Team Canada won its first game of the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. On Boxing Day, Canada defeated Finland 5-2.
Two Canadians played a multi-point game. Maveric Lamoureux of Hawkesbury, Ontario, defenseman for the Drummondville Voltigeurs and first-round pick of the Arizona Coyotes, and Nate Danielson of Edmonton, Alberta, center for the Brandon Wheat Kings and first-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings, each had a goal and an assist for two Points. The other three Canadians with a goal were Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras of Ajax, Ontario and Sault. Ste. Marie Greyhounds center Owen Allard of Ottawa, Ontario, and Boston University forward Mack Cellebrini of Vancouver, British Columbia.
This was a strong start for Canada, unlike last year when they lost their tournament opener 5-2 to the Czech Republic. It should be noted, however, that Canada won its next six games in Halifax, Nova Scotia last year and went on to win the tournament. It was the 20th time in the tournament’s history that Canada won the gold medal. The Czech Republic lost 6-2 to Slovakia in their first game of the tournament on Monday. Canada next plays Latvia in Group B on Tuesday.
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