Canada didn’t get the expected result, but still took a medal from the U18 World Cup.
On Sunday in Switzerland, the Maple Leaf defeated Slovakia 4-3 in overtime to take the bronze medal.
It was Macklin Celebrini who played the overtime hero. The 16-year-old Vancouverite pulled off a great backhand fake to beat the opposing keeper.
If whoever is seen by many as the future first overall pick of the 2024 National League draft has ended the debate, it’s because goaltender Gabriel D’Aigle made many key saves in the early moments of overtime. The Quebecer ended his duel with 26 saves.
When he returned to Celebrini, he scored two goals and provided an assist against the Slovaks. Matthew Wood has also been spectacular in taking part in all of Canada’s success stories. Hope for the next Bettman round auction collected a goal and three assists.
Canada’s 2023 bronze medal is the ninth trophy in the country’s history at the tournament. Last year, the Canadians were content with fifth place.
Sweden and the United States will compete for top honors in the final. Remember, the Scandinavian country mishandled Canada 7-2 to secure their place in the gold medal match.
A golden comeback
In the grand final, the United States staged a dramatic comeback, beating Sweden 3-2 in overtime.
Danny Nelson started the success for the gold medalists with just under 10 minutes to go in the third period. Six minutes later, Carey Terrance netted the puck and tied the game.
Obviously on a mission, the Americans didn’t stretch the sauce in overtime. Ryan Leonard ended the contest after less than three minutes of overtime.
The Swedes, who defeated Canada 7-2 in the semi-finals, were spurred on by the successes of Elliot Stahlberg and Noel Nordh. They had scored in the first and second periods respectively.