The 2024 Under-18 IIHF Men’s World Championship was a thrilling match between Canada and the USA. In the end, it was Canada that emerged victorious with a 6-4 win. The game was a tale of two halves, with the U.S. dominating the first two periods, outshooting Canada by nearly twenty shots and taking a 3-2 lead. However, midway through the third period, a pivotal moment occurred when a hard hit by USA’s Trevor Connelly on Canadian winger Ryder Ritchie resulted in a major penalty and a game misconduct for illegal checking to the head. This gave Canada an opportunity to capitalize on the ensuing power play, scoring three goals to regain control of the game.
The star forward Gavin McKenna, who is eligible for the 2026 draft, recorded a hat trick and four points to lead Canada to victory. McKenna’s performance left a lasting impression on his teammates, with captain Porter Martone describing him as incredible. Canada’s coach, Gardiner MacDougall, praised his team’s resiliency and grit, highlighting their ability to overcome adversity and come back from a seemingly hopeless situation.
As the tournament concluded, NHL teams closely monitored the performances of standout players like Hagens, McKenna, and others who displayed exceptional skill on the ice. The 2024 Under-18 IIHF Men’s World Championship showcased