Canada emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against the USA at the 2024 Under-18 IIHF Men’s World Championship, winning 6-4. The game was a tale of two halves, with the USA dominating the first two periods, outshooting Canada by a significant margin and taking a 3-2 lead.
However, midway through the third period, the game took a dramatic turn. Canadian winger Ryder Ritchie and a USA player became entangled along the boards, leading to a heated battle. In the midst of the scuffle, USA winger Trevor Connelly delivered a hard hit to Ritchie’s head, resulting in a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for illegal checking to the head.
This pivotal moment swung the momentum in Canada’s favor. With a power play advantage, they capitalized on their opportunities and scored three goals, reclaiming control of the game. The major penalty by Connelly has drawn significant attention from NHL teams, who are now closely scrutinizing his actions.
Leading the charge for Canada was Gavin McKenna, a standout forward eligible for the 2026 draft. McKenna displayed his skills by recording a hat trick and four points, ultimately guiding his team to victory. His exceptional performance solidified his status as a rising star in the hockey world.
Meanwhile, on the USA team, forward James Hagens stood out as a key player throughout the tournament. Hagens set a new record for points in a single tournament and was rightfully awarded the MVP title by the media. Despite being held pointless in the gold medal game, Hagens’ overall contributions were recognized and celebrated.
In addition to individual accolades, the tournament also recognized outstanding players with the Media All-Star Team. The selected players included goaltender Carter George (2024), defensemen Cole Hutson (2024) and Luka Radivojevic (2025), and forwards James Hagens (2025), Gavin McKenna (2026), and Porter Martone (2025). James Hagens was further honored as the MVP of the tournament.
This victory for Canada not only highlights their prowess on the ice but also serves as a reminder of the intense competition and talent showcased at the Under-18 IIHF Men’s World Championship. The event provides a platform for young players to showcase their skills and potentially catch the attention of NHL scouts. With the spotlight on emerging talents like McKenna and Hagens, the future of hockey looks promising.