Team Canada demonstrated unwavering determination when facing Team Latvia as they strived to maintain their winning streak on their path to the Semi-Finals. After an impressive 11-3 win against Team Kazakhstan earlier in the week, Team Canada’s performance highlighted their resilience and resolve to go for gold. Noteworthy skaters like Gavin McKenna, Maxim Masse, and Porter Martone continue to stand out for Team Canada, with Martone eligible for the 2025 draft and should be considered a promising prospect.
Gavin McKenna, eligible for the 2026 draft, recently wrapped up an outstanding U17 season in the WHL. His performance ranks among the best in history. The only player who surpassed McKenna in recent times was his cousin Connor Bedard, who averaged 1.61 points per game at 16. McKenna achieved 1.59 points per game this season, amassing 97 points in 61 games, while Bedard scored 100 points in 62 games two years ago.
Goaltenders:
TEAM CAN – Carter George
TEAM LAT – Mikus Vecvanagas
Period 1
After Team Latvia is called for High Sticking by Harijs Cjunskis, Team Canada gets the early Powerplay opportunity (3:36). Maxim Masse took advantage of the power play, marking the team’s seventh goal while in a man-advantage situation. Gavin McKenna, Canada’s top scorer, further bolstered his point tally by orchestrating a precise pass from behind the net in what is enabling Masse to secure his second goal of the tournament. Team Canada takes the lead 1-0 (5:08).
In a subsequent play, Tig Iginla attempted a shot towards the Latvian goal, only for it to be deflected wide, causing the puck to roll into the corner. Ritchie swiftly retrieved the puck, pivoted towards the top of the faceoff circle, and capitalized on an opportunity to score his second goal (12:12). Harrison Brunicke was in on the assist that brought the Canadians ahead by a score of 2-0.
Shots on Goal:
CAN – 16
LAT – 12
Period 2
The second period was rather uneventful compared to the first frame, with only one penalty call, this time on Team Canada’s Malcolm Spence for charging at 8:02. However, the Canadians were able to hold off any scoring chances on that penalty. Canada maintained possession for the majority of the second period, restricting the Latvians to only six shots, with their first quality shot not occurring until the 14-minute mark. However, the Latvians keep themselves in the hunt by staying on track defensively and holding the Canadians to two goals.
We would close the second period, with no change in score. Team Canada would hold the lead, 2-0.
Shots on Goal:
CAN – 11
LAT – 6
Period 3
Porter Martone contributed to the crucial third goal, providing essential insurance in the third period by redirecting a shot from Caleb Desnoyers. Brunicke was in on the assist for that goal which brought Team Canada up 3-0 over Latvia (12:47).
Team Latvia Markus Sieradzkis attempted a pass to his linemate Cjunskis but Gavin McKenna (CAN) managed to deflect the puck with his stick, unintentionally redirecting it toward the Canadian goal and creating a tense moment for the Canadians. George swiftly reacted, however, and would make a crucial save and secure possession of the puck, keeping the Latvians scoreless.
Team Latvia would pull their goalie with 1:53 remaining to gain the extra attacker but it would be Jett Luchanko for Team Canada who would find the puck and secure a goal into the empty net, bringing Team Canada up by four goals.
After 60 minutes, Team Canada achieved a shutout victory against Team Latvia, with a score of 4-0, securing their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship.
Shots on Goal:
CAN – 11
LAT – 5
Summary
One of George’s remarkable saves took place in the third period when he faced the Latvian 2-on-1 offensive play. He swiftly reacted, making a crucial save and retaining possession of the puck. In the tournament, George boasts a 93.62 SV% after 4 games, including two shutout wins. Team Canada is sitting on top in this metric with a combined team save percentage of 94.21%
Canada’s victory positions it to encounter Sweden in the U18 semifinals for the second consecutive year. In the previous year, Sweden outplayed Canada with a 7-2 victory, leading Canada to secure a 4-3 overtime win against Slovakia in the subsequent bronze medal match.
Highlights of the Game:
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