CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the roster for Canada’s National Para Hockey Team for a three-game series against the United States from March 26-29 at Canada Games Park in Thorold, Ontario.

Three goaltenders, seven defence and 11 forwards – including 16 members of the team that won a gold medal at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship in Calgary - were selected by head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON) and assistant coaches Mike Fountain (Gravenhurst, ON), Liam Heelis (Georgetown, ON), Boris Rybalka (Vernon, BC) and Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON).

“Any time you can put on the Maple Leaf and compete with the United States, you know there will be a high level of competition,” said Herrington. “As we continue to prepare for the upcoming world championship in Buffalo, we want to push ourselves and continue to get better every day. The work started in February in Boston with two intense games, and I expect more of the same this week. We are also excited to have Women’s Para Hockey of Canada join us as well as the United States’ Women’s Development Sled Hockey Team. This is a great opportunity for us to collaborate and continue to showcase the sport.”

The staff that will work with Canada’s National Para Hockey Team during the series includes:

• Video coach Steve Arsenault (Spruce Grove, AB)
• Team physician Dr. Danielle Kelton (Guelph, ON)
• Athletic therapist Tracy Meloche (Essex, ON)
• Equipment managers Grant Boswall (Cornwall, PE), AJ Murley (St. John’s, NL) and Matina Landstad (West Vancouver, BC/University of Waterloo, OUA)
• Hockey operations manager Adam Janssen (Richmond Hill, ON)
• Hockey operations coordinator Jacob Grison (Lion’s Head, ON)
• Media relations coordinator Branden Crowe (Virden, MB)

The cross-border series will also include participation from Women’s Para Hockey of Canada, marking the second time the two programs will combine efforts at an event. The schedule includes practices as well as three games against its counterparts from the United States on Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. ET, Friday, March 28 at 12 p.m. ET and Saturday, March 29 at 12 p.m. ET.

“With the announcement of the inaugural women's world championship in August 2025, we are thrilled to hit the ice and compete,” said Tara Chisholm, head coach of Canada’s national women’s para hockey team. “This series in Thorold will be a fantastic way to kick off our competitive season on the road to worlds. Events like this help raise the profile of women’s para hockey and provide athletes with valuable high-level competition. As the sport continues to grow, we are excited to strengthen our collaboration with Hockey Canada and USA Hockey to create more opportunities for women to showcase their skills.”

Canada’s roster for the women’s series includes three goaltenders, five defence and nine forwards – representing athletes from six provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec).

All six games will be broadcast live for free HERE .

World Para Ice Hockey will make history this year when Dolny Kubin, Slovakia, hosts the first-ever women’s world championship from Aug. 26-31. The tournament will feature Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Norway, the United States and Team World.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook , X, Instagram and TikTok .

About Women’s Para Hockey of Canada (WPHC)

WPHC is a national organization dedicated to promoting and developing para ice hockey opportunities for girls and women+ with disabilities across Canada. With a mission to foster inclusivity, empowerment and excellence in the sport, WPHC provides resources, support and opportunities for girls and women+ of all ages and abilities to engage in the sport, whether at the recreational or competitive level. Through player development, competition, community outreach and advocacy, the organization’s athletes, staff and volunteers are committed to advancing para ice hockey for girls and women+ while challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers in para hockey.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that Dawson Creek, B.C., will host the 2025 Para Cup, Nov. 30-Dec. 6 at the Ovintiv Events Centre.

The Para Cup, the final international competition prior to the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, returns to the West Coast for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 2007, when Canada won the gold medal in Kelowna at what was then known as the World Sledge Hockey Challenge.

The northern British Columbia community has previously hosted the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge twice (2015, 2017), the 2019 World Junior A Challenge and the National Women’s Under-18 Championship twice (2012, 2023).

“Dawson Creek is thrilled to welcome the world to Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway and host the 2025 Para Cup, a first for our city and the Peace Region,” said Mayor Darcy Dober. “This event is not only a key part of our tourism strategy but also highlights the strong partnerships we've built hosting international events. We’re proud to showcase our world-class facilities, incredible volunteers and passionate fans as we host the world’s best para athletes, bringing positive social, economic and community impacts to Dawson Creek and Northeastern B.C.”

The full tournament schedule will be announced at a later date.

Since the tournament’s inception in 2007, Canada has won five gold medals (2007, 2008, April 2011, November 2011, 2013), 10 silver medals (2009, 2012, January 2016, November 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024) and one bronze medal (2015).

“This tournament is a crucial part of our evaluation process as we continue to shape our Paralympic roster for 2026 in Italy,” said Russ Herrington, head coach of Canada’s National Para Hockey Team. “After a number of years competing for gold on the East Coast, we’re excited to come to B.C. and showcase the sport to the great hockey fans in the west.”

Early-bird ticket packages are on sale now. Click HERE for more information. Fans can also sign up to receive single-game ticket information or become a Hockey Canada Insider.

For more information on the Para Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

NEW YORK, NY – The NHL, USA Hockey and Hockey Canada announced today the first-ever Reeve Hockey Classic sled hockey game, a matchup featuring the world’s best men’s para hockey athletes who represent Team USA and Team Canada on the international stage. The international rivals will face off at the Kasabuski Rink in Boston to support the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Team practices and the game are open to the public but capacity is limited. Fans can also watch the livestream of the game at USAHockeyTV.com .

On the international stage, both teams boast a competitive roster with an impressive medal count. Team USA’s roster has a total of 28 Paralympic gold medals and 46 World Championship gold medals. The squad is captained by veteran Josh Pauls and includes three U.S. military veterans, two of whom are Purple Heart recipients. On Team Canada, the roster’s Paralympic medal count totals 17 silver medals and three bronze medals, with an additional 28 gold medals, 34 silver medals, and four bronze medals won at World Championships. Canadian team captain Tyler McGregor has been leading his team for six seasons. The international rivals will meet in Boston as part of their training camp as they continue to prepare for international competitions.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a partner of the NHL Foundation U.S., is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. An actor, activist, hockey fan, and goalie, Christopher Reeve became paralyzed due to a severe spinal cord injury. He and his wife Dana were unrelenting in their drive to pursue the best research, and support, for patients and families living with paralysis. The Reeve Foundation's vision is a world where spinal cord injury doesn’t result in paralysis, and paralysis does not result in diminished quality of life: Today’s Care, Tomorrow’s Cure. The Reeve Hockey Classic will support funding cures for paralysis. To date, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center has provided 22 grants to assist sled hockey programs.

To celebrate the first-ever Reeve Hockey Classic, the NHL, NHLPA and Boston Bruins are hosting a ‘Try Sled Hockey for Free’ event on Feb. 18, giving girls and boys ages 4-17, of all abilities, an opportunity to try sled hockey at the Kasabuski Rink. The event is open to all and hopes to inspire kids looking for a new para sport to play. Equipment, coaching, and support will be provided by Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers and Northeast Passage Sled Hockey. Players interested in trying sled hockey are encouraged to register here.

Schedule

All events are located at the Kasabuski Rink (201 Forest St, Saugus, MA 01906) and are open to the media and the public. Capacity is limited.

Tuesday, Feb. 18

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Reeve Hockey Classic: Team USA Sled Hockey Practice

10:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. – Reeve Hockey Classic: Team Canada Sled Hockey Practice

12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – ‘Try Sled Hockey for Free’ Event

Wednesday, Feb. 19

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Stanley Cup appearance and photo opportunity

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Reeve Hockey Classic

The Reeve Hockey Classic is part of a longstanding commitment to support adaptive hockey in all forms by the NHL, NHLPA and 32 Clubs. The League has been a longtime presenting partner of the USA Hockey Sled Classic.

Most recently, the NHL announced a partnership with Warrior 4 Life Fund , financial support for three adaptive hockey programs with the New York Islanders, and growing sled and special hockey with the Carolina Hurricanes. Additionally, the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund has aided Learn to Play sled hockey programs in NHL markets, including Tampa Bay and Calgary.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada and its Member partners – Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador, and Hockey Quebec - have announced the host communities and tournament dates for two of its international events – the 2025 U17 World Challenge and 2025 Junior A World Challenge, along with the U18 Women’s National Championship.  

“Hockey Canada takes great pride in welcoming premier hockey events and hockey talent to communities across the country,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada. “From sponsors to volunteers, communities over the years have proven to be excellent hosts, ensuring lasting memories and legacy for all participants.”

The U17 World Challenge will return to Nova Scotia for a third time (and first since January 2014) when Truro plays host from Oct. 31-Nov. 8. The tournament is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence and includes two Canadian teams and four international entries.

The U18 Women’s National Championship will be hosted in Newfoundland and Labrador for the first time when the City of Mount Pearl and Town of Conception Bay South welcome eight provincial and regional teams – Alberta, Atlantic, B.C., Manitoba, Ontario Blue, Ontario Red, Quebec and Saskatchewan – to compete for a national championship from Nov. 3-9.

The Junior A World Challenge will be hosted in Quebec for the first time, Dec. 7-13 in Trois-Rivières. An international showcase of some of the best young hockey talent, more than 300 NHL draft picks have played at the tournament since 2006, including 45 first-round draft picks.

Fans can stay up to date on schedules, ticket information and other promotions by signing up to become a Hockey Canada Insider.

For more information on Hockey Canada please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

CAMROSE, Alberta – Canada West earned its first win of the 2024 Junior A World Challenge on Sunday afternoon, a 5-2 victory over Canada East to win the bronze medal at the Camrose Recreation Centre. It is the third bronze and 12th medal overall for Canada West in tournament history.

“The guys grinded even though they could have quit, but they didn’t and that speaks to their character,” said Canada West head coach Mike Reagan (Flin Flon, MB/Flin Flon, MJHL). “A lot of people will look at the round-robin and wonder what happened, but at the end of the day I thought our guys played a heck of a game in the semifinal. The score (a 6-0 loss to Sweden) wasn’t indicative of the game, and today we showed up with our best effort. It just goes to show that if you stick with something, you can be rewarded. I’m extremely proud the guys and our staff.”

Canada West opened the scoring seven minutes into the first period when Ellis Mieyette (Lumsden, SK/Drumheller, AJHL) beat Canada East goaltender Noah Tegelaar (Georgetown, ON/Collingwood, OJHL).

East would tie the game on a goal from Parker Forlin (Niagara Falls, ON/Niagara Falls, OJHL) at 7:07 of the second period before Koen Senft (Regina, SK/Flin Flon, SJHL) scored twice in just over five minutes for a two-goal Canada West lead after 40 minutes.

Jack Plandowski (Halifax, NS/Calgary, AJHL) and Garrett Thom (Edmonton, AB/Camrose, AJHL) added third-period goals for West – sandwiched around an East marker from Cameron Menard (Carp, ON/Espanola, NOJHL) - to round out the scoring.

“It’s a great feeling even though we didn’t have the first couple of games that we wanted,” said Senft. “In the end, we came together; today we put together a full 60 minutes and it’s a great feeling in the room right now. We just knew that if we won today, it would erase the results of the week. We just had to simplify our game and stick with it.”

Canada East fell 3-2 to the United States in a hard-fought Saturday semifinalto set up Sunday’s all-Canadian bronze medal game.

“I think we just had no more gas left in the tank,” said Canada East head coach Bruce Richardson (Pincourt, QC/Valleyfield, LHJAAAQ). We gave it all yesterday; our mindset was all about fighting for a gold medal. We came up short in that goal and we had nothing left for today. The guys tried today, but their emotions were still down a bit from yesterday. I’m still proud of how they competed today and all week.”

A full game summary is available HERE.

In Sunday night’s gold medal game, the United States captured its 10th gold medal with a 7-4 win over Sweden. Will Zellers led the Americans with a pair of goals, while Lucas Van Vliet and Luke Osburn chipped in with a goal and an assist apiece. The U.S. now has 16 medals (10 gold, one silver, five bronze) at the Junior A World Challenge.

Following the game, the tournament all-star team was announced.

Goaltender: Caleb Heil (United States)

Defence: Zachary Deleau (Canada East)

Defence: Jacob Rombach (United States)

Forward: Eric Nilson (Sweden)

Forward: Ivar Stenberg (Sweden)

Forward: Lucas Van Vliet (United States)

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca/WJAC, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island – Canada’s National Para Hockey Team has earned the silver medal at the 2024 Para Cup, coming up short against the United States 4-1 in the gold medal game on Saturday night in Charlottetown.

Tyler McGregor (Forest, ON) scored the lone Canadian goal, tying the game 10:15 into the first period; it would be the last goal until the Americans broke open the game early in the third. Corbin Watson (Kingsville, ON) turned in a stellar performance in the Canadian goal, making 17 saves as the U.S. outshot Canada 21-12.

“Our team did great being ourselves. I loved this tournament; we got to demonstrate the depth of all three of our forward lines,” Adam Dixon (Midland, ON) said. “We just have to keep doing our job, keep doing what we are supposed to do every day when we are away from the rink and at home and we will see improvement in our next competition.”

Declan Farmer had a goal and two assists for the Americans, tying Canadians Greg Westlake (2011) and Brad Bowden (2011) for the single-tournament record with 18 points and setting a new single-tournament record with 11 goals.

Canada defeated Czechia and China before falling to the United States in the preliminary-round finale, and punched its ticket to the gold medal game by defeating Czechia 3-1 in the semifinals. McGregor finished the tournament as the leading Canadian scorer with nine points, recording seven goals and two assists in five games.

“We, for the most part, played to our identity. I really thought our forecheck was good tonight, we generated some chances and some offensive zone time. At the end, they were able to outperform us in the third period,” head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON) said. “I really liked the growth of our younger players in particular. For most of the games and tonight included, all the players we dress are finding ways to contribute whether that is on the scoresheet or getting out and changing momentum.”

China defeats Czechia to win first-ever bronze medal

Earlier in the day, China captured its first-ever medal at the Para Cup, shutting out Czechia 4-0 in the bronze medal game. Yifeng Shen led the way for China with two goals, while Yanzhao Ji made 12 saves for the shutout.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram, and by using #ParaCup.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has named the 44 players from across the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) who will wear the Maple Leaf with Canada East and Canada West at the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, set for Dec. 9-15 in Camrose, Alberta.

Both teams were chosen following a three-day selection camp in Calgary that wrapped up Thursday.

The 22 players representing Canada East were selected from the CJHL’s five eastern leagues - the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec (LHJAAAQ) and Maritime Hockey League (MHL). 

The 22 players representing Canada West come from the CJHL’s four western leagues - the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

“Anytime there is an opportunity to bring together the best Junior A players from across the Canadian Junior Hockey League, we know difficult decisions will have to be made,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. “We feel we have assembled two strong and competitive teams that will proudly represent Canada and compete for a gold medal.”

The communities of Drumheller and Wetaskiwin will host pre-tournament games on Dec. 7. Canada East will face off against Sweden at the Drumheller Memorial Arena at 3 p.m. MT, while Canada West will play the United States at 4:30 p.m. MT at Co-Op Place in Wetaskiwin.

The puck drops on the tournament at Encana Arena on Dec. 9 when Canada East, the 2023 silver medallist, opens against the United States at 3 p.m. MT, followed by Canada West, the defending gold medallist, facing Sweden at 7:30 p.m. MT.

Fans still looking to secure their seat for the 2024 Junior A World Challenge can purchase full-event ticket packages for $140, including fees, at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets. The package includes one ticket to all six preliminary-round games, both semifinals and the medal games. Mini-packages for the preliminary round and medal round are also available.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the bronze medal and gold medal games; check local listings for details.

All preliminary-round games and both semifinals will be available via Hockey Canada’s livestreaming partner at HNLive.ca.

Of the 16 gold medal games at the Junior A World Challenge, 13 have featured at least one Canadian team. Canada East will look to earn its first gold medal, having won silver eight times (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023) and bronze once (2008), while Canada West has won gold six times (2006, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2023), silver three times (2008, 2009, 2012) and bronze twice (2013, 2018).

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca/WJAC, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has unveiled the 18 players who will be a part of Canada’s National Para Hockey Team at the 2024 Para Cup, Dec. 8-14 in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Three goaltenders, five defence and 10 forwards were selected by head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON/York University, OUA) and Adam Janssen (Richmond Hill, ON), manager of hockey operations. Assistant coaches Steve Arsenault (Spruce Grove, AB), Mike Fountain (Gravenhurst, ON), Liam Heelis (Georgetown, ON), Boris Rybalka (Vernon, BC) and Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON) also provided input.

“The Para Cup is an exciting event as we showcase our game to Canadians across the country, and we are thrilled to bring the tournament back to Charlottetown this year,” Herrington said. “We are anticipating strong competition from China, Czechia and the United States, but we have prepared a competitive group set to represent Canada next month.”

The roster features 16 players who won a gold medal at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship in Calgary (Armstrong, Boily, Burnett, Cozzolino, Dixon, Dunn, Halbert, Henry, Hickey, Jacobs-Webb, Kingsmill, Kovacevich, Lavin, Lelièvre, McGregor, Watson).

Canada’s National Para Hockey Team selected its roster from the 32 players who participated in evaluation camp, Sept. 27–Oct. 2 in Elmira, Ontario.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the medal games on Saturday, Dec. 14; please check local listings for details. All preliminary-round games and both semifinals will be livestreamed at HNLive.ca.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the 60 players from the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) who have earned invitations to Canada East and Canada West selection camp in advance of the 2024 Junior A World Challenge.

Beginning Dec.3, the invitees will gather in Calgary to participate in practices and play a pair of intrasquad games as part of the final evaluation process by management and coaching staffs.

The final East and West rosters will be named Dec. 5 in advance of the tournament, which runs from Dec. 9-15 in Camrose, Alberta.

The Canada East roster will be selected from the CJHL’s five eastern leagues: the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec (LHJAAAQ) and Maritime Hockey League (MHL). Canada West will include players from the four western leagues: the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

“This is the first time since 2022 we are taking the opportunity to hold a camp before naming our teams for the Junior A World Challenge,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. “In partnership with the CJHL, we have identified the top 60 Junior A players in the country. We expect a competitive three days before we narrow our rosters down to the two teams that will proudly represent Canada in Camrose.”

Ahead of the tournament, the Canadian teams will play a pair of pre-tournament games on Dec. 7. Canada East will face off against Sweden at the Drumheller Memorial Arena at 3 p.m. MT, while Canada West will play the United States at 4:30 p.m. MT at Co-Op Place in Wetaskiwin.

The puck drops on the tournament Dec. 9 when Canada East, the 2023 silver medallist, opens against the United States at 3 p.m. MT, followed by Canada West, the defending gold medallist, facing Sweden at 7:30 p.m. MT.

Of the 16 gold medal games at the Junior A World Challenge, 13 have featured at least one Canadian team. Canada East will look to earn its first gold medal, having won silver eight times (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023) and bronze once (2008), while Canada West has won gold six times (2006, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2023), silver three times (2008, 2009, 2012) and bronze twice (2013, 2018).

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca/WJAC, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

SARNIA, Ontario – Canada White has won back-to-back gold medals at the U17 World Challenge after defeating Canada Red 3-1 in the gold medal game on Saturday evening.

After a scoreless opening period, Canada White found the back of the net twice in 3:02 to take a 2-0 lead. Jean-Christoph Lemieux (Belleville, ON/Windsor, OHL) opened the scoring before Mathis Preston (Penticton, BC/Spokane, WHL) buried a one-timer that stood as the game-winner with less than five minutes remaining in the second period. Preston’s clincher was his tournament-leading sixth goal.

“This is the best feeling in the world, and I am so proud of these guys. We had to face a bit of adversity throughout the tournament, but I am so happy we were able to [win gold] today,” said Preston. “The puck was not going in for me in the preliminary round, but I kind of broke through in the medal round and I am happy I was able to contribute. I could not have done it without such great teammates around me.”

Adam Valentini (Toronto, ON/Chicago, USHL) rounded out the scoring for White less than four minutes into the third period, firing a shot from the slot past Canada Red netminder Carter Esler (Okotoks, AB/Spokane, WHL). Red would pull within two on a Braidy Wassilyn (Campbellville, ON/Niagara, OHL) goal, but it fell short as White goaltender Gavin Betts (Toronto, ON/Pickering, OJHL) turned in an exceptional 38-save performance.

“This feels surreal. Representing Canada and winning a gold medal is something that I have dreamed about since I was a young kid, and to be able to take in this moment with our group is an incredible feeling,” said Betts. “I do not think I will every forget the moments we experienced at this tournament, and it has been an incredible experience getting to wear the Maple Leaf.”

“Everything started to click for us in our quarterfinal game. Going through the loss against Sweden [to finish the preliminary round] made us stronger and prepared us for the gold medal game, and I believe that helped us come out on top,” said Canada White head coach Mathieu Turcotte (Kirkland, QC/Blainville-Boisbriand, QMJHL). “I am extremely proud of our guys, and I think our team had one of the best performances I have ever seen, especially considering these are 16-year-olds in a high-pressure game. They are champions for life and they all deserve it.”

A full game summary game be found HERE. 

Following the gold medal game, Hockey Canada announced the 2024 U17 World Challenge all-star team:

• Goaltender – Betts, Canada White
• Defence – Keaton Verhoeff (Fort Saskatchewan, AB/Victoria, WHL), Canada Red
• Defence – Landon DuPont (Calgary, AB/Everett, WHL), Canada Red
• Forward – Preston, Canada White
• Forward – Marcus Nordmark, Sweden
• Forward – Victor Plante, United States

Sweden defeats U.S. 5-4 in overtime to win bronze; Finland finishes in fifth place

Earlier in the day, Sweden rebounded from a 6-4 loss to Canada White in the semifinals to win the bronze medal for the second year in a row, defeating the United States 5-4 in overtime. 

Elton Hermansson was the overtime hero, firing a shot past American goaltender Luke Carrithers on a breakaway 16 seconds into the extra frame to secure Sweden’s 10th medal at the U17 World Challenge, and sixth bronze.

The teams traded goals in the first period before Vilgot Lidén gave Sweden a 3-2 lead just over two minutes into the middle frame. Casey Mutryn evened the score on the power play less than five minutes into the third before Nils Bartholdsson netted a power-play goal of his own to give the Swedes a 4-3 lead. With less than two minutes remaining and the American net empty, Mutryn jammed home his second of the afternoon to send the game to overtime.

In the fifth-place game, Vilho Vanhatalo netted the lone goal 3:33 into the second period to secure a 1-0 win for Finland over Czechia. Oskari Ahmajärvi turned in a 28-save shutout, while Martin Psohlavec made 31 saves for the Czechs.

For more information on Hockey Canada and the U17 World Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.