Mississauga’s Spence, Martone lead Canada to win at U18 Worlds
Published April 25, 2024 at 6:49 pm
Mississauga native Malcom Spence had a goal and Mississauga Steelheads forward Porter Martone added two assists to help lead Canada to a 6-3 win over Sweden, Thursday (Apr. 25) in their opening game at the men’s 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship in Finland.
Gavin McKenna, with a pair, Jeff Luchanko, Matthew Schaeffer, and Carson Wetsch also scored for Canada, which got a 26-save effort in goal from Carter George to pick up the preliminary game win.
Canada built a 4-1 lead after the opening period, but they didn’t make it easy on themselves thanks to racking up 51 minutes in penalties throughout the contest.
Canada, though, would come up strong on the penalty kill allowing just one goal.
“Our penalty kill was outstanding even though we had to use it more than we wanted to,” said Canada head coach Gardiner MacDougall. “Any time you play your first game there’s a lot of emotions between the two teams, a lot of good hockey and things to clean up, but overall, it’s a great start for the group.”
Sweden was led by Alexander Zetterberg, who had two goals and an assist. Melvin Fernstrom also scored for the Swedes.
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Love Harenstam stopped 20 shots in goal for Sweden.
Zetterberg scored twice in the second period to cut Canada’s lead to 4-3, but Schaefer gave Canada some breathing room when he beat Harenstam a minute later.
“I think it was a good game for us to get a win in the first game of the tournament,” said forward Tij Iginla, who had an assist. “We talked about the penalties, and we know it’s tough to get going offensively when we’re in the box.”
Canada returns to action on Friday when they take on Czechia.
Other Mississauga members on Team Canada’s roster include Steelheads’ goaltenders Ryerson Leenders and Jack Ivankovic.
Martone, a star forward with the Steelheads, was named Canada’s captain just before the tournament.
- With files from Canadian Press