Sweden’s Melvin Novotny lost his stick behind the play, the Canadians surged ahead on an odd-man rush. Martin finished the play with his second goal of the game.
GOAL (32:54): Brady Martin (CAN) – Even Strength | Assists: Jack Nesbitt, Keaton Verhoeff
Ivankovic came up with a highlight-reel glove save late in the frame, flashing leather to rob Eric Nilson and preserve the shutout.
Third Period
Sweden made a goaltending change to start the third, inserting Mans Goos, but the result was more of the same. Just over a minute in, Braeden Cootes found space and fired a sharp-angle shot that squeaked in. Canada closed out the scoring on the power play at 12:23, as Jack Nesbitt buried a rebound in tight after a shot from the point.
Canada rolled through the final minutes with poise and control, securing a decisive shutout victory and the gold medal.
Goaltenders
Canada: Jack Ivankovic – W, 28-save shutout
Sweden: Love Harenstam – L, 5 GA on 30 shots
Sweden: Mans Goos – Relief, 2 GA on 12 shots
Team Stats
Shots on Goal: Canada 42, Sweden 28
Power Plays: Canada 1/5, Sweden 0/4
Penalty Minutes: Canada 14, Sweden 28
Players of the Game
Sweden: Filip Ekberg – Tournament MVP, led blueline despite tough final outing
Canada: Jack Ivankovic – 28-save shutout, second straight shutout to close tournament
IIHF Game Photo Gallery: Canada v. Sweden – GMG – 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship
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